Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/8laSxUUUCFA

2. Then on the Type of Credit Requested section, choose “Line of Credit with overdraft protection for checking account no.”

Note: The information or terms may not appear the same for all banks. The idea, however, is to choose a line of credit connected to a checking account. You want to be able to move the funds back and forth (between your line of credit and your checking account) automatically or manually.

Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/urcy0c3bhT7b

3. Then for joint credit, choose “We intend to apply for joint credit”.

Note:  If applying for joint credit, make sure the one with a better credit score goes first. That means the spouse with a better credit score is the Applicant, and then the other is the Co-applicant.

Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/A9jnoa4vw

4.  Once that's done, completely fill out the Applicant information. Under “Length of Employment”, if you have been employed for nearly a year, like 10 or 11 months, put down one year otherwise put down the number of years you’ve been with your current employer. You want to improve your chances of getting approved for the line of credit. Under “How Long in this Line of Work”, put down the total number of years you’ve been in that industry or field (ex. Construction, education, IT, etc.).

Image Link:https://www.screencast.com/t/sgbXOX0gkER

5. Afterwards, under “Gross Monthly Employment Income”, put down your best month. This applies to any overtime as well as to jobs where one does sales. This improves your debt-to-income ratio and improves your chances of getting approved for the line of credit. Put down any additional income under “Other Income” (ex. Alimony, child support, sideline jobs, etc).

Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/VwlQBWu7S0qI

6. After that, if applying for joint credit and you’re renting, put down half of the amount of the monthly rent or none at all under “Monthly Housing Expense”. Your Co-applicant can then take the other half or the entire amount. Doing this improves your debt-to-income ratio and improves your chances of getting approved for the line of credit. Generally, the bank doesn’t check on the rent.

Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/MUyfWA1bZYF9

7. Then if applying for joint credit, completely fill out the “Co-applicant information”. Again, if renting, divide the rent with the spouse. For example, if the rent is 1000 USD, that can be 500 USD for Applicant and 500 USD for Co-applicant, or 0 USD for Applicant and 1000 for Co-applicant.

Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/XVTtWtgdUt

8. Once you're done with that, fill out the “Personal Reference Information”. 

Note: The bank does not call the references ahead of time. This is only for when you miss your payment.

Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/jZddgVzcpe

9. Then make a note the “Required Income Verification information”. This will vary from bank to bank, but generally the least number of verification requested the better. Also, credit unions are not as credit score-driven, so you consider talking to a credit union loan officer if you have a ding in your credit or your credit score is not very good.

Image Link: https://www.screencast.com/t/buYtn1ac5NIL

10. Finally, at the back, put down your name and signature under the “Applicant” field. Do the same with the “Co-Applicant” if applying for joint credit. Do not fill out the “For Bank Use Only” section.