App Spree Advice/Questions

[Anonymous]

OP-  You may have a better chance with the CSP as opposed to the CSR - CSR has a min 10k SL. I know Chase likes to see 1 year of credit history - so you may need to wait until credit that was issued to you alone (not AU) has at least 1 year of positive data. And if it does meet the minimum threshold for age - I would think it would also need to be clean with no baddies and low credit utilazation. 

Amex is a more flexible I think for younger credit histories and you may have better luck with them. But remember AMeX Platinum is a charge card not a CC - you must pay it off every month so AMeX may be more interested in your income as well as your credit history,

If I were you - starting out - I would try to get the AMeX everyday card first - it is a great entry card if you can get it - then after 6 months with them and it is meeting your spending needs - I would upgrade it to the Everyday Preferred card if you use it enough it is well worth it. 

As for Chase - start with the Freedom and it's 5% categories and build up points. 

After you have had the Freedom for 6 months - then go for the CSR and if declined - the CSP.

That is my two cents anyways  

[Anonymous]

Yea. I stay at the Ritz, Marriott and Starwood hotels multiple times per year. Thats why I originally wanted the Ritz card. Like you said its going to be tough to hit those bonuses all at once. Maybe it would be best to take the Platinum and CSP if I get approved for both and then down the road get the SPG. I can hit both bonuses for the Platinum and the CSP.

[FinStar]

Meeting the SUB is really the main starting point to maximize value, otherwise it'll be a wasted effort if you can't meet both.
Basically throwing money out the window unless you're into that (blasphemy around here lol) or just want the card for the bling factor.

Optionally, if you're still interested in a SPG card, the non-Luxury version might have a decent SUB (currently 75K) when the time comes for you to apply for the Platinum. Plus the 1st year's AF is waived. Not necessarily 100K, but a more manageable spend for the SUB and more affordable alternative should you wish to go that route (eventually upgrade to Luxury if you wish).

[Anonymous]

Great! Thanks for all your input, I always like hearing from you! Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

Also, do you know if going in branch for Chase helps get an offer and an "easier" time getting approved?

[FinStar]

I'd say from my own experience and reading various DPs, branch pre-approvals would certainly fare a better outcome. Not always, but for the most part.

And, while nothing is guaranteed, that would be my approach. Definite keep checking online (if you currently bank with Chase) to determine whether the green checkmark displays with an offer. The time when these display for folks can vary.