Im not a fan of carrying a balance.... but ... she should wait for the statement before paying off one of her own cards at least.... there needs to be some utilization and PIF before statement does NOT do that... Can pay all the other cards in full anytime (some like before statement, others like after...) There are people who know the percentages and stuff better than I do.. I also expect Discover might let her apply solo after 6-12 months with the Citi card... If shed like a discover (and in her situation its a good card to go for once the Citi card has established a bit)... id consider applying for discovers free monthly credit scorecard.... my rationale is twofold.... Discover gives you a real fico score for free.. you can see a snapshot of a report... PLUS... she may get targeted offers... (do NOT take them for at least 6 months however... still think it be a denial untill then)
(Zero) Whats your take on it?
@Anonymous wrote:So quick followup-
We took the advice given and she was approved for an Amex Blue card as well. Decided against any other cards with annual fees since she already have the double cash and that is fee free. The idea is the build her file so that she can apply for a card with a great signup bonus down the road.
At this point she has the Citi Double Cash and the Amex Blue that are solely in her name so we plan to just hang tight for a while.
At what point do folks think it would make sense to apply for a premium card like the Sapphire Reserve, SPG Amex etc that have some additional perks?
My gut says it would be at the end of the next year, but would love whatever input people might have.
Thanks again!
Didnt see this...
End of next year would be my guess too.. I know Chase likes a full year of experience with a CC ..... Yes some have gotten earlier....
Esp seeing the reason they declined her.... I waited almost 2 years but a year should be fine...
About this time next year would probably work great.....
Still would consider the secured share loan in her name... Yes i realize shes on the morgage but ... again this is a tradeline in her name with an installment loan.
Hoping for some other tradelines that are entirely in her name....
Like to hear how it goes....
(On the Citi DC.. you may be able to get a soft CLI online but you have to read it carefully after 6mos)
(Also id aggressively try to go for the CLI increases on the Amex as well... The 61day 3x thing doesnt work quite like it used to but id give it a go... also SP's)
Idea is to show experience with higher CLs ... esp for the CSP/CSR.... CSP used to be a min of 5K .... Think CSR is 10K min limit (for approval)
@Anonymous wrote:So quick followup-
We took the advice given and she was approved for an Amex Blue card as well. Decided against any other cards with annual fees since she already have the double cash and that is fee free. The idea is the build her file so that she can apply for a card with a great signup bonus down the road.
At this point she has the Citi Double Cash and the Amex Blue that are solely in her name so we plan to just hang tight for a while.
At what point do folks think it would make sense to apply for a premium card like the Sapphire Reserve, SPG Amex etc that have some additional perks?
My gut says it would be at the end of the next year, but would love whatever input people might have.
Thanks again!
I don't think she needs any more cards at this point.
With the 2 cards she'll be able to get the score up nicely.
Just let 1 report at zero, and the other report at 5% or so.
When her score is soaring then she can apply for whatever she wants but I wouldn't add cards unless they really mean something.
