@Anonymous wrote:Go back here - ""As someone that applied and got denied I can say the offers are just marketing at its best. They don't hold water to any extent it's more dependent on what options you choose when filling out the form. I had the offer for PR and thought WTH and went for it with a prime profile and existing 65K CL with them.""
@Aim_High wrote:Yes, my FICO’s are basically 800+, listed in my siggy. TU 847. EQ 842. EX 802 -- Been there done that with the app and still declined w/ OFFER
I’m inclined to hold out longer, as I originally planned. I may prioritize the PR card ahead of others, though, since it seems BofA may be agreeable to doing business if I reach out with new money. Timing isn't the issue with this card it's your overall profile and the UW requirements that snag everyone on the approval.
I went as far as digging through the approvals and figuring it woud be an approval based on the stats listed in the posts. It's deceptively hard to get this card for some reason. It's not impossible but, it's a task in itself. You could go hide under a credit rock for a couple of years to avoid HP's and new accounts and still get shot down.
I know people tend not to like the denial experience but, what ifs and pondering things just spends time on something that's going to be a yes/no situation that's not worth wasting time on. The best and worst profiles around here have tried to get it.... It's one of those either you do or you don't hit the submit button. Nothing ventured? Nothing gained! (lost)
I see your point and there is no telling what the exact criteria is for PR. The banking relationship won’t hurt, and since I have a $300 incentive to set it up, it’s worth a try. Do it for a couple of months and then come back to it I think is my best option. But yeah, no need in waiting for the illusive “perfect opportunity” because there may be none!
The new account is all about marketing. I have the same offer as do probably most non-banking customers. I get offers from WF for $600 to open a checking account, Chase is $600,.... they all want to dig deeper into your financial life thinking it's a PITA to switch banks and they really don't offer anything worthwhile for APY or perks to avoid the FEES they're plagued with.
@Anonymous wrote:
Hello friend. Honestly, I had no idea that this card was difficult to obtain. I applied for, and accepted about 6 months ago, with SL of 30k. I do bank with BOFA, and have investments with Merrill. I was interested, because of the Preferred Rewards perk, and of course the $500 SUB. I never received an offer, just cold app. Looking at your relationship, and profile, I’d say you’re good to go. Best of luck, and let us know what you decide.
Like @TraumaNurse said, I also did not know this was difficult to obtain. I cold app'd for it in January of last year I think. I was instant approved for $17,000. I also (finally) hit the love button a couple weeks ago for $50k but they gave me $37,000 and with the letter stating, "The amount of credit extended to you by us and/or our affiliates meets or exceeds our maximums." I guess I might not be hitting that button again until some major income increase.
Anyway.... for some DPs, I have a Merrill Lynch IRA account since 2011 (not sure when they merged with BoA) and a Cash Rewards Visa from 2014. No other banking products.
You know I'm still not sure that how much you have with them is what greases the wheels. I won't deny that some folks have had no money with them, then dump a bunch in there and get approved, but I've never had any amount of large money with them (cash or investing) and I've been approved twice for this card.
First in 2017 when it first came out (got the SUB, then PC'd at end of year 1), and just got it again. I agree with the other posts though, I really think they'll hijack credit from your other card to fund this one, but stats wise I think you're in a good spot. It's hard to gauge who their preferred applicant is with this card, we just know they're reserved about letting it hit the masses. Many folks who have better profiles, make more money and longer histories with them are denied, but I'll get approved, twice! Can't explain it.
Like others have said, you might just have to take the plunge and see what happens. Submit a cold app and cross your fingers. Your scores are as top tier as they could ask so no sense waiting for those to go up. I've opened up quite a few new accounts and I've never found them to be new account sensitive, but with CLI's they'll throw it back in my face everytime 
Good luck and keep us posted!
@Anonymous wrote:The new account is all about marketing. I have the same offer as do probably most non-banking customers. I get offers from WF for $600 to open a checking account, Chase is $600,....
I have been inundated with mailing offers and online/app offers for Chase bank accounts of all types since I started adding new cards and charges. However, I’m pretty sure this BofA offer is new to me. Yes, I agree their fees and low interest payouts are abhorrent at the big banks. I won’t ever cancel my more lucrative credit union and online accounts, but I think there are ways to play the game with them to get premier benefits without losing your shirt. 
@Anonymous wrote:
Hello friend. Honestly, I had no idea that this card was difficult to obtain. I applied for, and accepted about 6 months ago, with SL of 30k. I do bank with BOFA, and have investments with Merrill. I was interested, because of the Preferred Rewards perk, and of course the $500 SUB. I never received an offer, just cold app. Looking at your relationship, and profile, I’d say you’re good to go. Best of luck, and let us know what you decide.
Thanks! Congrats your approval and nice SL! How you got the card is how I belive BofA intends for it to work, and when you fit the profile it works smoothly. You had a prior relationship so the UW was a breeze. Where some MyFico’ers have run into trouble is probably more just SUB-chasing and app sprees for too many cards more than anything, but especially with no BofA accounts. After all the DPs on here, it still appears having some level of banking improves your odds of approval. Yes, I will update later!