topic Re: Visa Signiture options in Credit Cards

Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:11:15 GMT

So I'm thinking about leaving the garden and applying for a Visa Signiture card if I can find one that is worth it. I primarly use my CCs to book hotels and flights through work, for which I am reimbursed each month. I don't really go to restaurants that often, although I am a Starbucks addict. Anyway, I already have the Freedom and BCE cards for earning rewards on typical daily expenses and the AAdvantage (MC) for AA rewards. Any thoughts on what Visa Signiture card might be worth applying for next?

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:24:06 GMT

this would depend on what airline you primarily fly for work, and plan to fly on for vacations. also would depend on what hotels you primarily stay at for work, and what hotels you are looking to stay at for vacations.

more specifics please.

Re: Visa Signiture options

JonStur — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:41:03 GMT

Re: Visa Signiture options

blk8 — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:58:57 GMT

I think you answered your own question. I would app for a co-branded hotel card ... earn the rewards and get yourself a few bonus points :-)

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:44:56 GMT

You're right, kind of answered my own question. I fly VX quite often, but I don't think I'd be successful with Barclays. United is prob the second most frequent. Hotels are mixed, depending on pricing but usually a Westin, Sheraton, Hilton, or Marroitt.

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:54:45 GMT

Have you tried having your Freedom upgraded?

Re: Visa Signiture options

boomhower — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:48:31 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Have you tried having your Freedom upgraded?

I was thinking the same thing. If you just want a siggy card you can do that with the Freedom as long as your CL supports it.

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:59:20 GMT

If you aren't usually a loyal flyer/hotel stayer, it might be good to get a flexible points earning card (e.g. CSP) or a fixed-value card (e.g. Barclays Arrival, Cap1 Venture)

The other thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you tend to stay at nicer hotels for work, any card that is a Visa Signature will allow you to book through the Visa Signature Hotels Program. Here are the benefits:

Best available rate guarantee
Automatic room upgrade upon arrival, when available
Free in-room Internet
Complimentary continental breakfast
3PM check-out, when available
VIP Guest status
$25 food or beverage voucher

They offer chain options as well as boutique hotels, but the nice thing is that you don't have to worry about earning status at any one brand to get some nice perks.

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sat, 11 May 2013 23:23:53 GMT

Awesome, thanks for the info. Unfortunately, my Freedom only has a $2K CL (compared to $5K for my AA and $7.5K for my BCE), so not sure an upgrade is an option right now. Debating between CSP and Marriott Rewards Premier...thoughts?

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:23:15 GMT

Went for the CSP. Had to recon but got approved for $5K! Back in the garden for the forseeable future since my CC goals (AmEx, Citi, and Chase cards + a Visa Siggy) are complete!

Re: Visa Signiture options

rex_03 — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:04:39 GMT

Congrats, you'll like the CSP. It has a lot of useful perks.. Freedom combo gives you points on the rotating catagories, and it adds up quick.

Re: Visa Signiture options

electra — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:28:44 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Went for the CSP. Had to recon but got approved for $5K! Back in the garden for the forseeable future since my CC goals (AmEx, Citi, and Chase cards + a Visa Siggy) are complete!

Congrats!! I'm thinking of app-ing for this or AMEX BCP. Which CRA did they pull from?

Re: Visa Signiture options

webhopper — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:53:39 GMT

Congrats on your new card!

Re: Visa Signiture options

JonStur — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:10:34 GMT

Good, you made the right choice.

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:20:30 GMT

Thanks everyone. Electra, not sure which CRA they pulled from but will let you know when I get the letter in the mail. Also for future information to others who might need to recon, the guy asked me about some past lates from 2011, what I would be using the card for, whether I would be carrying a balance or paying it off in full each month, and reverified my income and employer.

Re: Visa Signiture options

rex_03 — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:57:16 GMT

I wanna say EXP was the pull. That sticks out, but it showed up fast on my Credit Karma account too.. YMMV

Re: Visa Signiture options

zerobacan — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:04:19 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Thanks everyone. Electra, not sure which CRA they pulled from but will let you know when I get the letter in the mail. Also for future information to others who might need to recon, the guy asked me about some past lates from 2011, what I would be using the card for, whether I would be carrying a balance or paying it off in full each month, and reverified my income and employer.

kimbia, and what were your answers?

congrats!

Re: Visa Signiture options

Brusilov — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:26:34 GMT

Don't mean to threadjack but for those that have Signature cards - what are the benefits you're using or like most? My Navy CashRewards card is, but admittedly I've never really made use of any of the perks.

Re: Visa Signiture options

Anonymous — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:37:25 GMT

@zerobacan wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Thanks everyone. Electra, not sure which CRA they pulled from but will let you know when I get the letter in the mail. Also for future information to others who might need to recon, the guy asked me about some past lates from 2011, what I would be using the card for, whether I would be carrying a balance or paying it off in full each month, and reverified my income and employer.
kimbia, and what were your answers?

congrats!

I told him that the past lates were during a period in which I made the mistake of not managing my finances responsibly (vague enough - the truth is, I was trying to consolidate my student loans, but they missed some of them and I was lazy in getting the issue fixed. Big mistake, but I was stupid 'back then'. Most of my derogs and all that are over 60 days are from a 5 month block in 2011).

As for what I 'd be using the card for, I said primarily traveling (flghts, hotels) and restaurants, and that I wanted a card that would reward me for this type of spending.

I told him that I would be looking to pay off the balance in full or as much as possible each month (wasn't sure what is preferred in their minds).

He thanked me for my answers, put me on hold for a few minutes, then came back and said he was able to approve me for a $5,000 limit

Overall, I think it was fairly easy to get the card, despite my past derogs. You can see my most recent scores in my sig, but I suspect the scores will go down for a few months before AAoA and payment history start to climb again. Since I don't plan to app for any more cards, do you guys think it will be possible for me to hit 740 this year?