App Spree Advice/Questions

[Anonymous]

Hey everyone! So I’m still gardening for another 2 months or so but I just wanted to get some opinions on what my path should be. I got my first credit card as an AU oct/17 and my first card on my own in April this year. The AU card has a 3900 CL and my amex I got in April has a 3k CL. I am going to be doing a lot of traveling this year starting late November really. So I want the Amex platinum card. However, I am also interested in the CSP (but preferably the CSR but idk if I’ll get approved for it). I also want to do my 3x CLI in December for my amex. I want to apply for the platinum and or chase in November. So my questions are... 1. If I get a card or two in November will amex look at me in December and think I’m credit hungry and not approve my CLI request? 2. Is it better to apply for the CSR/CSP or amex plat first. 3. What do you guys think my odds are of getting those cards? I applied for the Amex platinum last month and they told me my history wasn’t long enough with amex. So I’m November it will be 7 months. My Fico score as of right now is 737. Thanks! P.S. also madly in love with the ritz card but I doubt I’ll get that right now so I might as well wait for that one. Opinions on that one too if you can please, thanks!

[Cred4All]

I'll speak on personal experience myself... your score looks good, higher than mine when I apped for the CSR and Amex Platinum.  Being I had more use for the Platinum when I initially applied, that was my first goal right off the bat.  I however was an Amex card holder so it was a soft pull, hence was a no brainer to grab that as it wouldn't immediately impact my inquiry number.  Knowing what we all know around here, I'd say the CSR is the one you'd want to hit first, especially if you are not a member with Amex.

That being said however, I also feel very fortunate that I was approved for the CSR since my score was like I said, lower than yours.  It's obvious from reading even a day or two on here that the Chase can be the unicorn so if you feel you may hit the 5/24 OR that you will take a HP for both cards, I'd get the Chase out of the way first.

I'm sure someone else can speak more to the approval history of Chase w/ history requirements etc. but again going based on my reading here, Chase likes to see at least a year of credit / payment history and is not so prone to approving thin pofiles.  Overall, the CSR would be better to help boost your utilization in the days to come being the Platinum is a charge card.

[Anonymous]

 Hey, thank or the response. Im already an Amex cardholder! And how long was your credit history at the time of your CSR app? And what was your highest limit card, if you remember?

[Cred4All]

My credit history dates back to my first card, being 1996 .  First bank card a few years after that.  My highest CL before the CSR was $5,200 so that moved me over the $10k threshold.  Only after reading this board did I realize how much potential I had missed out on the last decade.

[FinStar]

Your file might be somewhat thin for the CSR OP. You're welcome to try if you wish, though.

You can definitely try the CLI on your AmEx around the October timeframe and let that new CL report (typically takes one statement cycle). Try CSP around that time.

Just keep in mind that Chase doesn't count AU history for lending decisions so YEMV. But make sure that the AU card doesn't have high utilization as in the past.

As recently published by various sources, including TPG, the Ritz card is currently not available for new applications.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response! I have to wait for the CLI until December because I just got my frist one in July. I had no idea Ritz wasnt accepting new apps. I wonder why. I hope they dont lock it forever. And yea I heard it might be easier for me to get the CSP first then go for the CSR at a later date. Do you think the CSP has realistic approval odds for me?

[FinStar]

As long as you stick with the original plan, yes. CSP should be doable around that timeframe. CSR might be a long shot.

The AmEx Platinum should be a good solid choice around November. Just remember to check the pre-qualification tool beforehand. Also, consider the SUB offers available during the time you plan to apply. There's targeted ones and/or links for the 75K and 100K, but those fluctuate often. Also, evaluate which affinity and/or SUB provides the best value for your situation (i.e. "plain/standard" Platinum, Ameriprise Platinum, Chales Swab Platinum, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Also, since I have a relationship with Amex do you think that getting the new SPG luxury card in a few months is the equivelent to getting the Ritz card?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response! I heard about different types of Platinum cards. I'll have to look into what they all are!

[FinStar]

I think before you get star struck with the bling/sparkle of the new SPG card, consider the value. Do you frequent Starwood/Marriott (Starriott) properties?

Would you be able to maximize both AFs for Platinum and SPG Luxury and meet the SUB spend requirements. Would you have any overlap with some benefits? Plus, don't forget CSP.