topic Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For? in Credit Cards

Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:52:54 GMT

Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:

Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.

Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.

Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI

Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:54:51 GMT

Chase cards have suddenly become very precious. You should keep them all.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

taxi818 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:55:47 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:
Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.
Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.
Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI
Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!

Not sure where you heard that as many here have 7-8 chase cards. including co branded. I only have 1. but many discussions about numbers on many threads here.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:58:34 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Chase cards have suddenly become very precious. You should keep them all.

Thanks for the feedback. Do you mean keep them as it's hard to get approved, or keep them to maintain a good relationship with Chase?

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:59:36 GMT

@taxi818 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:
Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.
Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.
Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI
Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!
Not sure where you heard that as many here have 7-8 chase cards. including co branded. I only have 1. but many discussions about numbers on many threads here.

I read that on here a few times. Maybe I misunderstood? Do you have a favorite Chase card? Or one you want to get?

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

kdm31091 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:04:56 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:
Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.
Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.
Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI
Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!

First off I'd say be careful with apping next time. It seems you went on impulse or something because of the 4 cards listed, for 3 of them you either say they are obsolete, useless, don't use much, etc. I'm not sure keeping a card simply for the Fandango is really worth it but worth is subjective. To me, I would cut out the 3 you have little to no use for - at least 2 of them - and think harder before apps next time.

I would definitely close at least 2 of them before going for IHG or anything else with Chase. While some do have 7 or 8 cards w /them, I think that so many accounts with one lender is a red flag to them and signals risk. Could trigger AA down the line. It also may not, but I sure as heck don't recommend putting so many eggs in one basket.

As far as hoping the Amazon card will be improved -- I don't recommend hanging onto accounts in the slim hope that the rewards will be made better. While it occasionally happens, it's not exactly a common occurence that rewards on a card are improved. More often they are cut back and removed. So don't hold hope out. Close it if it no longer benefits you in its current state because more than likely that's how it's going to stay, or get worse. Just my opinion

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:01:53 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Chase cards have suddenly become very precious. You should keep them all.
Thanks for the feedback. Do you mean keep them as it's hard to get approved, or keep them to maintain a good relationship with Chase?

Both. Chase seems to have become rather hyper-sensitive about new apps as of late. I'd just hang for a while until that blows over.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

taxi818 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:02:15 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@taxi818 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:
Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.
Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.
Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI
Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!
Not sure where you heard that as many here have 7-8 chase cards. including co branded. I only have 1. but many discussions about numbers on many threads here.
I read that on here a few times. Maybe I misunderstood? Do you have a favorite Chase card? Or one you want to get?

As cap stated. keep them all. Right now is not the time to be closing them. this is what they are looking for. if it appears you are churning cards. just keep them. I got the freedom card to have relationship with them. I will probably get one more in the future. I was thinking Csp. but honestly with all the nerfing. no thanks. i will more than likely simple go for a hotel or airline card. after that. that will be it for chase. just 2 cards per lender is generally my rule. Except cap 1. 3 cards.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:05:52 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:
Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.
Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.
Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI
Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!
First off I'd say be careful with apping next time. It seems you went on impulse or something because of the 4 cards listed, for 3 of them you either say they are obsolete, useless, don't use much, etc. I'm not sure keeping a card simply for the Fandango is really worth it but worth is subjective. To me, I would cut out the 3 you have little to no use for - at least 2 of them - and think harder before apps next time.

I would definitely close at least 2 of them before going for IHG or anything else with Chase. While some do have 7 or 8 cards, I think that so many accounts with one lender is a red flag to them and signals risk. Could trigger AA down the line. It also may not, but I sure as heck don't recommend putting so many eggs in one basket.

As far as hoping the Amazon card will be improved -- I don't recommend hanging onto accounts in the slim hope that the rewards will be made better. While it occasionally happens, it's not exactly a common occurence that rewards on a card are improved. More often they are cut back and removed. So don't hold hope out. Close it if it no longer benefits you in its current state because more than likely that's how it's going to stay, or get worse. Just my opinion

You're totally right about impulse applying. I did that when I first got onto this forum as I got excited about other cards and didn't know about some cards that would be more beneficial to me until after applying for a card that would become useless. I guess I was trying to justify a need for keeping them open. Do you think it would hurt my chances with other Chase cards if I decide to close some of them? Are there any negatives of closing the cards? Or any negatives of holding onto the cards?

