The Master "Which Issuers Will Combine Limits?" Thread

[cv91915]

Hey CV...

 

any GPs for the Synchrony experiment?

 

I would but you already know my experience with them....

 

One volunteer, but no results reported. Not sure if an attempt was made or not. Still looking... two reports are better than one!

[cv91915]

Will:

American Express - Revolving Cards ("donor" card must be 13 months old; must leave $500 on "donor" card)

http://creditboards....24538&p=4982507

http://creditboards....18868&p=5046586

Bank of America (may require an additional hard pull)

http://creditboards....23680&p=4973996

Barclays (Regular CSRs may not know this is possible, but the credit department can combine limits. Call them directly at 866-408-4064.)

http://creditboards....21905&p=5055473

http://creditboards....howtopic=487490

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049983

Chase

http://creditboards....66509&p=4884063

Commerce Bank

http://creditboards....33442&p=5093476

NFCU

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986200

US Bank

http://creditboards....24538&p=5086150

Situational:

Citi

At approval:

http://creditboards....4413&p=4981395)

http://creditboards....30153&p=5049443

http://creditboards....33367&p=5094556

May let you if you escalate to a manager or to the EO.

http://creditboards....24538&p=5076230

Will Not:

Capital One

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986352

http://creditboards....32263&p=5076196

http://creditboards....24538&p=5089146 (even through the EO)

GECRB

http://creditboards....24538&p=4983844

NASA FCU

http://creditboards....24221&p=4984470

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=534206&p=5118862 <-- New

USAA

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049998

Edited October 6, 2014 by cv91915

[moneypyts]

I've followed this thread for a while, but only recently realized the range of useful results that transferring limits can achieve.

 

Here are some:

 

1) When you apply for new credit cards, they may base the credit limit on the credit limit of the highest couple cards you have. So, if, say, you have two Bank of America accounts at $5K each, you can move most of the line from one to another, and have a card with $9500 and one with $500. & if you apply for a third, then lump all the credit together again. B of A and Chase seem to be happy to move credit lines around, anytime, any direction. (This from the higher limits beget higher limits thread)

 

2) When you're applying for a new Citibank card, it appears that you can ask to move credit from an older card onto the newer card. (I haven't tried this, but the reports in this thread indicate it may be possible. I will report if I try).

 

3) When you have a 0% promotional rate on a new card, you can move a credit line from an older card onto the 0% card, and then have more interest-free credit to work with, or use the same $ amount of credit but not max out the card. (I've successfully done this with American Express).

 

4) The Chase Slate card is popular for folks trying to consolidate debt, since it's a 0% interest, $0 Bank Transfer Fee card. But, if you look at the creditpulls database and the "credit limit vs credit score" data at CreditKarma, you'll note that the Slate is notorious for granting low initial credit limits relative to other cards. So, you could apply for a Chase card that is known for having generous initial credit limits, like Marriott, Southwest or United (All score high on the CL:credit score ratio on the creditpulls database and the CK data), then apply for a Slate card as a second card, possibly with the same pull. After the branded card comes in the mail and its activated, you should be able to transfer all but a minimal credit line over to the Slate. *Make sure you have enough credit available to meet the bonus minimum spend). I haven't done this, but a rep on the phone said I'd be able to transfer the limit from a new SW card to another card). (kayvebear reported doing this on his personal journey thread, but from an older Chase card, not another new card, but it seems it ought to work)

 

FWIW, adding a little context to the info. MP

Edited October 7, 2014 by moneypyts

[cv91915]

I've followed this thread for a while, but only recently realized the range of useful results that transferring limits can achieve.

 

Here are some:

 

1) When you apply for new credit cards, they may base the credit limit on the credit limit of the highest couple cards you have. So, if, say, you have two Bank of America accounts at $5K each, you can move most of the line from one to another, and have a card with $9500 and one with $500. & if you apply for a third, then lump all the credit together again. B of A and Chase seem to be happy to move credit lines around, anytime, any direction. (This from the higher limits beget higher limits thread)

 

2) When you're applying for a new Citibank card, it appears that you can ask to move credit from an older card onto the newer card. (I haven't tried this, but the reports in this thread indicate it may be possible. I will report if I try).

