I can't speak specifically to these cards, but in general, co-branded and affiliate cards are easier to get than the straight bank cards issued by the same lender. By co-branded, I mean bank cards (MC, Visa, Discover, AmEx) that also have the name of a retail outfit or oil company. So these would include my no-longer-offered Chase Borders Visa and the BP Visa card, also from Chase. By affiliate, I mean bank cards that have the name of your university alumni association or professional association or charity group.
The problem is that it can be very difficult to PC (product change) from these cards to another issued by the same lender. The business or group associated with the card generally requires that PC's be disallowed. My now-closed Citi Sears MC could not be swapped, my Chase Borders Visa could not be swapped (they swapped it to a pretend version of a Chase Freedom when they ended the program), and my professional association BofA card can't be swapped.
When I did my app spree, I was too chicken to go for the straight cards. I got everything I applied for, but I certainly wish that I had just tried for the regular versions instead.
eta: --and the Sears card was the only one that I apped for in the store. You can apply for (and get) a store co-branded card and affiliate card over the phone just as easily.
The bit about applying in the store is often advised for those going for a straight store card, as it seems that you can often get a higher CL on the spot, and they can verify your identity. I don't know that there's any particular advantage for the co-branded ones.
Message Edited by haulingthescoreup on 03-08-2010 04:26 AM
* Credit is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. * Who's the boss --you or your credit?
FICO's: EQ 781 - TU 793 - EX 779 (from PSECU) - Done credit hunting; having fun with credit gardening. - EQ 590 on 5/14/2007
