Even with it being a year from now, I'm thinking about things I may need to do(besides gardening) to prep for an Aviator Red app. So after reading posts about interactions with Barclays, I have some questions.
- History - I've seen posts from other MF'ers who were denied due to a lack of history. By this time next year, my AAoA/AoOA/AoYA will all be two years with no inquiries or derogs. I expect my scores to be in the 750-770 range. Will I suffer the same denial fate due to only having two years of history? Should I wait an additional year before applying?
- Banking Relationship - I know that Barclays offers a savings account here in the US. So I was wondering if anyone can verify the ability to apply for a card while logged into one's online account like you can at Chase or Citi.
- American Airlines - I'm lifetime AAdvantage Gold with AA (1.2 million miles flown) and a member since 2003. I'm also expecting to become Exec Plat by the end of the year, so I spend a pretty penny on airfare. Will Barclays be able to see those details of my AA relationship when I apply?
@FinStar wrote:IMO, as long as your overall profile remains optimal, then you should be good. Given that they can be finicky with thinner or young profiles, try not add any new accounts or HPs at least 6-8 months before applying - and definitely not afterwards for a while.
I'm in the garden until I apply for the Barclays in 2020. After opening a Barclays card, is a year long enough? My overall credit plan is to app only once a year.
@FinStar wrote:I'm not certain if it functions the same as Citi or Chase tbh. However, it is my understanding that Barclays does not consider the depository side as an added "plus" when applying for any of their CC products.
Unfortunately, no. The AA loyalty information is not usually reviewed or evaluated for any approval consideration.
Well thats disappointing. 
@Anonymous wrote:Based on my experience, you definitely want to be under 5/24. BTW, any reason why the Barclay's card? Citi might be less finicky/easier.
I'll be 0/24 when I apply. The fact that I'll be at 0/24, 0 inquiries, no longer "new" accounts with higher scores was the reason I decided to garden for two years. If the two years isn't enough to get my foot in the door at Barclays, I may have to change my plan.
My real goal is the Aviator Silver because of the EQM/EQD bonus and they give three miles per dollar of AA spend compared to two miles with the Citi cards. Based on my work and personal travel last year, that amounts to an extra 40-50k miles. However, I do want both the Citi and Aviator cards eventually.
@Anonymous wrote:
Though with your profile, you may need to add a Prime card first. I've heard that Chase tends to shy away from thin files, so you might have to build a little more.
The only Chase cards I care about are the CSP/CSR. With my profile now, and even in 2020, I know they'll laugh at me. 
I won't consider them until I'm at an AOOA of at least 4 years.
@Anonymous wrote:
Since Amex Gold is on your list, once your EX breaks 700 I'd app for it. Having it may increase your chances with other lenders.
Its funny you mention that. Based on things I've been researching here, Amex has been looking better and better lately(luvs thin files, subsequent SP pulls...) . When my 1 derog falls off by this coming June, my EX score will definitely exceed 700. However, I think I will hold off until 2020. Very tempting though!
