keep your eyes on the hhonors they should eventually offer u 50k hhonors points to upgrade to the surpass, i think that is still going on? and folks were at one time able to upgrade then downgrade and repeat. (of course getting the surpass when it has the 100k bonus is not a bad idea)
I would advocate you not incur another 3 inquiries just to get a venture. The days where everyone got huge limits are fading....last year was the time to double app for venture and quicksilver now you cannot combine apps. Granted you would get the $400 travel bonus, you would be better off combining it into other cap1 cards to avoid the 59 fee as a regular 2% card has less restrictions and no fee. Have you checked capital one for prequalified offers? You may be in a situation where capital one is your only option aside from a credit union. In that case, the inquiries wont matter later.
Plus your scores are on the upswing, got some cards with great limits, and when that disco is unsecured, it should hopefully grow with you over time.
Is there anything specific holding down your equifax score?
No, in fact... I had a post on here a few months back about the fact that my profiles are identical with technically Equifax being my best. Slightly longer AAOA, less inquiries and I've scoured each account to make sure the old paid off items aren't reporting badly. There has been no way to figure out why my Equifax score is 50 points lower than Experian. You put them side by side and they are identical in every way.
The "big" problem that is holding down my scores is $80k in tax leins from a failed family business in 2010. I am on the cusp of an IRS settlement which will make them at least show paid in full until they fall off in a few years.... but they are what causes me to not be in the 700s. American Express didn't give two rips about the tax leins where pretty much every other person states it as the sole reason for denying me credit.
I try to take the whole thing with a positive attitude.. considering 2 years ago this month I had low 500 scores and started on a journey of paying off all the chargeoffs from the failed business and getting my first $300 secured capital one card. 2 years later I am in great shape and while we realized the family business investment wasn't the best decision of my life, I know have a 6 figure income and plenty of stability.... the scores will climb over time just as they have in the last 2 years. Every 6 months has been a step forward and better than the previous six months. I'm currently in with PenFed and working with them on some refinances etc to get better rates on auto loans. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Well, I got my increase... only $2,000 CLI ;(
I think that my scores definitely do play a part despite putting through 48k in the last 6 months and PIF twice per month.