Both of you should try the Amex prequal site. It's good to have 3 cards each reporting. Also, pull your FICO scores. That's what the lenders are using for qualifying purposes on credit cards. Look of the Bk friendly cards thread. Some lenders automatically require you to call and recon a denial if it's for Bk. I can't remember if Chase is one of them or not, but they've already pulled your credit so it doesn't hurt to try! My approvals with Amex did not require any recon.
Early exclusion is calling the credit bureau's once you are within 6 months of having your bad accounts drop off and asking them to remove them early. I think TU is the easiest at 6 months. The other 2 bureau's will tell you when to call back to have them removed. I think it's around 2-3 months for both Eq and Exp. You could probably have a clean report by the end of the year.
Congrats on both the cards and finding a lender for the refi!!! Don't worry about the inquiries. The lender will ask you for a written explanation of inquiries. Just be honest that you were working to reestablish credit and only plan to use the cards for daily needs that will be paid in full. Put in there that you are only using it for the rewards on groceries and gas. (I used to be a mortgage underwriter years ago) If you make the letter something they can relate to then it'll slide right through!
Keep us updated on the refinance! And if you haven't already, read the Amex 3x CLI thread!!