 

3) When you have a 0% promotional rate on a new card, you can move a credit line from an older card onto the 0% card, and then have more interest-free credit to work with, or use the same $ amount of credit but not max out the card. (I've successfully done this with American Express).

 

4) The Chase Slate card is popular for folks trying to consolidate debt, since it's a 0% interest, $0 Bank Transfer Fee card. But, if you look at the creditpulls database and the "credit limit vs credit score" data at CreditKarma, you'll note that the Slate is notorious for granting low initial credit limits relative to other cards. So, you could apply for a Chase card that is known for having generous initial credit limits, like Marriott, Southwest or United (All score high on the CL:credit score ratio on the creditpulls database and the CK data), then apply for a Slate card as a second card, possibly with the same pull. After the branded card comes in the mail and its activated, you should be able to transfer all but a minimal credit line over to the Slate. *Make sure you have enough credit available to meet the bonus minimum spend). I haven't done this, but a rep on the phone said I'd be able to transfer the limit from a new SW card to another card). (kayvebear reported doing this on his personal journey thread, but from an older Chase card, not another new card, but it seems it ought to work)

 

FWIW, adding a little context to the info. MP

That's a good analysis. Thanks for adding your thoughtful comments to this thread.

[TooManyTrades]

Wells Fargo allowed me to reallocate the credit line from one account to another. I did not see them on your list above.

[cv91915]

Wells Fargo allowed me to reallocate the credit line from one account to another. I did not see them on your list above.

 

Interesting. How recently, and from which card to which card?

[TooManyTrades]

 

Wells Fargo allowed me to reallocate the credit line from one account to another. I did not see them on your list above.

 

Interesting. How recently, and from which card to which card?

 

 

Within the last 30 days. Reallocated entire credit line from Rewards Platinum Visa to Cash Back Visa Signature.

[Cappy]

 

 

 

 

Wells Fargo allowed me to reallocate the credit line from one account to another. I did not see them on your list above.

Interesting. How recently, and from which card to which card?

Within the last 30 days. Reallocated entire credit line from Rewards Platinum Visa to Cash Back Visa Signature.

Any hard pull? Edited October 7, 2014 by Captivated

[cv91915]

Will:

American Express - Revolving Cards ("donor" card must be 13 months old; must leave $500 on "donor" card)

http://creditboards....24538&p=4982507

http://creditboards....18868&p=5046586

Bank of America (may require an additional hard pull)

http://creditboards....23680&p=4973996

Barclays (Regular CSRs may not know this is possible, but the credit department can combine limits. Call them directly at 866-408-4064.)

http://creditboards....21905&p=5055473

http://creditboards....howtopic=487490

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049983

Chase

http://creditboards....66509&p=4884063

Commerce Bank

http://creditboards....33442&p=5093476

NFCU

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986200

US Bank

http://creditboards....24538&p=5086150

Wells Fargo

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=524538&p=5119408 <-- New

Situational:

Citi

At approval:

http://creditboards....4413&p=4981395)

http://creditboards....30153&p=5049443

http://creditboards....33367&p=5094556

May let you if you escalate to a manager or to the EO.

http://creditboards....24538&p=5076230

Will Not:

Capital One

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986352

http://creditboards....32263&p=5076196

http://creditboards....24538&p=5089146 (even through the EO)

GECRB

http://creditboards....24538&p=4983844

NASA FCU

http://creditboards....24221&p=4984470

http://creditboards....34206&p=5118862 <-- New

USAA

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049998

[TooManyTrades]

 

 

 

Wells Fargo allowed me to reallocate the credit line from one account to another. I did not see them on your list above.

