*Long post alert*
So I ended up filing Chapter 13 2 years ago and I am trying to slowly start the rebuild. A little backtory, I got my credit in order got what I thought were some decent cards and purchased a house (Yay me!). Anyway I had some balances on my cards from the house purchase and some things that I wanted to get done to the place but then my job decided to relocate. It was hush hush, unexpected and a bit expensive since the rent was double what I paid in Mortgage but away I went. Took a while to rent the place and it got a bit tight paying mortgage and rent so here I sit in a 13. Was getting a hotel room online and got the pop up to apply for the PayPal credit card (been getting this for a while now) so i figured what the hell, they gonna say no anyway. To my surprise I was approved for $2300 and used it to pay for the room ($100) less the $20 credit. Fast forward 2 weeks later they closed the account and the reason they gave was "activity on accounts with Synchrony bank indicative of high risk of failure to pay". What?? Why wouldn't they just decline instead of closing the account with a balance (irritated me)? Anyway it was immediately reported closed and shows the balance which I plan to pay without issue but curious if this will rebound the points I lost since it appears I lost more then I gained when they opened it. Was also approved for the Ollo ($1000), Credit One ($1500 no annual fee) and the Upgrade Visa ($3000 which is more of a loan and NOT a credit card) but I haven't used any of them. My question is would one purchase on each of these be sufficient to show good history if I don't really plan to use them? Yes I burned Synchrony but that is the reason I thought they would say no to the PayPal card in the first place. But after they closed it, now they have the nerve to try to get me to apply for the PayPal MC. Not messing with it because I am still salty about the way they handled the Paypal credit. If possible I am going to wait them out for the Lowe's card but would also take Home Depot if I can. Thoughts, info, insight? I will be 2years into by 13 in November.
@its_mona, I was more or less in your shoes four years ago and had some extraordinary expenses pop up in my second year of my Chapter 13; in my case I did apply for one credit card, more just to see what would happen than anything else, and I was instantly denied. The denial was due to my bankruptcy; apparently folks in my area are not allowed to obtain enough new credit to charge a Big Mac, much less anything else.
What I have since learned is every region in the country plays by their own rules when it comes to what is allowed in a Chapter 13, and what is not; with that said, in your shoes, I'd very carefully review the terms of your Chapter 13 plan, and if you are still unsure as to whether you are allowed to apply for credit, ask your lawyer, or reach out directly to your Trustee. It could be you are allowed to obtain credit up to a certain limit, or maybe you can get as much secured credit as you can afford, or, like my, you will not be allowed any credit at all.
@Horseshoez interesting. Had no idea it varied by region. I will definitely ask my atty, i know i was told to contact him BEFORE or INSTEAD of reaching out to the trustee. I will try and see if i can get an answer out of him, will tag him tomorrow. Thanks.
@jmw1 When I say I haven't done anything with them, I mean just that. I haven't even acknowledged receipt by activating the card they're just hanging out. Lol, and yea I was thinking something like gas or a bill pay every month anyway. Was thinking I'd use it once and pay it when the statement comes. So just enough really since the only reason I need it is to rebuild. As for Lowe's or Home Depot, wasn't wanting them now I meant later on down road road. Not looking to incur any debt and savings is simply cash in different buckets. Doing pretty good there. As for checking accounts I'm pretty sure most people have those same benefits. 
Just an update that permission was granted, so I've decided to activate the card(s).