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

kdm31091 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:06:02 GMT

@taxi818 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@taxi818 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:
Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.
Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.
Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI
Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!
Not sure where you heard that as many here have 7-8 chase cards. including co branded. I only have 1. but many discussions about numbers on many threads here.
I read that on here a few times. Maybe I misunderstood? Do you have a favorite Chase card? Or one you want to get?
As cap stated. keep them all. Right now is not the time to be closing them. this is what they are looking for. if it appears you are churning cards. just keep them. I got the freedom card to have relationship with them. I will probably get one more in the future. I was thinking Csp. but honestly with all the nerfing. no thanks. i will more than likely simple go for a hotel or airline card. after that. that will be it for chase. just 2 cards per lender is generally my rule. Except cap 1. 3 cards.

Good point. You could definitely considering closing them slowly. One at a time every few months or something. You don't want to look like a churner but you also don't want to be stuck with useless cards.

I'd close them over time, and go for the IHG down the road. It isn't going anywhere. There's no hurry. Everything with credit takes time.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Ron1 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:06:50 GMT

Keep them all. Applied for the card. You might need to rellocate CL if you get denied. That's what happened when I applied for United Explorer a few years ago.

Ron.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:08:08 GMT

@taxi818 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@taxi818 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Hey everyone!

I have a total of 4 Chase cards. I have read on this forum that Chase doesn't really like/allow more than 5-6 cards. Currently I have the:
Chase Sapphire (not preffered) but this is my only signature card so I keep it for Fandango.. lame reason to keep it but I dont have any other purpose for it.
Chase Amazon - Applied for this before Sallie Mae card and it's now obsolete.
Chase Freedom - Don't use much due to low credit limit, but will start using soon in hopes of CLI
Chase AARP - Love this card for 3x Restaurant Purchases when Discover/Freedom don't offer it.

I was looking at the IHG card and it looks enticing. I especially like that the card pays for it's $49 annual fee with the free 1 night stay every year at any of their hotels.

I wanted to see your guys' opinion on what cards I should close and which Chase cards I should consider, maybe there's something better that Chase offers that I'm not aware of?

I was thinking the one to close should be the Amazon card, but I was hoping with Amazon Prime Store Card's 5% back, that Chase may up their game for the card in the future.

Any tips are appreciated!
Not sure where you heard that as many here have 7-8 chase cards. including co branded. I only have 1. but many discussions about numbers on many threads here.
I read that on here a few times. Maybe I misunderstood? Do you have a favorite Chase card? Or one you want to get?
As cap stated. keep them all. Right now is not the time to be closing them. this is what they are looking for. if it appears you are churning cards. just keep them. I got the freedom card to have relationship with them. I will probably get one more in the future. I was thinking Csp. but honestly with all the nerfing. no thanks. i will more than likely simple go for a hotel or airline card. after that. that will be it for chase. just 2 cards per lender is generally my rule. Except cap 1. 3 cards.
Thanks very useful response! Do you know if there are any negatives of holding onto the accounts? Or closing them? I try to make a small purchase here or there to keep them somewhat active.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:10:24 GMT

@Ron1 wrote:
Keep them all. Applied for the card. You might need to rellocate CL if you get denied. That's what happened when I applied for United Explorer a few years ago.

Ron.

Thanks Ron! So you say apply for the card if the limit sucks, get the CL from the cards I dont use and rellocate them to the IHG? Would you keep the cards even though there's no purpose for them? Or eventually close them?

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Closingracer99 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:17:46 GMT

I have 5 chase cards open with them being the Marriott premier card, Amazon Visa, freedom, CSP and slate

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:18:55 GMT

@Closingracer99 wrote:
I have 5 chase cards open with them being the Marriott premier card, Amazon Visa, freedom, CSP and slate

Do you use all of them? Or are you in a similar situation? If so, are you looking to evenutally closing the cards you don't use?

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

kdm31091 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:19:59 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Ron1 wrote:
Keep them all. Applied for the card. You might need to rellocate CL if you get denied. That's what happened when I applied for United Explorer a few years ago.

Ron.
Thanks Ron! So you say apply for the card if the limit sucks, get the CL from the cards I dont use and rellocate them to the IHG? Would you keep the cards even though there's no purpose for them? Or eventually close them?

Ron is a card collector with I think 90 cards. He is recommending more of a "quick fix" of just going ahead and apping for the IHG and movling limits around. There's nothing wrong with that and I'm not insulting anyone's opinion but of course he would recommend keeping the cards -- he has so many.

I come from a simplier perspective with cards and to me there is no point in keeping cards you find useless and will never benefit from. The better approach, to me, would be to pare down at least one or two of the unwanted Chase cards. Then (this is a few months later) apply for the IHG. You can then move the limit and close the remaining useless card, leaving you with 1-2 Chase cards and a more manageable portfolio overall (you don't strike me as someone who wants 20 or more cards!)