Interesting. How recently, and from which card to which card?

Within the last 30 days. Reallocated entire credit line from Rewards Platinum Visa to Cash Back Visa Signature.

Any hard pull?

 

No hard pull for the reallocation.

[TrevorHere]

 

 

 

 

Wells Fargo allowed me to reallocate the credit line from one account to another. I did not see them on your list above.

Interesting. How recently, and from which card to which card?

Within the last 30 days. Reallocated entire credit line from Rewards Platinum Visa to Cash Back Visa Signature.

Any hard pull?

 

No hard pull for the reallocation.

 

Good to know, congrats.

[nysbadmk8]

I was able to get chase to reallocate a personal CL to a Business CL, just a Fyi

 

Slate all into my Ink card

[cv91915]

Will:

American Express - Revolving Cards ("donor" card must be 13 months old; must leave $500 on "donor" card)

http://creditboards....24538&p=4982507

http://creditboards....18868&p=5046586

Bank of America (may require an additional hard pull)

http://creditboards....23680&p=4973996

Barclays (Regular CSRs may not know this is possible, but the credit department can combine limits. Call them directly at 866-408-4064.)

http://creditboards....21905&p=5055473

http://creditboards....howtopic=487490

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049983

Chase

http://creditboards....66509&p=4884063

Chase (Personal → Business)

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=524538&p=5119875 <-- New

Commerce Bank

http://creditboards....33442&p=5093476

NFCU

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986200

US Bank

http://creditboards....24538&p=5086150

Wells Fargo

http://creditboards....24538&p=5119408 <-- New

Situational:

Citi

At approval:

http://creditboards....4413&p=4981395)

http://creditboards....30153&p=5049443

http://creditboards....33367&p=5094556

May let you if you escalate to a manager or to the EO.

http://creditboards....24538&p=5076230

Will Not:

Capital One

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986352

http://creditboards....32263&p=5076196

http://creditboards....24538&p=5089146 (even through the EO)

GECRB

http://creditboards....24538&p=4983844

NASA FCU

http://creditboards....24221&p=4984470

http://creditboards....34206&p=5118862 <-- New

USAA

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049998

Edited October 8, 2014 by cv91915

[Mike2006]

GECRB is mentioned in this thread, combining limits for CLI. OP said CSR manager stated they would need to take some CL from other accounts to approve CLI amount requested. Maximum Exposure, "situational".

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=534522

[cv91915]

Will:

American Express - Revolving Cards ("donor" card must be 13 months old; must leave $500 on "donor" card)

http://creditboards....24538&p=4982507

http://creditboards....18868&p=5046586

Bank of America (may require an additional hard pull)

http://creditboards....23680&p=4973996

Barclays (Regular CSRs may not know this is possible, but the credit department can combine limits. Call them directly at 866-408-4064.)

http://creditboards....21905&p=5055473

http://creditboards....howtopic=487490

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049983

Chase

http://creditboards....66509&p=4884063

Chase (Personal → Business)

http://creditboards....24538&p=5119875 <-- New

Commerce Bank

http://creditboards....33442&p=5093476

NFCU

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986200

US Bank

http://creditboards....24538&p=5086150

Wells Fargo

http://creditboards....24538&p=5119408 <-- New

Situational:

Citi

At approval:

http://creditboards....4413&p=4981395)

http://creditboards....30153&p=5049443

http://creditboards....33367&p=5094556

May let you if you escalate to a manager or to the EO.

http://creditboards....24538&p=5076230

Synchrony

May let you for a CLI if you are at max exposure across multiple cards.

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=534522&p=5113894 <-- New

Will Not:

Capital One

http://creditboards....24538&p=4986352

http://creditboards....32263&p=5076196

http://creditboards....24538&p=5089146 (even through the EO)

Synchrony

http://creditboards....24538&p=4983844

NASA FCU

http://creditboards....24221&p=4984470

http://creditboards....34206&p=5118862 <-- New

USAA

http://creditboards....24538&p=5049998

Edited October 8, 2014 by cv91915

[loops77]

Just wondering, how soon after opening two cards can you combine limits with Chase?

