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AMEX or Freedom?

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Anonymous
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AMEX or Freedom?

Hello! Fairly new to posting but have been browsing it for months! Im a current college student, 19, and wanted to see what I should go for next and how I should go about it. I have around 15K annual income (decent paying part-time job) and have been working same place for about a year. also have 6K in savings. currently have a Rabobank college rewards card though Elan ($500 CL, 04/14) , a Macy's store card ($1000, 03/14), and a Discover It chrome ($1500, 07/14). No denials thus far. I'm also listed second on my car lease (June 2014, $6000 lease amount, $19,500 car total). also, utilization stays around 10-15% since i use my card for everything and pay it off every paycheck.  Was browsing the web and really liked the Citi Thank You Preferred for college students, but also want my foot in the door with Chase (Freedom) and AMEX... Any advice? other cards to consider? 

Message 1 of 13
12 REPLIES 12
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: AMEX or Freedom?

Chase is an amazing bank. But amex is too. I'd give the edge to amex because of backdating. One question though: why not both?
Message 2 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: AMEX or Freedom?

Also, a warm welcome to myFico forums!!
Message 3 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: AMEX or Freedom?

I have a similar file and was approved for the Freedom a couple days ago .Try the chase pre approval tool and see if anything pops up . If you can get an Amex before January it would help your AAoA when you get a second Amex down the line . I really want to get an Amex before the year ends but I'm worried about the thin file .
Message 4 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: AMEX or Freedom?


@Anonymous wrote:

Hello! Fairly new to posting but have been browsing it for months! Im a current college student, 19, and wanted to see what I should go for next and how I should go about it. I have around 15K annual income (decent paying part-time job) and have been working same place for about a year. also have 6K in savings. currently have a Rabobank college rewards card though Elan ($500 CL, 04/14) , a Macy's store card ($1000, 03/14), and a Discover It chrome ($1500, 07/14). No denials thus far. I'm also listed second on my car lease (June 2014, $6000 lease amount, $19,500 car total). also, utilization stays around 10-15% since i use my card for everything and pay it off every paycheck.  Was browsing the web and really liked the Citi Thank You Preferred for college students, but also want my foot in the door with Chase (Freedom) and AMEX... Any advice? other cards to consider? 


How good are your scores?  If they are good, I'd apply for both...

Message 5 of 13
newhis
Valued Contributor

Re: AMEX or Freedom?

I say go with Amex, lock the MSD, go for 61 day 3X CLI.

 

Wait for Freedom, I think you will get a low limit and 22.9 APR after the 0% promo.

 

I see a lot of reports that people get Amex with thin file, not so luck with Chase. You can apply for both, but I bet you will get a better SL with Amex and you will be able to increase that limit at 61 days and there is no way you can do that with Freedom.

Message 6 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: AMEX or Freedom?

read your reply and went ahead applied for both - got the "need to review application a bit longer" for Freedom, but AmEx BCE gave me $3,500! I was scared it'd be near impossible for me to get my foot in the door with AmEx but thankful it went through. Lets see what Chase says; I hope its not a denial but one good response is better than none Smiley Happy 

Message 7 of 13
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: AMEX or Freedom?

Congrats.. Smiley Happy Call chase and check the application status via the automated line.  If it is still pending, call them live tomorrow and talk to an analyst.

Message 8 of 13
NRB525
Super Contributor

Re: AMEX or Freedom?

Congrats! That's a nice start with AMEX.

High Bal Jan 2009 $116k on $146k limits 80% Util.
Oct 2014 $46k on $127k 36% util EQ 722 TU 727 EX 727
April 2018 $18k on $344k 5% util EQ 806 TU 810 EX 812
Jan 2019 $7.6k on $360k EQ 832 TU 839 EX 831
March 2021 $33k on $312k EQ 796 TU 798 EX 801
May 2021 Paid all Installments and Mortgages, one new Mortgage EQ 761 TY 774 EX 777
April 2022 EQ=811 TU=807 EX=805 - TU VS 3.0 765
Message 9 of 13
newhis
Valued Contributor

Re: AMEX or Freedom?


@Anonymous wrote:

read your reply and went ahead applied for both - got the "need to review application a bit longer" for Freedom, but AmEx BCE gave me $3,500! I was scared it'd be near impossible for me to get my foot in the door with AmEx but thankful it went through. Lets see what Chase says; I hope its not a denial but one good response is better than none Smiley Happy 


I hope you get the Freedom. Good luck.

Message 10 of 13
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