Hi guys. First, a heartfelt thanks for all of the advice you take the time to share. Here's my experience with Chase today:
FICO at time of recon: 680 TRANS/709 EXP
Other cards: Cap1 QS, Barclays Rewards, Discover Secured
In the last month, I've received at least 2 pre-approval letters (with firm interest rate) PER WEEK for Chase Slate/Freedom. I was surprised to be getting any offers b/c my utilization had been high from balances left from the holidays. I'm supposed to be gardening but their overkill tactic worked b/c I finally applied...and was denied. Reasons stated were previous late payment...and high utilization. Well I figured I'm in the "dirty bucket" for having late payments 2 years ago, so if they're sending me offers they know my credit is average, and I should be able to overcome that on a recon call.
Paid my balances down to under 5% (which I had planned to do anyway), checked EXP report to make sure it was updated (this is the bureau they cited in the denial letter), then called recon. After a 20 MINUTE wait time, I explained that my credit report should be updated with much lower utilization and asked for recon.
BAD NEWS -- they wouldn't do a soft pull 
This was still within 30 days of the original app so I was surprised and disappointed by that. But, I said yes. Well this time they pulled TRANS, which happens to be the only bureau that hadn't updated all my new balances and had the lowest score (680). I told the rep that both EXP and EQ were updated and if he could please check there. He did and saw that my balances were indeed at 5%. He asked about the previous lates but didn't grill me too hard. I just explained that I had had a rough time financially and didn't reach out in time to let the card company know, it was my first credit card and I've never been late again.
Placed on hold twice (felt like an ETERNITY)...approved for $1000. Yay!
Wanted a higher CL but was afraid to push my luck.
Then a few hours later I realized that I forgot to ask about the balance transfer for my small remaining balance on another card. This was the entire reason I applied with Chase in the first place...the 0% for 15 months offer. Called back, waited another 15 minutes, then explained to the rep that I wanted to do a transfer BUT didn't want my utilization to be above 10%. Asked for $4000.
Quick hold...approved for $4000!!!
BIG SIGH OF RELIEF. Definitely think I left some on the table, but I'm just happy to be in the family. Will be opening a Chase Checking acct in the next few days as well.
Thanks to all of you.