@444wealthy wrote:Hello, first forum topic here:
I was considering getting the Amazon Prime Visa card today, as I would get a $200 gift card right away and I need to order about $150-250 worth of groceries off Amazon today. I have Amazon Prime already.
This is the credit card by Chase, instead of the store Amazon card by Synchrony? I can't find more than one card option on Amazon.
Additionally, I'm looking for other card that has no annual fee, as I'm unemployed and attempting to spend less than $500 a month on bills and groceries.
While you're unemployed is not a good time to apply for credit. My advice is to hold off until you are employed.
I am also considering BILT for my next rental payment in September 2024.
Are there other good options of zero annual fee credit cards that are worth it for my finances right now? Or should I wait to take advantage of the first 90-day bonuses?
You should wait. There are countless cards available from countless lenders with no annual fee.
What happens if I don't end up enjoying a card? I've noticed people claim these cards as "sock drawer" or "chopping block" cards on this website. It's better to keep them open than close them right away, correct even it's only used once or twice?
It varies from person to person and from case to case.
In addition, if I get approved for Amazon Prime Visa today, and it makes a hard pull on my credit of 734, will it affect me being able to apply for BILT, Affinity FCU, or other cash reward credit cards in the future...how will an approval of one credit card affect other credit card approvals in the same month, or the rest of 2024. Is applying for multiple credit cards in the same month smart?
Yes. Many lenders look askance at a lot of recent inquiries and new accounts.
Am I correct that I shouldn't apply for cards with annual fees until I am working again and spending in the thousands monthly?
You should never apply for a card with an annual fee unless the value of the extra benefits it offers outweigh the fee.
I will be treating my credit cards as if they are debit cards, only spending what I actually have in the bank and paying it off right away.
I also have ADHD and struggle with remembering bill deadlines so I would enjoy credit cards with easy auto payments or user-friendly customer service or apps.
You shouldn't rely on memory. You have to develop a record keeping system.
Thank you
@444wealthy wrote:Hello, first forum topic here:
I was considering getting the Amazon Prime Visa card today, as I would get a $200 gift card right away and I need to order about $150-250 worth of groceries off Amazon today. I have Amazon Prime already.
This is the credit card by Chase, instead of the store Amazon card by Synchrony? I can't find more than one card option on Amazon.
Additionally, I'm looking for other card that has no annual fee, as I'm unemployed and attempting to spend less than $500 a month on bills and groceries.
I am also considering BILT for my next rental payment in September 2024.
Are there other good options of zero annual fee credit cards that are worth it for my finances right now? Or should I wait to take advantage of the first 90-day bonuses?
What happens if I don't end up enjoying a card? I've noticed people claim these cards as "sock drawer" or "chopping block" cards on this website. It's better to keep them open than close them right away, correct even it's only used once or twice?
In addition, if I get approved for Amazon Prime Visa today, and it makes a hard pull on my credit of 734, will it affect me being able to apply for BILT, Affinity FCU, or other cash reward credit cards in the future...how will an approval of one credit card affect other credit card approvals in the same month, or the rest of 2024. Is applying for multiple credit cards in the same month smart?
Am I correct that I shouldn't apply for cards with annual fees until I am working again and spending in the thousands monthly?
I will be treating my credit cards as if they are debit cards, only spending what I actually have in the bank and paying it off right away.
I also have ADHD and struggle with remembering bill deadlines so I would enjoy credit cards with easy auto payments or user-friendly customer service or apps.
Thank you
Hello and welcome
. Please share what your current credit profile looks like if you can like scores , how long have you had credit, any negatives, loans, etc. It can help others give better advice based solely off those to start.
The biggest red flag to me would be unemployed as credit card usually require a source of income. Perhaps you are married and can use spousal income in which you being currently unemployed wouldn't be too big of an issue if at all.
The Chase Amazon card is a good card with an excellent SUB right now and I would also recommend Discover cards in that they have double cash back first year and can often get additional 12 month 0% apr offers after the initial promo period. As stated by SJ above I would only get AF cards if they meet your spend not if you can spend thousands
. Of note as well, in today's credit card lending environment even one hp can affect future applications with different lenders so one needs to try to learn how each lender is currently lending ie their current patterns.
Please let us know more about your current situation if you can to get more detailed help. Best of luck and again welcome