[shifter]

Same day is fine.

[moneypyts]

Okay, I was instantly approved for a Citi Hilton card today.

 

I was kinda hoping that it wouldn't be instant, so I could ask to transfer over some of the limit from my AA card before approval. But alas, had instant approval.

 

After approval, I tried the various backdoor numbers on the backdoor thread http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=528983

 

After getting through to someone at 800-750-7453 they said nothing could be done until I had my card in the mail. (I think. I should have taken notes).

 

So I tried calling the Customer Service number on the back of the AA Exec card. Talked a "Daniel" in Florida. He looked up my file, said he could transfer all but $5K of the Exec to the Hilton. But not until I had gotten the Hilton card in the mail. I asked if it would be a hard pull, he said no. Not for internal transfers. I said thanks and we ended the call.

 

Then, it occurred to me to ask for a CLI on the Exec with today's hard pull. I called the AA CS line again, talked to Arnell in Florida, she said it would be a hard pull for a CLI. I mentioned to her that I had just been approved for a Citi Hilton card today, and asked if they could use the same hard pull. She said she'd need to ask a supervisor. After a minute she got back on the line and said they couldn't do it with the same pull, that they'd need to pull it again.

 

So.

 

One data point that one CS dude in Florida says I will be able to transfer limits without a hard pull. He seemed to know what he was talking about, I'll try it in a week and report back.

 

One question for ya'all -- if Citi pulls twice in the same day, does it count as one hard pull on EX, or two? If it might just be 1, I'd consider going through with it in the next hour or two and adding another data point.

 

MP

[cv91915]

Okay, I was instantly approved for a Citi Hilton card today.

 

I was kinda hoping that it wouldn't be instant, so I could ask to transfer over some of the limit from my AA card before approval. But alas, had instant approval.

 

After approval, I tried the various backdoor numbers on the backdoor thread http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=528983

 

After getting through to someone at 800-750-7453 they said nothing could be done until I had my card in the mail. (I think. I should have taken notes).

 

So I tried calling the Customer Service number on the back of the AA Exec card. Talked a "Daniel" in Florida. He looked up my file, said he could transfer all but $5K of the Exec to the Hilton. But not until I had gotten the Hilton card in the mail. I asked if it would be a hard pull, he said no. Not for internal transfers. I said thanks and we ended the call.

 

Then, it occurred to me to ask for a CLI on the Exec with today's hard pull. I called the AA CS line again, talked to Arnell in Florida, she said it would be a hard pull for a CLI. I mentioned to her that I had just been approved for a Citi Hilton card today, and asked if they could use the same hard pull. She said she'd need to ask a supervisor. After a minute she got back on the line and said they couldn't do it with the same pull, that they'd need to pull it again.

 

So.

 

One data point that one CS dude in Florida says I will be able to transfer limits without a hard pull. He seemed to know what he was talking about, I'll try it in a week and report back.

 

One question for ya'all -- if Citi pulls twice in the same day, does it count as one hard pull on EX, or two? If it might just be 1, I'd consider going through with it in the next hour or two and adding another data point.

 

MP

Thanks. Let us know how this ends.

 

I don't think citi reuses pulls. That's more a stunt for a cheeseparing CU.

[MommaE]

I haven't tried combining Cap One since August. Just shot off an email to the EO to give it another go. Not holding my breath but I really want to combine these cards.

Maybe if I keep asking they will give in so I leave them alone. That tactic seemed to work pretty well with my parents when I was a child.

[moneypyts]

> Thanks. Let us know how this ends.

 

In the end, I decided not to risk having 2 hard pulls on my Experian file.

