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Best card to apply for- thin credit file.

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Zenway
New Member

Best card to apply for- thin credit file.

Hi! I'm new here and thankful for any advice. I have good credit (775-790) but a thin file, and currently only have one old chase cc card in good standing with a 3k limit and zero utilization. I'm not very experienced with credit for my age- my husband closed some old joint cards (0 balance, perfect payment history) which now I realize was not the best choice- and we usually pay for things without credit. Now interested in expanding to have more credit, utilizing rewards, and will pay off everything in full each month. Except- we have an upcoming move and it would be great to do some of the furniture in installments. I also don't want to raise my utilization too much though and affect my score, so not sure what's best. Also looking at sometime in next year needing an auto loan. Sorry for the scattered info! Just wondering if anyone has advice on the best card to apply for to get the highest minimum limit, best for my situation, or if anyone recommends store cards (like the ikea one) for interest free spaced out payment for big items like furniture.  Just started focusing on this stuff! Income decent but not high- roughly 80k. Thanks! 

Message 1 of 11
10 REPLIES 10
AllZero
Mega Contributor

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.


@Zenway wrote:

Hi! I'm new here and thankful for any advice. I have good credit (775-790) but a thin file, and currently only have one old chase cc card in good standing with a 3k limit and zero utilization. I'm not very experienced with credit for my age- my husband closed some old joint cards (0 balance, perfect payment history) which now I realize was not the best choice- and we usually pay for things without credit. Now interested in expanding to have more credit, utilizing rewards, and will pay off everything in full each month. Except- we have an upcoming move and it would be great to do some of the furniture in installments. I also don't want to raise my utilization too much though and affect my score, so not sure what's best. Also looking at sometime in next year needing an auto loan. Sorry for the scattered info! Just wondering if anyone has advice on the best card to apply for to get the highest minimum limit, best for my situation, or if anyone recommends store cards (like the ikea one) for interest free spaced out payment for big items like furniture.  Just started focusing on this stuff! Income decent but not high- roughly 80k. Thanks! 


@Zenway  Are you a member of a credit union? Have you considered joining one?

 

CU's to join for Savings Rate now and possible Credit Products later!

Message 2 of 11
Zenway
New Member

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.

Hi. Not a member of a credit union. Why would this be a good idea? ThanksSmiley Happy

Message 3 of 11
AllZero
Mega Contributor

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.


@Zenway wrote:

Hi. Not a member of a credit union. Why would this be a good idea? ThanksSmiley Happy


In general, they tend to be more generous with starting limits, APR, SUB Sign Up Bonus, promos, auto loans, etc.

 

I would recommend Navy Federal Credit Union (member restrictions), Pentagon Federal Credit Union, DCU, local, etc.

Message 4 of 11
Zenway
New Member

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.

Thank you so much! I'll check that out. 

Message 5 of 11
M_Smart007
Legendary Contributor

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.

Thin File ...

 

Discover

Capital One

 

I am sure there are a few others.

Check the pre-qualify page .. I'd shoot for Discover first.

As Cap. One is (3) HP's

 

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/List-of-Soft-pull-PREAPPROVALs-Updated-11-29-...

 

edited for several spelling errors

Message 6 of 11
AllZero
Mega Contributor

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.


@Zenway wrote:

Thank you so much! I'll check that out. 


To assist you on your journey, I would recommend reading the below from credit_is_crack

The "Which Banks Pull Which Report For Apps" list

Message 7 of 11
M_Smart007
Legendary Contributor

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.


@Zenway wrote:

Hi. Not a member of a credit union. Why would this be a good idea? ThanksSmiley Happy


Joining a credit union is a good way to diversify  .. away from main stream banks.

Message 8 of 11
thornback
Senior Contributor

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.

Hi and welcome to the forums! 

 

You say you have an upcoming move - are you/will you be seeking a mortgage? 

 

If so, it's recommended not to open any new accounts in the 12 months prior to apping and securing your mortgage loan. 

 

If you're not seeking a mortgage, then app on -  i absolutely endorse the credit union suggestion and you may want to also consider Amex - they are thin-file friendly, usually generous with starting limits for those with clean credit and good income, and they can grow quickly with limit increases at 6 month intervals. You can try their pre-qualification page and see if anything pops up. 

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Message 9 of 11
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Best card to apply for- thin credit file.


@Zenway wrote:

Hi! I'm new here and thankful for any advice. I have good credit (775-790) but a thin file, and currently only have one old chase cc card in good standing with a 3k limit and zero utilization. I'm not very experienced with credit for my age- my husband closed some old joint cards (0 balance, perfect payment history) which now I realize was not the best choice- and we usually pay for things without credit. Now interested in expanding to have more credit, utilizing rewards, and will pay off everything in full each month. Except- we have an upcoming move and it would be great to do some of the furniture in installments. I also don't want to raise my utilization too much though and affect my score, so not sure what's best. Also looking at sometime in next year needing an auto loan. Sorry for the scattered info! Just wondering if anyone has advice on the best card to apply for to get the highest minimum limit, best for my situation, or if anyone recommends store cards (like the ikea one) for interest free spaced out payment for big items like furniture.  Just started focusing on this stuff! Income decent but not high- roughly 80k. Thanks! 


You should try to get prequalified first. They are soft pull meaning to say no inquiry on your report.  I have posted some links below for you to check if you have any offers. PenFed and Navy federal have good credit cards. They also offer low interest on other products.

 

https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/preapprove/

https://www.discovercard.com/application/preapproval/initial

https://online.bbvausa.com/apply/credit-card-prequal

https://www.bbt.com/offers/checkOffers

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/check-for-offers/

Message 10 of 11
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