Next Step?

[Spanky23]

2 credit cards. Bestbuy credit card $2000

Discover IT - $2500

$42000 in student loans

CK FAKO shows 711 score, discover it not updated yet shows 729

Always PIF, no baddies, average age of credit history is 1 year 8 months on CK

Bestbuy card is over 9 months old, discover is almost 6 months. Maybe 4 INQ, 5 at most. Do I try to pay down student loans (wouldn't be much at this point) or just apply for a Amex BCE or Chase Freedom, what are my chances?

[Closingracer99]

I would rather apply for the Amex Everyday card actually and wait on the Chase card till a year if you really want another Credit card. I would personally suggest waiting a year and then app for the Amex Everyday and Freedom. I think you'll have a better chance with Amex then Chase with an approval now though 

[heyarrnold]

Have you checked the pre quals?

Also, if you have access to your experian report, look at your SP's. If Amex or Chase have been SP'g you, you have a great chance!

[jamesdwi]

Apply for AMEX first get your membership year locked in. Wait 3 months apply for Chase freedom, by then AMEX will be reporting and you wiil have 2 prime cards and chase will want to join the party. Garden for 6 months at least at this point, prime card lenders like time between apps when you are first starting out. 

[Burned2manybridgesB4]

Chase prequalify is 99% gold IMO.

[Spanky23]

I have been pre-qualified for the freedom, though I'm KIND of hoping they go back to the $200 by time I app. I will be using only ONE HP here soon for student loans so I'm fine on inquiries (just had one fall off anyways from a student loan 2 years ago)

So AMEX is the call or Chase? Which amex should I go for BCE?

[chalupaman]

Try to go for an Amex as soon as you can and get your foot in the door. The backdating priviledges will be very helpful and they might even be generous with your starting CL with them. I've found Chase harder to get cards with because they kept telling me that they strictly want to see over a year of credit history from me and that they want to see how I do with the cards that I have now.

[Burned2manybridgesB4]

Which amex sings out to you, and why?

[Spanky23]

Either BCE, Everyday, or a gold card.

BCE is nice but I already have a cash back card and if I go Freedom that'll be two. But it's a nice card

Everyday would be nice, I don't travel a lot NOW but will in a couple years, could save points up

Gold couldn't tell you why I want that honestly.

[chalupaman]

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@Spanky23 wrote:

Either BCE, Everyday, or a gold card.

BCE is nice but I already have a cash back card and if I go Freedom that'll be two. But it's a nice card

Everyday would be nice, I don't travel a lot NOW but will in a couple years, could save points up

Gold couldn't tell you why I want that honestly.

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If you're talking about the Gold card that isn't the PRG, it's basically almost the same as the Green card except that you have to pay more in AF costs and it apparently comes with more roadside assistance stuff. Seems like the Everyday card would be a good fit for you.