Applying for new cards?

[Anonymous]

I have the Chase Marriott Rewards card which I use as my regular card.  I would like to add some more cards, but I don't know what I should add.  Any advice would be appreciated.  I was prequalified for the Citi Double Rewards and the AmEx Cash Back.  I would prefer the Chase Sapphire, but I wasn't prequalified for any Chase products.  Also, if we're looking into buying a house at the end of the year, should I stay away from opening any new cards for a while?  Sorry for any rambling!

[FinStar]

If you're entertaining a mortgage in less than 8 months, I'd suggest waiting until after closing on your house before applying or obtaining any new CCs.

[Anonymous]

Thanks!  Should I ask Chase for a CLI?  I've only had the card for a couple of months, but I've heard such horror stories about Chase and how fickle they are, I don't know if it'll be worth it.

[FinStar]

Anytime you request a CLI with Chase, it will be a HP - in some cases a double HP.
And since your card may be fairly new in their eyes (<6 months), then it's likely that may yield a fruitless effort.

That being said, I'd refrain from any HP activities prior to the mortgage process IMO.

[me12345]

You dont say much about your current situation...But, if you only have one card now, having 1 or 2 more would probably help your credit score for buying a house later.

Applying for more credit now will NOT keep you from buying a house later.

Qualifying for a Mortgage is all about the FICO score and the Debt to Income Ratio (DTI) not inquires or utilization.

Thanks,