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Just starting out

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red259
Super Contributor

Just starting out

Hi all, I have recently begun my journey to rebuild my credit. A bit about my background: I hit a rough poatch starting in 2007 and ended up going 120 days delinquent on some of my student loans in 2009. At the time I had no idea how credit ratings worked and I closed out the few credit cards I had. Since 2009 I have made constant payments on my student loans. Recently at the age of 38 I decided it may be a good idea to have a credit card in order to generate rewards points/ rent cars etc. Without any real knowledge I applied for a Chase Sapphire card and the bonus points and was denied. This was my wakeup call and I began to read these forums. I obtained my EQ score and it is 714 with an AAA of 12 years and 6 months (student loans). I called the chase reconsideration line and was told the reason for the denial was the fact that I did not have any other open lines of revolving credit!  My next step was to apply for a capital one venture rewards card and I was instantly approved for 5k. I felt like it would be best if I had two credit cards at least, so I went back and applied for a Chase Freedom card (thinking maybe I could get my foot in the door with Chase and start building a long term relationship with them) and after I did not receieve an instant approval I called the reconsideration line and they approved my for 3k.

 

At this point with 3 hard pulls my feeling is that it may be best to wait a year and build up a positive account history with these two new cards. Would this be the best option? I would love to eventually gain a chase sapphire preffered card and also an Amex and was thinking with both they may want to see a year of positive revolving credit history. I am not sure how to properly use my cards. Would it be smarter to use the Freedom or the Venture more if my goal is travel rewards? What is the best way to obtain a CLI increase down the line? For example, would running large amounts through the Freedom card (then paying almost the entire balance prior to the statement reporting date to keep utilization down to 5% and paying the remained by the due date) help with my chances of obtaining a higher credit line or is not relevant how much I use the card? Sorry for all the novice questions and thank you for your time!

;
Starting Score: EQ: 714, TU 684
Current Score: EQ: 725 7/30/13, TU 684 6/2013, Exp 828 5/2018, Last App 8/5/17
Goal Score: 800 (Achieved!) In garden until Sepetember 2019
Message 1 of 5
4 REPLIES 4
09Lexie
Moderator Emerita

Re: Just starting out

Welcome to the forum!

Asking questions is the only way to get advice. You've done well on obtaining 2 nice cc's. IMO, Freedom is your better choice because of their UR Mall and the ability to transfer to/from FF programs. Plus, if your goal is to achieve a CSP then Freedom is definitely better. Freedom usually is a HP for CLI's and usually around 6 mins though others have gotten it sooner. IMO, I would apply for the CSP and Amex PRG if you desire both - after 6 mos of history.

Someone else can chime in about Venture CCs
Message 2 of 5
SnackTrader
Valued Contributor

Re: Just starting out

Welcome to the forums!!!

You said two things that made me chuckle. First: "I am not sure how to properly use my cards." But then you said the only thing that REALLY matters when using cards: "then paying almost the entire balance prior to the statement reporting date to keep utilization down to 5% and paying the remained by the due date".

I can tell that you have been paying attention on these forums and that you do know the proper way to use your cards. I know you were looking for CLI advice, but lets be honest, making your lenders happy is a moving target so it is always better to just do what is reasonable. As long as you pay the balance down to reduce your Util and pay the rest in full by the due date you are doing everything you can to put yourself into a better place financially. When you are in a better place financially, a lender will give you more credit. It is a happy circle.

It looks like you are well on your way to great credit and I wish you luck in your journey!

In My Wallet: Amex BCP (12/12) $50,000, Chase Freedom (12/12) $16,500, Cap1 Quicksilver (6/12) $14,000, Barclaycard Rewards (5/13) $10,500, Citi Prestige (4/16) $30,000

Last App: June 27, 2015
Message 3 of 5
red259
Super Contributor

Re: Just starting out

Thank you both for the welcome and the advice. Its hard to be patient sometimes!

;
Starting Score: EQ: 714, TU 684
Current Score: EQ: 725 7/30/13, TU 684 6/2013, Exp 828 5/2018, Last App 8/5/17
Goal Score: 800 (Achieved!) In garden until Sepetember 2019
Message 4 of 5
09Lexie
Moderator Emerita

Re: Just starting out

It can be, that is true. In the end, you'll be glad you waited. Join us in the garden thread. I find it easier among others who are waiting too.
Message 5 of 5
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