Declined BCP..Approved Chase Freedom

honky · ‎05-09-2012

Amex doesnt like me apparently. Apped a couple months ago and was also declined. I spend a lot in gas(10k/year) and have a family of 5 to buy groceries for. Ive never served in the military, so I was REALLY hoping for this card. I'll just wait 6-12 months before trying again. I am sure more history with Chase/Citi will improve my odds.

As a consolation prize, Chase approved instantly for 5k. 22.99 apr, but that doesnt matter because I do pif. I just want the rewards and this looks to be a better all-around card than Discover. I suppose I should go set up a Chase Checking at the local branch to take advantage of the extra points, but I dont know how to initiate that. I am assuming there is a way to link the accounts online? I want to get the combo eventually, but should probably garden 12 months before trying for the CSP.

Starting Score: 580 2/03/12
Current Score: 810 EQ // 829 TU(Walmart)
Goal Score: Achieved!

Wallet: Citi Forward(13.5k), Ink plus(18k), CSP(13.5k), Freedom(6k), BoA123(13k), Alliant CU(5k), Walmart(2k), Kohls(1.4k), QuickSIlver(7.5k) Amex Simplycash Business(46.5k)

FrugalRican · ‎05-09-2012

Go speak to a CSR at a branch, they'll set it up for you.

I'm sure they'd be more than happy to link the accounts for you as well. Make sure you tell them you specifically want the 10+10 bonus.

Just get the Freedom/Checking and start racking up points for now. Use it wisely and then get the CSP.

Once you get the CSP, you can transfer the points over from the Freedom into the CSP if used for travel.

It's pretty seamless and user-friendly.

But I'd go get the checking ASAP.

Follow my financial journey: http://www.frugalrican.com

EQ FICO (01/16/2012): 656 - EQ FICO (02/16/2012): 743 - EQ (02/24/2012): 760 - EX (04/28/2012): 739 - GOAL 2013: 800+

AMEX BCE (0/10K) --- BOA 1-2-3 (0/15.9K) --- Discover More (0/6K) --- Chase Freedom Visa (0/1.4K) -- Hyatt Visa Sign. (0/5.8K) -- Barclay's NFL Card (0/7.5K) -- Chase Sapphire Preferred (0/5K)

espnjunkie · ‎05-09-2012

I'm a bit curious, but how did you manage to raise your scores from 580 to the mid 700's in a few months?

“The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.” ~Unknown
Citi Prestige World Elite Mastercard ($35,000.00), Merrill+ Visa Signature ($25,000.00), Amex BCP ($29,700.00), Amex Green (NPSL), Capital One Quicksilver World Mastercard ($10,000.00), Chase Ink Business Bold (NPSL)
TU-778 (12/03/2014))
EX (Plus) - 777 (10/21/2013)
EQ - 735 (April 2013)

honky · ‎05-09-2012

The biggest thing I did was get util% down. The util change gave about 90 points because I was AU on a card with 77% which had my total around 60%.

Honestly, that made a tremendous impact. I did have a recent 30-late removed via gw letter(+30 points) and I had 2 collections fall off due to age. I still have a couple 90 lates from 2007, but otherwise my cr is clean.

I am assuming AMEX will not look past my 90-day from 2007. They also list a high percentage of my student loan as a deline reason, but I only owe $1300 on it! I have the ability to pay, but when self-employed..I need to have as much cash as possible for those just-in-case scenarios that constantly pop up.

Im now down to a 712 EQ from the inquiries, but I know it will help in the long run to get the apps out of the way early.

Starting Score: 580 2/03/12
Current Score: 810 EQ // 829 TU(Walmart)
Goal Score: Achieved!

Wallet: Citi Forward(13.5k), Ink plus(18k), CSP(13.5k), Freedom(6k), BoA123(13k), Alliant CU(5k), Walmart(2k), Kohls(1.4k), QuickSIlver(7.5k) Amex Simplycash Business(46.5k)