But how do you make sure that an online CLI is not going to be a hard pull?

SlimJr said:slunk said:Generally, how often can someone request a CL increase? My last requested increases were about 45 days ago, and I would like to request another increase before applying for a few cards.

If it doesn't require a hard pull (and epsecially doesn't require human intervention) like AMEX/Citi online buttons, no harm in trying. I generally try the online ones every 3 months and call (Discover) every 6 months.

I don't think there is a universal rule.

Yeah, I just got that message too. Anybody know why?

I had to add, I don't know how Crap 1 makes money. I really don't. They piss on their consumers, they give awful credit lines and won't give increases, although they will give a card to just about anyone. I still don't get it.

I'd like to know the answer too, "how do you make sure that an online CLI is not going to be a hard pull?", Thanks!


duna said:But how do you make sure that an online CLI is not going to be a hard pull?

SlimJr said:slunk said:Generally, how often can someone request a CL increase? My last requested increases were about 45 days ago, and I would like to request another increase before applying for a few cards.

If it doesn't require a hard pull (and epsecially doesn't require human intervention) like AMEX/Citi online buttons, no harm in trying. I generally try the online ones every 3 months and call (Discover) every 6 months.

I don't think there is a universal rule.

DaveHanson said:SHUANG said:I'd like to know the answer too, "how do you make sure that an online CLI is not going to be a hard pull?", You don't know for sure. I've had occasions when I haven't been asked to authorize this, and it was done anyway.

Generally, though, you will see a confirmation screen that says something like, "you authorize us to review your credit history" or some such. If you see that, you can count on them doing a hard inquiry.


I just did a credit increase on my AMEX Blue online. I got approved instantly from $7500 to $8800. No such thing as: "you authorize us to review your credit history".

But Citi/Chase/NMBA, they all asking to fill out a short form and has that line: "you authorize us to review your credit history".
So I didn't ask for an increase with them for now.

All comes down to credit age. For example(s) Assume all have $500 limit.

Example A
3 cards age 15 yrs
20 cards age 3 yrs
Since you have a decent age with the 3 cards, the 20 with short age are probably bringing your avg age down so it might help to close some.

Example B
20 cards age 3 yrs
I'd let them all sit and age, but that's me.

Based on collected info not experience so YMMV. I can't recall if closing "removes" them from the age calculation or not, I believe it does though.

Beck446 said: But doesn't it make a lot of sense to close down cards after a while so that eventually you can reapply for those same cards once your previous association with the card eventually is erased from the system?Why would you want to reapply for the same cards that you already closed?

I realize that your likely answer is, "so that I can get the signup perks again." But aside from the fact that many of the cards you close won't offer such perks, you need to understand that this is the question your credit issuers will be asking. Since there is no good explanation for this other than "rate surfing" or "teaser surfing", you'll likely be one of the first casualties as CC issuers continue to grow better at segmenting their customers.

Moreover, why "sell out" for peanuts by getting a few small signup bonuses? The real payoff comes from growing the size of the lines you have, then leveraging them to use other people's money to make money for yourself. I have tons of cards sitting around with $500 credit limits that I haven't canceled because of this forum.Why not get your credit file into tip-top shape (see the score thread), and do an AOR focused on upping all those tiny lines into something usable?

Interesting scott1961, thanks for the data point. It would be nice if we could more commonly use such assets as an additional qualification, for credit, along with income.

Hmm, worldpoints: are they affiliated with MBNA/BofA?

Yesterday I called the number to get info on that card and found out Individualized BankCard Services is a part of MBNA/BOA. Call went to what must have been India and I could hardly understand him. Once I heard it was part of MBNA I was not going to apply but Hadji was very persistent and told me he could let me know limit immediately. Was approved for a whopping $8k so I told him don't send me the card, He then asked if I wanted to speak to someone about an increase and he transferred me to a credit analyst in Maine. After always dealing with dimwit CSR's it was a pleasure speaking to someone with a brain. We talked for awhile and then I faxed him over tax returns and some bank statements. He called me back today and offered me $50k and I told him I was looking for what the letter said, $100k. I had 2 other fairly new MBNA cards with $29,900 total limit and after some more talking he said if I closed those 2 he would give me the $100k Limit. I know closing those cards is not the best thing but I wanted a card with a $100k limit.

Dave here is another data point for you, He told me my $315,000 of total income put me in the $50k limit range, But my savings accounts got me the extra boost.
So my hat's off to you guys who have $100k+ on a card

SUCKISSTAPLES said: MBNAs credit analysts are quite intelligent and responsive, and have lots of "pull". Congrats on the $100k line, 100k+ is an exclusive club.
Thanks, Now if I could just get them to drop the 3% cash advance fee could have some free money till 12/07, Has anyone had any luck getting them to drop that? Figure if nothing else this card would really help keep a low utilization for a future AOR. Another interesting thing he told me was my conservative position of keeping with banks over stocks helped in the decision making. I guess they figure a high stock portfolio could change quickly while my savings will always be there.