Tempted to apply for PNC or AmEx, any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Okay thinking about adding one more card for now.  Maybe shouldn't and feel free to slam me if you think it's a bad idea.  Considering PNC Cash Rewards or an AmEx as my Exp score is currently my best.  Wanting BT/intro APR offers and cash back (I fear planes, will never travel that way unless I have to). 

My Exp is 681 (Eq 669 and TU 675).  No open loan but a closed positive car loan.  Only negative is a 30 day late from 22 months ago on Target card.  Total Util is 21% (two $300 limit cards are currently showing just over the 68.9 threshold, rest are under 28.9 with one showing 0 balance).  I have two inqs each on Exp and Eq and 5 on TU.  AAoA 4 years 11 months, oldest account 11 years 6 months (closed, my oldest open one is almost 4 years old), newest account was just added this month and has the zero balance.  3 bank cards, 3 retail cards currently open.  AmEx shows no preapproved offers for me, I know that doesn't always mean you can't get in with them though.  There is no option that I see to check preapproval on PNC. 

Am I crazy? Or if you think I'm not crazy lol any pointers on AmEx to try? I have never had them and they have so many cards I'm a bit overwhelmed at what would be good to try for.  My main spends would be dining, gas, and household bills with CC payment option.  Income under $30k so high-spend bonus offers may not apply to me but a smaller one might work out.  Reason I'm considering a new one now is because I'll be putting a zero interest purchase on my Amazon card for a swingset for my daughter so whether now or next couple months my util may not be much different even with paying other stuff down/off at reporting date...

[Anonymous]

Forgot to add my DTI is 4%.

[Remedios]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Okay thinking about adding one more card for now.  Maybe shouldn't and feel free to slam me if you think it's a bad idea.  Considering PNC Cash Rewards or an AmEx as my Exp score is currently my best.  Wanting BT/intro APR offers and cash back (I fear planes, will never travel that way unless I have to). 

My Exp is 681 (Eq 669 and TU 675).  No open loan but a closed positive car loan.  Only negative is a 30 day late from 22 months ago on Target card.  Total Util is 21% (two $300 limit cards are currently showing just over the 68.9 threshold, rest are under 28.9 with one showing 0 balance).  I have two inqs each on Exp and Eq and 5 on TU.  AAoA 4 years 11 months, oldest account 11 years 6 months (closed, my oldest open one is almost 4 years old), newest account was just added this month and has the zero balance.  3 bank cards, 3 retail cards currently open.  AmEx shows no preapproved offers for me, I know that doesn't always mean you can't get in with them though.  There is no option that I see to check preapproval on PNC. 

Am I crazy? Or if you think I'm not crazy lol any pointers on AmEx to try? I have never had them and they have so many cards I'm a bit overwhelmed at what would be good to try for.  My main spends would be dining, gas, and household bills with CC payment option.  Income under $30k so high-spend bonus offers may not apply to me but a smaller one might work out.  Reason I'm considering a new one now is because I'll be putting a zero interest purchase on my Amazon card for a swingset for my daughter so whether now or next couple months my util may not be much different even with paying other stuff down/off at reporting date...

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I dont know about PNC, but I dont think Amex is a good fit for you right now. 

Between a recent derog (in credit time, lol) and high utilization multiple  cards , you're looking at that $500-$1000 limit, if approved. 

I'd wait on that app. 

[Anonymous]

I have been a customer on PNC for 10 years, good savings, got a secured card from them as well with 100% payments every time for 2 years. They denied me after inviting me to apply. I will be carefull with them. If you have to apply go to the local branch and check with them and apply there. Personally I will never ever apply with them as I felt such a long solid relationship did not mean anything but every case is unique.

[xaximus]

Personally, I would bring your UTI down and work on your current crop of cards. If your TCL is at 22% then, that's one threshold being crossed and also, having 68.9% showing on any card is a possible red flag. I would work down your current balances under 9% and then see what your scores are. Also, with the late, have you tried reaching out to Target to possibly remove it (goodwill).

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the replies and talking me down from the ledge. My original plan was to wait before any new apps anyway but my mind runs and I get that itch. Sorry to hear about that denial, definitely unfortunate that a relationship didn't seem to matter. As for GW on my late I haven't decided yet if I will try it. I tend to be hard on myself and feel like I should just accept the punishment for my bad deed but I know it will help a bunch in my future endeavors if I can get it removed.

[Remedios]

Hey, dont feel bad.
Most of us goofed up at some point. Just keep going forward.
If it makes you feel any better, I goofed up many many moons ago by forgetting to buy stamps, then forgetting to mail checks.

Clean as a whistle for the past 15 years , and you will be too one day.

[CreditInspired]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Okay thinking about adding one more card for now.  Maybe shouldn't and feel free to slam me if you think it's a bad idea.  Considering PNC Cash Rewards or an AmEx as my Exp score is currently my best.  Wanting BT/intro APR offers and cash back (I fear planes, will never travel that way unless I have to). 

My Exp is 681 (Eq 669 and TU 675).  No open loan but a closed positive car loan.  Only negative is a 30 day late from 22 months ago on Target card.  Total Util is 21% (two $300 limit cards are currently showing just over the 68.9 threshold, rest are under 28.9 with one showing 0 balance).  I have two inqs each on Exp and Eq and 5 on TU.  AAoA 4 years 11 months, oldest account 11 years 6 months (closed, my oldest open one is almost 4 years old), newest account was just added this month and has the zero balance.  3 bank cards, 3 retail cards currently open.  AmEx shows no preapproved offers for me, I know that doesn't always mean you can't get in with them though.  There is no option that I see to check preapproval on PNC. 

Am I crazy? Or if you think I'm not crazy lol any pointers on AmEx to try? I have never had them and they have so many cards I'm a bit overwhelmed at what would be good to try for.  My main spends would be dining, gas, and household bills with CC payment option.  Income under $30k so high-spend bonus offers may not apply to me but a smaller one might work out.  Reason I'm considering a new one now is because I'll be putting a zero interest purchase on my Amazon card for a swingset for my daughter so whether now or next couple months my util may not be much different even with paying other stuff down/off at reporting date...

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IMHO, don't apply for any cards until your total aggregate UT is under 8.9%. Having two $300 CL cards at 69% is kind of like living on the edge. Just my 2cents.

[Anonymous]

Understood! And thank you Remedios for the encouragement!