Chase Applications Timeline

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I just reached a one year credit history and had been looking around at Chase CC for a while. My original plan was to apply for the CSR first (the one I needed the most) and then the FU and Freedom.
Obviously now is not the best time to apply for the CSR, and I am considering applying first to the FU instead, but I do not want to delay significantly the moment I would be able to reapply to the CSR (as I know Chase can be sensitive to close multiple applications). To give more details about my profile, current cards I have:

BoA CR (1yo) : 5k CL

Amex BCP (9mo) : 18k CL

I currently prequalify for the FU, Freedom and CSP; and I have been banking with Chase for almost 2y. Credit scores are ranging in the 720/730's across all 3 bureaus.

How long after applying to the FU would I become "eligible" again to apply safely to the CSR?

Thanks in advance, myFICO has always been really helpful!

[Remedios]

Depends.

If you do not apply for anything else, I'd say 6 months would be sufficient.

I dont think you'd be in danger of getting your Freedom shut down after 3 months, but your profile is very young, so I'd wait to build more history with Chase before attempting second application for the best results. 

Another reason is that Chase will in most cases extend as much credit as they feel comfortable up front, so longer you wait, better your chances are to get the limit needed for CSR.

While you do have one card with relatively large limit, you've only had it for short period of time, and Chase is not going to compete without knowing how you manage larger lines longer. 

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hello all,

I just reached a one year credit history and had been looking around at Chase CC for a while. My original plan was to apply for the CSR first (the one I needed the most) and then the FU and Freedom.
Obviously now is not the best time to apply for the CSR, and I am considering applying first to the FU instead, but I do not want to delay significantly the moment I would be able to reapply to the CSR (as I know Chase can be sensitive to close multiple applications). To give more details about my profile, current cards I have:

BoA CR (1yo) : 5k CL

Amex BCP (9mo) : 18k CL

I currently prequalify for the FU, Freedom and CSP; and I have been banking with Chase for almost 2y. Credit scores are ranging in the 720/730's across all 3 bureaus.

How long after applying to the FU would I become "eligible" again to apply safely to the CSR?

Thanks in advance, myFICO has always been really helpful!

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Since you are already pre-qualified for the CSP; why not apply for it now then product change it to the CSR after a year?  The CSP has a more generous signup bonus than the CSR and a lower annual fee.  This will also allow you to add another year of credit history by the time you apply to convert to the CSR.

BTW, how did you know why cards you pre-qualify for?  Do any of those offers have a green or black star/checkmark?  Usually when you select an online offer the others will disappear for several months.

In ordinary times the best approach would have been to go to a branch and ask a personal banker if you have any in-branch pre-qualifications (in-branch pre-quals different from those shown online, and are the closest to a guaranteed approval).  But in the current circumstances that's not possible and it will probably be several more weeks before Chase allows customers into their branch lobbies for face to face meetings.

[Remedios]

Chase has prequal tool that non members and members can use.

If they do not have an account with Chase, going to the branch even if possible wouldn't work. 

It's possible I misunderstood and OP actually uses Chase as their FI, I just didn't get that impression. 

[Anonymous]

So I actually am a Chase customer, and the prequalifications come from the offers page (marked with a black star).

The reason I do not apply to the CSP is that my ultimate target is the CSR, and I feel I could get it sooner if I do not apply for the CSP (which as you said would have me waiting for at least a year before being eligible for a product change to the CSR).

I wanted to get the CSR first, but given what's happening right now, I do not need it right now and could delay applying it by 6 months and apply for the FU in the meantime, if that would not harm my CSR application (and could even help to get some history with Chase)

[kdm31091]

Generally it's suggested to wait 3 months at bare minimum between Chase apps. With your file being thin and you being new to Chase (in the sense of credit cards at least) I would suggest 6 months between the apps. Like you said, no real rush for a travel card at the moment.

[Meanmchine]

If you live close to  Chase branch, you can speak with a banker and see if they can pre-approve you for the CSR.  Personally, Id go for the CSP first.

Good luck