41 replies to this topic

[road2freedom]

I'm looking at the apps below in May and am having a hard time deciding if I should trim down some of these, hold off altogether (recent Barclays account) or just go for it.

I currently have 2 recent inquiries on TU and 2 recent inquiries on EQ. EX is clean. FICO scores are in the 670-690 range. DTI is about 12% and my utilization is about 7%. Recent accounts include an auto loan and navcheck with NFCU (same pull) and Barclay Ring, all are reporting already.

Here's what I'm thinking. Feel free to provide some insight or even suggest a different order in which to apply.

ELFCU Visa (probably pulls EQ, still on the fence here)
SDFCU Visa (pulls EQ, seems a bit tougher on approvals)
Grow Financial CU Visa (Pulls EQ, Supposedly BK friendly, I'm eligible, uses same pull for membership and credit products)
Walmart (pulls TU, free FICO, hopefully Discover)
DCU Membership and Visa (free FICO and might as well go for the Visa if they use the same pull)
NFCU CLI (was declined 4 months ago for max exposure, but I want to try again and might as well group my inquiries since I'll B* after this is done)

Thanks for any input!

Edited by road2freedom, 28 April 2012 - 10:15 PM.

[BobWang]

I would trim it down to just Wally & DCU.

It's not a sprint, and you need some benchmarks to set your pace.

[road2freedom]

Thanks Bob.

What do you mean by "you need some benchmarks to set your pace"?

One other factor in the back of my mind... I'm assuming NFCU will pop up with another 0% BT offer this Summer, probably July again. If they do I'll be moving over about 10k to help with my wife's snowballing plan. This would push my utilization to almost 30%, putting me out of optimal utilization for additional apps for the next year most likely (it will be PIF within 12 months).

[BobWang]

I mean knowing what your Equifax & TransUnion FICO scores are.

[BobWang]

If those score are close to each other, see what Credit Sesame is, if that's close also, that should approximate Experian.

[road2freedom]

Ah okay. I'm good with holding off on ELFCU and SDFCU Visa's. What about Grow though? Based on that other recent approval, I think I have a solid chance at a decent line with them.

No reason not to try for a CLI with NFCU when I'm done right? The only side-effect there has a cure.

[BobWang]

Just remember that inquiries are still being held in databases that are not bumpable.

If you don't mind cards being shut down, just keep applying till you get denials.

[road2freedom]

I'm guessing we're talking about Barclay's here since I've read they are sometimes sensitive to new accounts. Although if they did close it I wonder if they'd leave the Travelocity alone (maybe no harm, no foul since they split exposure anyway). I do like the Ring though and would hate to see it go.

[Occam]

Just remember that inquiries are still being held in databases that are not bumpable.

Isn't it only inquiries for Visa and MC applications that get retained in those databases?

I thought inquiries for CLIs, store cards, AmEx, Discover etc. were safe in that regard.

[BobWang]

Just remember that inquiries are still being held in databases that are not bumpable.

Isn't it only inquiries for Visa and MC applications that get retained in those databases?

I thought inquiries for CLIs, store cards, AmEx, Discover etc. were safe in that regard.

Yes, 1 CLI, of the 6 mentioned, would not be captured in other databases.

[Occam]

Just remember that inquiries are still being held in databases that are not bumpable.

Isn't it only inquiries for Visa and MC applications that get retained in those databases?

I thought inquiries for CLIs, store cards, AmEx, Discover etc. were safe in that regard.

Yes, 1 CLI, of the 6 mentioned, would not be captured in other databases.

So Wally/Wally Discover would be captured too?

[BobWang]

Just remember that inquiries are still being held in databases that are not bumpable.

Isn't it only inquiries for Visa and MC applications that get retained in those databases?

I thought inquiries for CLIs, store cards, AmEx, Discover etc. were safe in that regard.

Yes, 1 CLI, of the 6 mentioned, would not be captured in other databases.

So Wally/Wally Discover would be captured too?

Oh, oops no, Discover probably wouldn't be captured either.

[Occam]

Yes, 1 CLI, of the 6 mentioned, would not be captured in other databases.

So Wally/Wally Discover would be captured too?

Oh, oops no, Discover probably wouldn't be captured either.

Good to hear, I was afraid things were getting even scarier... Sorry for wandering off topic but you had me worried!

[road2freedom]

Eh, it wasn't too far OT and good info. I'm interested in knowing more actually.

Is app'ing in store with Walmart still the best method?

Any idea which order might be best, or if it would really matter? Since I'm not waiting on ELF anymore I guess I could probably knock these out this week.

[BobWang]

Wally in-store first, if approved, you'll immediately get a temporary account number to make purchases.

DCU next, since you really want the free Equifax FICO go go along with TU

[road2freedom]

Sounds like a plan. I'll let ya know how it goes... or doesn't.

[road2freedom]

Oof... so much for a spree. Walmart declined.

[road2freedom]

So... I signed up for DCU last night. I attempted to proceed with a Visa app after the membership was established but the screen timed out on me. It was not my night.

I called in this morning to see if they would take the app over the phone and use the same pull. The rep told me she did not see a recent credit pull and thinks they softed me. (I haven't confirmed yet.) So I gave permission to pull and I asked for 10k Visa Rewards since she said they would counter offer. I had to go over current employer, past employer, reason for BK, info on my IIB mortgage that we still pay, etc. They approved for $7500 pending POI.


They also offered a pre-approval on an auto loan for 25k for 3.995. Not quite NFCU territory, but it's always nice to get an extra offer.

My score at the time of application was 683. They were very complimentary on my rebuilding efforts and current credit lines.

Now to figure out what Walmart's problem is....

[BobWang]

GEMB Dillard's denied me before for not being able to verify identity.

My home phone being unlisted might have been the problem.

[road2freedom]

That could be it. Is there a number to call for Wally World?

[johnnyderp]

Now to figure out what Walmart's problem is....

I was just about to say, get them on the phone asap, because if recon isn't done within 2 days, it's a new pull. Hope you get it!

[BobWang]

That could be it. Is there a number to call for Wally World?

It would be GECRB nowadays, they wouldn't recon for me when they were GEMB.

Told me to re-apply in 3 months.

[road2freedom]

The little piece of paper said they couldn't complete my application and I needed to call to validate my identity.

I called the number on the little piece of paper and it's automated, which is what told me I was declined.

I called Walmart Credit Services and spoke to a rep who confirmed it was declined and that there is no recon.

While I never expect approvals at this stage, I am a bit surprised, especially since I've had a JCP card for a bit now and even got a CLI on it a few months ago. I'm interested to see what the letter says.

[BobWang]

Sounds like what happened with me.

I had Sam's business & PayPal with GEMB when they denied me.

[road2freedom]

What reason did they give you? I really just wanted the free FICO