Cards with flexible apps/alternate card consideration?

[NoAnchoviesPlease]

So I see everyone likes the Sapphire card and it'd be nice if I could get that one. Not sure the odds are that good though. And from reading their pricing and terms, it looks like they don't consider you for other cards if they decline you for that one. 

"Before we approve you for a credit card, we will review your credit report and the information you provide with your response to confirm that you meet the criteria for this offer. Based on this review, you may not receive a card."

Which popular cards do give you consideration for others if you don't get approved for the top of the line card?  I'd like to optimize my chances to not come away empty-handed, without piling too many HPs on, although since I'm planning to garden after my next app, I guess I could deal with half a dozen inquiries in a day or two if need be. 

Any suggestions? 

[twist7d7]

not sure what bank you are with but this just happened with me. i applied for the visa siggy from m&t and got the visa with rewards. 2k limit

[youngandcreditwrthy]

are your scores 680+??

If they are, I say go for whatever you want.

[Stralem]

No offense dude, but if you're going to take an HP and potentially be stuck with a card for 13 months or more depending on the PC policy of your chosen lender, don't just settle for whatever scraps get tossed your way. Go for the card you want from the get go. If you aren't approved the first time, recon. If that doesn't work, try again.

And really, HPs aren't the kiss of death they're made out to be. Important, yes, but no where near as important as other factors like utility and payment history.

[thelethargicage]

---

@Stralem wrote:

No offense dude, but if you're going to take an HP and potentially be stuck with a card for 13 months or more depending on the PC policy of your chosen lender, don't just settle for whatever scraps get tossed your way. Go for the card you want from the get go. If you aren't approved the first time, recon. If that doesn't work, try again.

And really, HPs aren't the kiss of death they're made out to be. Important, yes, but no where near as important as other factors like utility and payment history.

---

+1000.

Shoot for the stars. There's no guarantee they'll allow you to PC later on.

[NoAnchoviesPlease]

No offense taken, of course, I'm here to learn Appreciate the feedback. 

FICOs are 680+, some FAKOs are lower, should be 700+ in a week or so with single digit util. I'm just not used to knowing I have choices.  

[DrZoidberg]

---

@Stralem wrote:

No offense dude, but if you're going to take an HP and potentially be stuck with a card for 13 months or more depending on the PC policy of your chosen lender, don't just settle for whatever scraps get tossed your way. Go for the card you want from the get go. If you aren't approved the first time, recon. If that doesn't work, try again.

And really, HPs aren't the kiss of death they're made out to be. Important, yes, but no where near as important as other factors like utility and payment history.

---

To add, if you start with a no AF card and want a better version that carries an AF you have to at least wait one year to convert. I believe it's part of the new credit card laws. At least that's what Amex told me a while back. 

[mirachi]

I was always under the impression that the underwriting criteria between the Sapphire (no AF) and CSP were the same? In any case, I'd actually recommend you get the no AF Sapphire and then apply for the CSP a year later to get both bonuses

[09Lexie]

---

@mirachi wrote:
I was always under the impression that the underwriting criteria between the Sapphire (no AF) and CSP were the same? In any case, I'd actually recommend you get the no AF Sapphire and then apply for the CSP a year later to get both bonuses

---

The Sapphire CL  min is $2k, CSP min is $5k. I would guess there might be a slight difference based on initial CL's.