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I don't think you should try for the CSP as they like to see about a year of credit history with a card that is around 5k or more. I just don't think it is worth the inqs. I'm not certain on the amex charge requirements, although its something I am looking at for the future to get my foot in the door with Amex.
To get my foot in the door with Chase I started with the Freedom even though I wanted the CSP. On the plus side there is no AF with the freedom card, so I can keep it open indef and my hope is when I try for the CSP in 6monts to a year the fact I have one of their cards already will really help me out. That may be something to consider if you really want the CSP down the line.
Thansk for all the responses so far. I want to pitch another idea. What about the United Explorer Card through Chase? Could I start there and then build the relationship with Chase and apply for the CSP in 6 months or so?
@jgbishop wrote:Thansk for all the responses so far. I want to pitch another idea. What about the United Explorer Card through Chase? Could I start there and then build the relationship with Chase and apply for the CSP in 6 months or so?
I think you should apply for what you want and then regroup if that doesn't work.... your scores are well far enough for approval of any of these and we have seen MANY posts lately about this needing another $5k card to get a CSP first get blown out of the water...
Apply for United followed by CSP back to back in same internet window.
then apply for platinum... if that's what you want... the AF is high and don't think worth it if not tons of travel and probably international but you would have NO issue getting approved... they just want the AF... they are kind of like Barclay "The Black Card" these days.
I'm going to weigh in on this topic... PRG is an excellent card.. And once you have the PRG it is very easy to upgrade to Plat. I got the upgrade offer to Platinum after carrying my PRG for roughly 3 months... Also, the AF is free for the first year. Once you get the PRG, let your balances report so that you can show that you're actually spending on the card. EX keeps track balance history as well as payment history... Chase pulled EX and TU for me (granted this was in Feb 2012)
Then you can go for the CSP after 6 months.
That would be my strategy. It might be worth it to burn a HP to apply for the regular Chase Sapphire, which can be upgraded to the preferred once your revolving credit history is stronger
@webhopper wrote:I'm going to weigh in on this topic... PRG is an excellent card.. And once you have the PRG it is very easy to upgrade to Plat. I got the upgrade offer to Platinum after carrying my PRG for roughly 3 months... Also, the AF is free for the first year. Once you get the PRG, let your balances report so that you can show that you're actually spending on the card. EX keeps track balance history as well as payment history... Chase pulled EX and TU for me (granted this was in Feb 2012)
Then you can go for the CSP after 6 months.
That would be my strategy. It might be worth it to burn a HP to apply for the regular Chase Sapphire, which can be upgraded to the preferred once your revolving credit history is stronger
if the OP can get approved for a Charge card, he should choose which ever charge card that does the best for benefits, either PRG more points or Platinum for benefits, get the card. perhaps AP for an unsecured capone card, rebuilder and then at 6 months, it will be 1/2014 AP for another AMEX charge card perhaps a revolver using the benefit of high internal score. After the second AMEX card is reporting 1/2013 date, 6 months older than his first, he will have 2 cards reporting a year of history so may be enough for CSP.
So I just got approved for the CSP yesterday and the Amex Plat about two weeks ago.
Previously I only had a armed forces visa with a $1000 cl and then a 35k loan. My credit karma score was only 715.
Now I have no black marks on my credit like you do but I also make signifcantly less then you do. So to me your not totally outside the realm of possibility.
That being said I'm not sure if the fact that I am military makes a difference since should I ever become deliquient they could go to my commander who can dock my pay to give to the ccc