Hey FICO'ers! 
So as many of us, credit addicts, know AMEX's backdating for recently new cardholders starts January 1.
On December 4, I was approved for my PRG (Premiere Rewards Gold) card. I do not plan to keep my American Express PRG card after about a year and a half strictly based on the $175 annual fee that will kick in. I would, however, like to keep my foot in the door with AMEX. I've decided a way to do that would be to get one of their no annual fee cards that would actually benefit me such as the Everyday or BCE (Blue Cash Everyday) that I would keep in my wallet for a very long time.
So here is my problem:
If I were to get a BCE or Everyday card here in the next few days, it would literally be in the sock drawer until my PRG's annual fee kicks in after the second year. Would AMEX cancel the card because of no usage? I would like for my AAoA to be extended because one of my 2015 goals is to get a Chase Freedom, but I don't want to upset AMEX. I currently have 5 inquiries on my Experian report.
So what would you folks do in my situation? Would you apply for the Everyday (or BCE) in January '15 or would you wait and apply later on in the year or right before the annual fee on the PRG kicks in? Do you think it wouldn't matter regardless?
@Anonymous wrote:Hey FICO'ers!
So as many of us, credit addicts, know AMEX's backdating for recently new cardholders starts January 1.
On December 4, I was approved for my PRG (Premiere Rewards Gold) card. I do not plan to keep my American Express PRG card after about a year and a half strictly based on the $175 annual fee that will kick in. I would, however, like to keep my foot in the door with AMEX. I've decided a way to do that would be to get one of their no annual fee cards that would actually benefit me such as the Everyday or BCE (Blue Cash Everyday) that I would keep in my wallet for a very long time.
So here is my problem:
If I were to get a BCE or Everyday card here in the next few days, it would literally be in the sock drawer until my PRG's annual fee kicks in after the second year. Would AMEX cancel the card because of no usage? I would like for my AAoA to be extended because one of my 2015 goals is to get a Chase Freedom, but I don't want to upset AMEX. I currently have 5 inquiries on my Experian report.
So what would you folks do in my situation? Would you apply for the Everyday (or BCE) in January '15 or would you wait and apply later on in the year or right before the annual fee on the PRG kicks in? Do you think it wouldn't matter regardless?
To be honest. It does not matter. That 1 year of backdating will only give a few points in any case. Now if you were backdating for many years. That's another story. Think of it as a long term relationship. Regardless of which card you get. In order not to risk account closure. Put small charge every 6 months. That simple. Provided you get approved. But in any case. AAOA is overrated at best in fico. And there's no point in trying to milk every point. Of your score. I just think backdating is overrated unless you are going back at least 3-4 years. Or 10 or more. 1 year ds so tiny in big scheme of things.
As an existing Amex Member, I'm pretty sure January is the one time you will hear consensus from this board to apply for another 
Goodluck!