My manager (and close friend) was approved for Sallie Mae about a year ago with a 9k SL. They just gave her a second Auto CLI to 18k. She ALWAYS carries a balance.
Reported income 70k
Current Balance 6k
She has 4 CC's (two 6 months old,10k-ish limits), mortgage and a car loan.
ETA: She reports balances on all cards (some are PIF after statement cuts)
SL 9k
6 month 14k
12 month 18k
payments usually only $200 - $500 per month.
Yes I know she should'nt carry a balance on a card but she has saved a huge amount of $ and doesn't really care.