Have BCE... Want BCP. PC or apply?

[Anonymous]

My one year with my Amex BCE is coming to a close in a few weeks. Based on my use with the card, getting the Preferred version is a good move.

I assumed I'd just PC from the BCE to the BCP when the year was up (have to wait because of the AF law), but now I'm wondering if I should apply for the BCP instead and keep the BCE around.

For those of you who have been in a similar situation, how do the credit limits on the second card compare to that of the first card?

If I was a bit more directed in my spending I could probably get over the $6000 threshold, but not by much. Another signup bonus is always nice.

Any thoughts?

[Themanwhocan]

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@Anonymous wrote:

My one year with my Amex BCE is coming to a close in a few weeks. Based on my use with the card, getting the Preferred version is a good move.

I assumed I'd just PC from the BCE to the BCP when the year was up (have to wait because of the AF law), but now I'm wondering if I should apply for the BCP instead and keep the BCE around.

For those of you who have been in a similar situation, how do the credit limits on the second card compare to that of the first card?

If I was a bit more directed in my spending I could probably get over the $6000 threshold, but not by much. Another signup bonus is always nice.

Any thoughts?

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Apply. If you are denied, its only a soft pull so no harm. If approved, they will do a HP, but you get the sign up bonus that way in addition to the amount of additional credit they are willing to give you at this time.

[Anonymous]

Okay. I have 7 inquiries in the last 2 years on Experian, 3 in the last month (two from Comcast with spurious origin...)

I think 2 new accounts that haven't hit Experian yet.

Are they angsty about recent inquiries?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Okay. I have 7 inquiries in the last 2 years on Experian, 3 in the last month (two from Comcast with spurious origin...)

I think 2 new accounts that haven't hit Experian yet.

Are they angsty about recent inquiries?

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What the heck? Unless you had bad credit, I dont know why comcast would HP you? Never happened to me before.

You should be fine, why not, and you can still convert later. I don't think they would think any less of you either way????

I know when I have my Amex ED for 12 months, next may, I am evaluating all spend between my ed/prg/delta. I may decide to app for EDP then close my ED and possibly PRG....but the way things are I think I will keep everything as is.  The bulk of my amex transactions are for dining on the PRG, more than enough to offset the $195-$100 travel credit.  Dont use much for gas or groceries either, as I prefer Sams Club and farmers markets.  I guess I would be better off with the EDP and buy gift cards at grocery stores, but 90% of the places I eat at dont have gift cards to begin with.

I know some folks dont travel and need the cash back, I get that. But if you look at the chart in my signature, you will see that few situations warrant a BCP anyway. Most you'd get is 200-300 a year at near 6%.

[Anonymous]

I'm not certain what Comcast's deal is. I had an account with them a number of years ago. More out of curiosity than anything I inquired about service to my current address and they pulled it twice. I've called back and forth a few times and I think I can get them off, but really I'm just trying to not get mad about the whole thing. Their customer service is so very bad.

Anywho.

Yeah, I don't travel much. 

My biggest expenses:

1. Rent and Insurance-Amex Fidelity ($1100/mo @2%)

2. Groceries+phone card/occasional Target card ($350/mo @3%)

3. Eating out and entertainment ($200 mo @2%)

4. Gas ($100/mo @2%)

Current rewards with BCE=$11ish, and less annual fee the BCP would yield $18ish. So it's worth the extra ~$80 a year for me.

Whenever I do travel, my CSP steps in. The ability to combine points/cash for booking makes it not super pertinent for me to focus spending on Chase cards. I just break even on the AF with the CSP when you include yearly airline ticket spending, but the customer service is so great I'll probably hold on to it.

[Anonymous]

If you can shift most of your fuel purchases into fuel gift cards at a coded supermarket, you will have your annual fee back on that alone. Thats where I stand. 13 months comes in march. Id see over 700 a year cash back on 15k grocery spend, with the 3% initial rate included.

[Themanwhocan]

You might also consider getting a Bank of America Better Balance Rewards, for an extra $100 cash back a year with minimal spending.

[Anonymous]

Apped and was approved with $2900. I guess I can't complain

[Anonymous]

Fordguy which card are you referring to when you referenced those numbers?

[lord_kinbote]

You should have PC'd. By apping, you took a HP and added a new trade line. The sign up bonus does not warrant the referenced damage.