There's been much discussion here about the ubiquitous 0% promotional rates offered new signups for various cards. I like free interest, so I sign up whenever a)There's no annual fee b) no bal xfer fee, or one limited to $50 or so and c) I think they'll give me a big credit line (over 15K).

That last item is a problem, because I don't know how big my credit line will be. My credit is stellar, but I've still found wide disparity in the credit lines I've received. I don't want to waste time with some piddly limit -- it's not worth the trouble of keeping track of the new card (which will never be used for anything else).

It seems card issuers make a big deal of the fact that you are not guaranteed a certain limit, or even a certain level of card. You apply for Platinum, but they can stick you with Bronze or even Pot Metal with a $5 limit. I've asked CSR a few times before applying, but they generally say something to the effect that it's "not their department".

Is there a way to extract this information before applying?

Generally, no. Unless you're applying for an "unlimited limit" charge card like Amex or Diners Club/Carte Blanche, it's going to be next to impossible to find out your limit in advance. BUT! That's not to say that if you get a card with what you consider an insufficient credit line, then in many cases, if you call the bank's retention dept. or the activation line and speak to a human, you might be able to get the CSR to up your limit before you activate the card. Suggest to the rep that you'd like to balance transfer money from another account otherwise you're just as inclined to send them back their card.

I'm in the same boat as Bidkat - I love rolling through the 0% teasers, but I hate getting one with a low limit. Fortunately, this year they've been throwing around a lot higher limits than in the past. (I say "they" because my credit/income/balances/etc. haven't changed vastly over the past two years, which leads me to believe it's the banks that are getting more aggressive - not that they think I'm suddenly more creditworthy.)

The one thing that HAS changed is that the 0% seems to always come with the $50 or $75 fee for the straight cash advance. (But still waived if you are transferring a balance.) Still well worth it in most cases, but it's no longer totally FREE money to throw into your favorite low-risk investment product.

There can be additional catches : Providian Bank offered my wife a $30k card with 0% for 1 year balance transfer. However the balance transfer had a $50 balance transfer fee that was posted as a purchase and has been accruing interest at 19.99% ever since. Not a big deal, but don't assume the $50 balance transfer fee is the whole cost.

I have had good success in getting a card with a low limit, then calling them and telling them why they should give me a much higher limit. Involves a slightly insulted, but polite tone of voice, and factual info about net worth, liquid cash for which I could show them bank statements right now, and income which I could prove right now. Sometimes I am referred to "the bank" or other specialist in this type of thing. So I get the impression that if you deserve a highter limit, most banks will be most happy to give it to you.

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