Hello,
I'm in the Garden wanting to apply for the Chase Freedom Flex. I'm currently at 4/24, but I'm not sure if I should keep gardening or apply. I can't really find anywhere to check for Pre-approvals other than credit journey and mail offers.
I was thinking of gardening for a couple of months either until I only have 1 Inquiry on my Experian (My other reports have 1 and 0 Inquiries atm). Or until I'm 2/24 if I don't get any Pre-Approvals.
Is my credit report good enough to apply for the Chase Freedom? Or should I keep gardening? Thanks!
Here are my data points
| Accounts | Credit Lines | Ages |
| Discover It Cash Back 5% | $15,200 | 2 years and 5 months |
| Apple Card | $8,500 | 2 years and 1 month |
| American Express Hilton Honors | $15,000 | 2 years and 1 month |
| Costco Anywhere VISA Signature | $7,000 | 1 year and 8 months |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | $2,500 | 1 year and 7 months |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $5,000 | 1 year and 3 months |
| American Express (Rose) Gold | NPSL | 7 months |
| TCL $53,200 | AAOA 1 year and 8 months |
Credit Reports:
Experian Score 743 (Hard Inquires 6) (Credit Utilization 13%)
Equifax Score 731 (Hard Inquires 1) (Credit Utilization 15%)
TransUnion Score 733 (Hard Inquires 0) (Credit Utilization 15%)
@FinStar wrote:It appears your overall credit utilization is in a decent boundary, but just curious...are you carrying balances on all of your cards or some? Are there any cards reporting >30% individually?
I carry balaces on some for rewards and cash back, but I always pay them in full. There is about two that has a big balance, one I always pay in full since I use it for bills. And the other one is Apple Card Installments for my phone and my roomates, I think that one might be over 30%.
I do want to apply in confidence, so If my utilization on one of my cards is a concern, I can wait until it goes down.
@FinStar wrote:couple options to check for pre-approved offers: at the branch by speaking to a personal banker to see whether your customer profile has any offers or via your online profile under "Just for you" -- look for any black/green stars. As far as the pre-qualification portal, that appears to have been discontinued for the time being.
Otherwise, you can always just apply and see what it yields for you.
I thought the "Just for You" section disappeared along with the pre-qualify portal?
Well, I would say that your file is young - but the Freedom is as close as Chase has to a starter card.
You would likely get approved, not sure on SL.
Your file needs to age some to run with the big dogs, though.
@FinStar wrote:
@MomoMango wrote:
@FinStar wrote:It appears your overall credit utilization is in a decent boundary, but just curious...are you carrying balances on all of your cards or some? Are there any cards reporting >30% individually?
I carry balaces on some for rewards and cash back, but I always pay them in full. There is about two that has a big balance, one I always pay in full since I use it for bills. And the other one is Apple Card Installments for my phone and my roomates, I think that one might be over 30%.
I do want to apply in confidence, so If my utilization on one of my cards is a concern, I can wait until it goes down.
@FinStar wrote:couple options to check for pre-approved offers: at the branch by speaking to a personal banker to see whether your customer profile has any offers or via your online profile under "Just for you" -- look for any black/green stars. As far as the pre-qualification portal, that appears to have been discontinued for the time being.
Otherwise, you can always just apply and see what it yields for you.
I thought the "Just for You" section disappeared along with the pre-qualify portal?
No, "Just for you" is a separate internal platform than the public portal for pre-approvals. In fact, within a week ago or so there were a couple members who were pre-approved and subsequently approved via "Just for you" offers through their online account.
Ohhh, Alright. I think I just found it in the app. I'll definitely look out for them if I get any 
@MomoMango You stated you wanted to apply with confidence, and I have the same tendancy to play it safe. So, coming from play-it-safe guy:
In 5 short (or long, depending on perspective) months you will be at 2/24. Your last app with Amex Gold will also be one-year old at that time, making you 1/12. (CSP) Those will look really good for you on the Chase FF app. You can also check during that time to see if there are any SP CLI's you could get on your existing cards to help with your overall UTI%.
Whenever you do decide to app:
1) I would make sure no individual cards are above 30% UTI
2) Preferably all cards below 9% UTI individually, if possible
3) Total UTI% across all limits under 9% UTI ($4750/$53,200)
This is what would give me the most confidence, if it were me. 5 more months would give you time to try to reach those thresholds. And prior to the month you plan to actually app, I would pay down most of the cards prior to statement so the UTI% are updated. Other than that, I think your scores certainly support it and the lower your UTI%, the better those scores will look prior to the app.
On Deck: No Plans Currently
@Taurus22 wrote:@MomoMango You stated you wanted to apply with confidence, and I have the same tendancy to play it safe. So, coming from play-it-safe guy:
In 5 short (or long, depending on perspective) months you will be at 2/24. Your last app with Amex Gold will also be one-year old at that time, making you 1/12. (CSP) Those will look really good for you on the Chase FF app. You can also check during that time to see if there are any SP CLI's you could get on your existing cards to help with your overall UTI%.
Whenever you do decide to app:
1) I would make sure no individual cards are above 30% UTI
2) Preferably all cards below 9% UTI individually, if possible
3) Total UTI% across all limits under 9% UTI ($4750/$53,200)
This is what would give me the most confidence, if it were me. 5 more months would give you time to try to reach those thresholds. And prior to the month you plan to actually app, I would pay down most of the cards prior to statement so the UTI% are updated. Other than that, I think your scores certainly support it and the lower your UTI%, the better those scores will look prior to the app.
I want my file to look the best, not only to get accepted.. but to get a good CL as well. I'm definitely gonna stay in the garden and work on my utilization.
5 months isnt very long for me since i have a busy life, and i felt uneasy about applying since I didn't know if i was ready yet. Now I'm sure of my garden goal! Thanks! (I'm also gonna work on those credit lines on my cards, is a Chase hard pull for a Cli even worth it? Just Curious)