 

Googleing around, I can find folks saying that 2 Chase cards could (in 2012) be applied for on the same day with two pulls, but only counted as one pull by Experian. But no mention of piggybacking a CLI on a new application. Or piggybacking a credit line transfer between two other cards on a new application. Here's an example of 2 Chase inquires on the same day showing up as a single Experian pull. post #10 -- "hematino"

http://creditcardforum.com/general-credit-card-talk/6175-do-multiple-credit-inquiries-same-day-count-one.html

 

It occurred to me, though, that perhaps since a Citi guy that said I could transfer it without a hard pull after my new card arrived in the mail, that perhaps they could transfer it today to an existing older Citi card. And that since I already had an Experian hard pull today, that even if he was wrong and they did pull it again, it would only show up on as a single pull on Experian's report.

 

So, I called the Exec AA CS number again, asked if I could transfer some of the line to my Thank You Preferred card. She said she could put in the request, but she had no idea if it would be a hard pull or not. Since it was well after the close of business hours at this point I figured there was a distinct risk the a second hard pull would show up on Experian's computers on Saturday or Monday, and wouldn't be consolidated with the midday Friday pull on the credit report. So I politely declined.

 

Four research projects for guinea pigs on the Citi Credit Line Transfer Research Project:

 

1) Is the credit dude's assertion true, that you can move credit from an Exec AA line to another card without a hard pull? I may try this next week after I get Experian frozen again.

 

2) If a person applies for a new Citi credit card an isn't instantly approved, can they ask the underwriter to move credit from an existing account to the new account as part of the application process?

 

3) If a person applies for a new Citi credit card and is instantly approved, then calls the CSR to move credit lines between two other cards with a hard pull, will the credit bureaus consider the second pull to be a duplicate, and only report one pull on the credit report? (As was reported in 2012 with two simultaneous new card applications, using the two browser trick).

 

4) If a person applies for a new Citi credit card and is approved, can they call the customer service number for another Citi card and request a credit limit increase with a second hard pull, and have the two pulls counted as a single pull in the Experian credit report?

Edited October 18, 2014 by moneypyts

[shifter]

Has anyone seen 2 HPs with the same name on the same day on their reports?

 

I know sometimes you can end up with 2 from the same creditor on the same day but different departments and they show up on separate lines under slightly different names.

 

But I wonder if it's more of a CRA thing that they auto combine if it's the exact same name on the same day and that's why it works that way with Amex even though if you ask them they will say another app will be a second pull.

 

Somebody needs to GP this with Citi or someone else.

[cv91915]

Many places don't want the liability of storing your credit data on their systems, so they'll temporarily cache the data payload until a decision is made and for a short time thereafter, and then they'll delete the credit file. They will retain some minimal/key data elements, like the score and the bureau(s) from which the report(s) was/were obtained.

 

In mortgage credit reporting (and probably other areas) there is the concept of a "re-access," which allows a creditor to pull an exact copy of the credit report as it was originally provided. This is done using a reference number that is assigned to the report...

 

The re-access fee is generally a LOT less expensive (~90% less) than ordering a brand-new credit file, and does not appear as an additional inquiry on the consumer's credit report.

 

I'm wondering if some card issuers use the re-access method when you do more than one app in the same day.

 

I honestly don't know if any of this was impacted by the CARD act, or any recent mortgage legislation/regulation, but when I worked more closely with mortgage origination this was how it worked.

Edited October 18, 2014 by cv91915

[Android01]

Barclays restricted my reallocation to a maximum of $2,500 from Apple to US Airways MC - wondering if anyone had a larger reallocation occur?

Yes. I had both an Ameriprise Mastercard ($25K) and a Barclays Ring card ($20K). I called and asked if I could close the Ring card and move the $20K to the Ameriprise card, and they did without questions or restrictions.

[popamode72]

If I combined my SW Chase card's limit with my AARP card limit and close the SW card, would that automatically turn the AARP card into a Visa Signature card or would I also have to request for that too? Not planning on combining limits now but maybe early next year I will.

Edited October 18, 2014 by popamode72