Again, there's nothing wrong with either approach and nothing negative about keeping the accounts open but there's also little advantage. I recommend my slow and steady approach over going for the quicker fix but that's your choice.

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Closingracer99 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:22:19 GMT

I use them all but the Marriott card but that's only there for the free night. I put little value into the Marriott points itself and rather use my CSP for all my travel and food needs.

Amazon - drug stores and sometimes amazon purchases
CSP - travel, dining and some general purchases
Freedom - 5% categories and general purchases
Slate - holding a balance
Marriott - SD but useful for the free night so I put some spending on it

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Closingracer99 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:24:23 GMT

I'm using the mobile site and see no way to edit but I forgot to mention I use my CSP and freedom for general purchases even with a capital one Quicksilver and citi DC is because I rather get UR points. I generally split my general purchases 50/50 between my chase cards and my Quicksilver card but that's moving to my citi DC

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:27:50 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Ron1 wrote:
Keep them all. Applied for the card. You might need to rellocate CL if you get denied. That's what happened when I applied for United Explorer a few years ago.

Ron.
Thanks Ron! So you say apply for the card if the limit sucks, get the CL from the cards I dont use and rellocate them to the IHG? Would you keep the cards even though there's no purpose for them? Or eventually close them?
Ron is a card collector with I think 90 cards. He is recommending more of a "quick fix" of just going ahead and apping for the IHG and movling limits around. There's nothing wrong with that and I'm not insulting anyone's opinion but of course he would recommend keeping the cards -- he has so many.

I come from a simplier perspective with cards and to me there is no point in keeping cards you find useless and will never benefit from. The better approach, to me, would be to pare down at least one or two of the unwanted Chase cards. Then (this is a few months later) apply for the IHG. You can then move the limit and close the remaining useless card, leaving you with 1-2 Chase cards and a more manageable portfolio overall (you don't strike me as someone who wants 20 or more cards!)

Again, there's nothing wrong with either approach and nothing negative about keeping the accounts open but there's also little advantage. I recommend my slow and steady approach over going for the quicker fix but that's your choice.

First off thanks for your well thought out response It's really appreciated and you're right on so many levels. I'm looking for more of a less is more approach now I got applying out of my system i'm trying to build a solid CC offering that covers all my purchases. From your response I'm thinking of Keeping Freedom & AARP and closing Sapphire and Amazon.

So maybe first close Amazon and ask for the CL to be transferred to my sad CL for Freedom and then 4 months later close Sapphire and do the same, add the CL to Freedom?

Do you agree with the cards I am considering closing? Your insight is appreciated

Re: Chase Card Collection - Which Cards to Close & Which to Apply For?

kdm31091 — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:30:58 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Ron1 wrote:
Keep them all. Applied for the card. You might need to rellocate CL if you get denied. That's what happened when I applied for United Explorer a few years ago.

Ron.
Thanks Ron! So you say apply for the card if the limit sucks, get the CL from the cards I dont use and rellocate them to the IHG? Would you keep the cards even though there's no purpose for them? Or eventually close them?
Ron is a card collector with I think 90 cards. He is recommending more of a "quick fix" of just going ahead and apping for the IHG and movling limits around. There's nothing wrong with that and I'm not insulting anyone's opinion but of course he would recommend keeping the cards -- he has so many.

I come from a simplier perspective with cards and to me there is no point in keeping cards you find useless and will never benefit from. The better approach, to me, would be to pare down at least one or two of the unwanted Chase cards. Then (this is a few months later) apply for the IHG. You can then move the limit and close the remaining useless card, leaving you with 1-2 Chase cards and a more manageable portfolio overall (you don't strike me as someone who wants 20 or more cards!)

Again, there's nothing wrong with either approach and nothing negative about keeping the accounts open but there's also little advantage. I recommend my slow and steady approach over going for the quicker fix but that's your choice.
First off thanks for your well thought out response It's really appreciated and you're right on so many levels. I'm looking for more of a less is more approach now I got applying out of my system i'm trying to build a solid CC offering that covers all my purchases. From your response I'm thinking of Keeping Freedom & AARP and closing Sapphire and Amazon.

So maybe first close Amazon and ask for the CL to be transferred to my sad CL for Freedom and then 4 months later close Sapphire and do the same, add the CL to Freedom?

Do you agree with the cards I am considering closing? Your insight is appreciated

I think your plan sounds good as Sapphire and Amazon are probably the least useful of the 4 you have with very little potential to become more useful. At least AARP is solid for dining and Freedom has the rotating categories.

The closing and moving limits to Freedom sounds like it makes sense. Then someday down the road go for the IHG if you still want it. After time passes you will find there's a good chance you decide you don't need it.