In What Order? NFCU, Amex, BoA (or does it matter?)

[Anonymous]

Hi there!

  I'm ready to come out of the garden since my scores have increased quite a bit.  Transunion is at 744, and the other two should be similar within the next day or so, waiting for them to update.  I'm just not sure if I should apply for the new products I'd like in a certain order.

I plan to apply to the NFCU for both an auto loan and credit card.  Not sure which card is best just yet, and will probably do a balance transfer to it.

I'd also like to apply to American Express since they have 3-4 pre-approvals for me.  (FINALLY)

And last, I have a BoA card I've had for years that has sat with a $1500 limit.  I'd love to finally give that a bump since they have never bothered to give me an automatic CLI.  

Are any of these more sensitive to new apps/inquiries than the others?  (I currently have no inquiries)  

Thanks! 

[JSS3]

BofA is inquiry/new accounts sensitive when you are applying for your first card with them(in my experience). They pulled EX in my state(PA) for my card and denied me a couple of times until I called recon. Now that I'm in, the card has grown with HPs pn Transunion.

Amex pulls Experian for me. I don't find them to be inquiry sensitive.

No experience with NFCU.

[Anonymous]

Congrats on those Amex prequalifications!  Can I ask when the last time you checked was that didn't show any prequalifications?

[fltireguy]

A few ideas
Out of the 3, BOA is the most sensitive to inq and new accts. NFCU and Amex really don’t seem to be.
BOA will pull TU for a CLI. Ask for $20k limit. They’ll counter if they don’t want to do the whole $20k.

Amex will pull Ex, so they won’t even see the BOA HP on TU.

NFCU will pull TU for the card, and EQ or other loan products. Absolutely that after BOA though.. Based on your score, you should have a pretty good shot at a large CLI with BOA...

[Anonymous]

abcd2199, I wish I could remember!  I hadn't been keeping up with my score at all over the past year (it was about 100 points lower then), and recently started checking it again since I'd like to buy a new car.  

[Anonymous]

fltireguy - thank you!  

I didn't think about it earlier, but my BoA has a higher apr than I'd like.  I guess I should see if I could get that apr down before I'd even worry about a higher cli with them, since I wouldn't have much need for the card if I get one from NCFU or Amex with higher limits.  Hmm!

[fltireguy]

Get a CLI on BOA First. Then call in and try or an APR reduction. You should have a decent shot at it! Plus they will have the info from the CLI HP to go off of for your request