barebrass

I've banked with UBOC (Union Bank of California) for what seems like forever - (1980's) - never had problems or issues, free checking, free on-line bill pay, regular Visa credit card (nice limit but no rewards -serviced by another co), great service - I actually live in Louisiana now (and of course there is no UBOC here) but still have my UBOC account for almost all bank business - And at one time I had my purse stolen, checks written and it was handled expeditiously and with no problems! In the 'olden days' going into the bank for whatever needs was always a pleasure as the staff seemed to stay forever, knew their business (or found out whatever they didn't know) and cs was excellent. JMO

Sears Gold Mastercard (Citi) decreased from 10K to 4K - they stated "based on my spending history and since I have only used a small portion of available credit" They also prefaced this with how much they appreciate my business! lol My largest balance was $3600 (0 interest for 1 year) in 2006, other than that PIF. Had the account since 1990. Got an email yesterday from them for a BT offer..... I had 'lost' my card and called in August to get another and at that time they did a hard pull. Wonder if my call put me on their radar? Whatever...... I applied for (and received) a Penfed (20k limit), Amex Blue (5K limit) and UMB (Oregon-California Trails) 10K limit in the past couple of months. I also had inq's for a discover (denied) and citi (denied) about 6 months ago. Total inqs from the past 12 months, 9. Scores (FICO) all in the low/mid 700's - 1 over 120 days late (a parking ticket) in 2003. All accounts PIF, most before the statement cuts.

bonbonXO, thanks for the advice - I will do as advised above and report back with results. Again, I appreciate the advice!!

OK I am another one of those who tried to do it on my own! And failed! lol I have been reading here for a couple of weeks now and just can't figure out what to do..... Got a copy of my credit report from all 3 agencies - all are reporting medical collections from a hospital from 2001. I want to take care of them but felt one of the bills was a duplicate. So I called the hospital billing department and they tell me they can't tell me what the charges are for because I have pages of service and bills and I must be able to tell them exact date of service (which I cannot do because I don't know). They say they are showing no outstanding balances. That I should call the collection agency? There are 3 bills, (1) $50 and (2) $250. These are co-pays I am sure but I do believe the (2) $250 charges are duplicates and there should only be (1) $250 charge. I read about the HIPPA letter and how to submit payment but.....The hospital told me they cannot give me details (direct quote "it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack and we don't have the resources to do that") and I would prefer not to pay what I don't owe. So, do I contact the collection agency and ask what the bills are for? Any help/guidance/advice would be appreciated!