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I relapsed.
Oops.
I was reading about Alliant's 3% savings rate, which is better than INGs now. I checked it out. I decided to move two accounts over to Alliant. I swear on the FICO bible that it didn't even occur to me that they'd offer any interesting products, because of the new accounts from Fall 2008, and the fact that I wasn't applying for a checking account (already got two, don't need any more to manage). I thought that I was safe from temptation. My only concern (mild) was that I'd be taking another INQ to EQ, but I figured it'd be worth it, because it IS a much better rate.
So I joined, and low and behold... They had an "Offers For You" page. Amongst other things, there was an 8k VISA rewards card. You see where this is going, don't you? That thumping sound you hear is my head against the keyboard.
I tried so hard to just ignore the "accept" button. But they were offering, and I'd already taken an EQ hit, so I started thinking that I might as well get my FICO hits worth. And, then I thought about how stupid that was, because I'd take a hit for a new INQ, but I didn't have to take a hit for a new account. Or give the recently temperamental BoA reason to take AA against me. I'm an idiot. Because those perfectly good reasons NOT to accept were quickly shot down by my irrational rationalizations that I should diversity even more, in case BoA takes AA against me. Like that makes even an ounce of sense.
I was trying to stay the course to go for DISCOVER in a year or two. A year or two from when those app spree accounts were opened. Now, I've set myself back by at least 6 months. The only good news is that I probably won't take a big score hit, because my AA is already decimated from the fall. I doubt it could possibly get much lower.
Someone chain me to the high wall in the credit garden, please. See what happens when you blink? Clearly, I can't be trusted. Back to the beginning.
Ohhhh, LilMirth, OUCH! Time to dust yourself off and reset the counter, I guess - but still, at least you came out of the whole experience with something decent to show for it (two somethings decent to show for it), AND with a great CU, AND you deserve it, after the AA-ing from BofA!
This place makes for a bad Apping Rehab center... as I have to say your post has made me think "oooh, 3%, really???", with (I will admit!) a smidgen of "AND preapprovals, too? Rrrreeaaaalllllyyyy????", which will now be a nagging little voice in my head that Must Be Resisted!
Good to know about the savings rate, though - I have been looking around (and not found anything that isn't utterly laughable) for something better than the pitiful rate my Discover Money Market savings account offers these days. Sigh.... how I miss that six-point-something rate they were paying when I opened the account!
I'm now going to have trouble resisting the urge to look at Alliant's website. I'll manage to resist by telling myself that yeah, I just want a decent rate for our savings, BUT, now that I know preapprovals for CCs are not unheard-of from them, I'll be all upset if I open an account and don't get a preapproval! Yup, I am totally illogical.
Hey fevmlo!
You're right, at least there is a bright side to my lack of self-control. I closed a Juni $500 dead end card, and ended up with a new 8k card. The Juni card was just 6 months old, so I guess I can call it a net gain. Plus, the savings rate is absolutely yummy (compared to everywhere else, anyway). ING has been dropping like a rock, so I'd been dragging my feet on finding something better just because I like ING. I just couldn't pass up a better rate, though.
But, just to clarify, I haven't had any AA from BoA (yet & knock-on-wood). I'm just paranoid that another new account is going to inspire them to punish me a little. I guess we shall see now.
Hey Hauling, I want in!!
I was doing fine. My last app had been for a BoA Amex back in Aug '08. That felt good to get since BoA had declined me earlier in '08. I was keeping my head low, trying to stay off the radar of AA.
The Amex Green had been calling me, offering me another almost 20 year TL. I resisted, did not want Amex to swoop down on me. Unfortunately last week my resistance weakened and I apped the Green. Then I made the mistake of visiting Alliant's site. Yep. Savings and a $10k VISA.
Hopefully the new, aged Amex Green TL will offset the Alliant VISA. Hopefully no AA flags will be raised at Amex or BoA. I am finally dumping Cap1.
I don't need more credit, don't want more credit (well, maybe a motorcycle loan), and absolutely do not want or need any more CREDIT CARDS.
Anyway, I'm in here now so you may do as you wish with me.
Let me in, lock the door and throw away the key . . . PLEASE!
I was doing great. No apps since Nov. 08 and then the thread opened about Alliant and I heard that awful sound "HELLO KITTY, I JUST GOTTA HAVE YOU". I should have covered my head with the pillows.
Well, I was denied because I live in an extended stay hotel. Even though I've been here for nearly six years. That was really disappointing since I have Chase, Discover, Amex and a few others. The nice lady at Alliant told me that they must have a brick and morter address to comply with Homeland Security Due Dilligence requirements.
Anyway, enough whining . . . . I am making a committment to forego any apping for one year from my last app. (which was in March). From now on, I'll join the garden club or anything to avoid apping.
Please help . . . . My name is Jon and I am a credit-card-aholic.