Why are you applying?

[MrsCHX]

---

@Blackswizz750 wrote:

I apply for general use as I dont make enough to chase bonuses. Its nice to have them for UTIL and to be there for big purchases. Not worried about status because even folks who dont make a lot can get most cards if they have the profile. I am a rebuilder so I apped a lot my first year. If I get a few bonuses or rewards, I save them. 

---

This post made me remember a point on the 'status' question...I love the design of the AMEX BCE. I think it's a beautiful card!  But most places use chip readers and no one even gets to see my gorgeous card! LOL!

The kids that work at the movie theater really like my Captain America card though!

[Anonymous]

At the moment I'm applying for cards to keep my utilzation down. I do have a goals though as having a lot of open lines sounds nice, but with 13 already they're a lot to manage. I don't want to worry about keeping anymore than I already have active to avoid AA. In the end I have determined all I need are cards that fit my lifestyle. I only want a card to earn cash back or utilize 0% financing. These are the cards I'd like to have in my wallet at all times...

AMEX BCE - Gas & Department stores 2% cash back / Markets 3% cash back

Chase Freedom/Unlimited - 5% benefits depending on category / 1.5% all others

Blispay - 2% everywhere w/ 199+ 6 month 0%

Amazon Store - 5% cash back on amazon w/ 149+ 6-24 month 0% (prime is nice as well)

Walmart - 3% cash with w/ 149+ 0%

Paypal Credit (not a card) but 0% for 6 months after 99+

When I started my credit card sprees I just wanted one from all the big guys, but now I realize there is no point because all of them are so competitive with each other their benefits are equal. In the end I'll keep whoever gives me the lowest APR with the biggest limits. All I want is 100k in credit from 6-7 cards that fit nicely in my back pocket.

Side note I don't do much traveling right now, but someday I will, so I'm debating on what beats Venture. I already have a Capital One Signature so I was just going to try to product change it since Chase has matched Cap 1 with 1.5% everywhere. Getfinal is also on my wish list for the unlimited card generation with set limit for all of my subscriptions or purchases from random online retailers. 

[Anonymous]

I app for maximizing rewards. I stick to cards with a cashback option at 1 point=1 cent. Signup bonuses are something that may make me wait before getting an extra 1% in one or two categories to get an extra $100, as I plan to keep and use every one of my cards (besides 2 I got early in my credit intro, that I'm debating on closing, but occassionally I get great promos that make me keep them in use). I'll even share my interested cards/wishlist:

I thought about getting a BCE, but decided it isn't worth the 1% extra in one category, but am open to the BCP when I spend more than $3200 yearly in groceries, for the extra 1% in gas and select dept stores also. And AMEX's Entertainment Access and Offers (which I am planning on never using to properly put the guarunteed value in my mind). But I don't like the $25 increments only and the get points from the previous month system. So not a huge need.

The Cap1 Premier Dining Card tempts me because of a trip I'm planning on taking internationally. But otherwise I already get 3% on dining and 2% on everything else, so not much use. But because of the no min redemption, I could use this on groceries and some dining to keep it active and not take a rewards hit. Until the trip is confirmed though, I will not app for this card.

I don't travel much, but the TravElite card tempts me for the $100 yearly travel credit and Global Entry reimbursement. Being an Amex, this probably would only be used for travel, even when abroad. Seeing as my only big bill doesn't take Amex, I don't think I can get the spend bonus (I am trying to cut back spending and don't make purchases to meet spending requirements. Though I will take a small off category hit to finish a spend bonus and will make future purchases earlier when I can afford it) , which makes me less interested. Though 1.5% on non travel purchases makes this a solid card for a one or two card user (without a DC, or other 2% card). But I usually fly Southwest if I have to domestically, so the travel credit may not be useful in most situations.

And the Sapphire Preferred/Reserve is the other travel card I'm considering for when I can take a trip with my points on my Freedom card, but I'm still happy to just take a statement credit. And Chase never seems to like giving me CLI, especially since I don't want to take a HP over them.

[AverageJoesCredit]

I apply because if you dont you dont get credit


No bonus hunting for this joe, no mula, honestly applied to get me to a point i can have a thick profile, and a great score so that the best rates are available when needed and if you ever need something that you need to use credit, having good credit is better than having none

[Anonymous]

The only reason I have a chase sapphire reserve is because the 100k in bonus points will pay for all my daughters gymnastic competitions rooms in Denver this year. 6 trips 12 nights mostly for free.

[Anonymous]

Rewards, general usage and score increase for me! I just took a look at my spending categories and rewards for each. I'm pretty pleased with my blend!

Gas: 3.75% - BOA Cash Rewards (25% bonus as gold client)

Dining: 4.5% - Chase Reserve (1.5X point booster)

Hotels: 4.5% - Chase Reserve (sometimes 5% if booked through AMEX site)

Airfare: 5% - Amex Plat

Rental Cars: 4.5% - Chase Reserve

General Travel: 4.5% Chase Reserve

Cell Phone: 5% - US Bank Cash+

Fast Food: 5% - US Bank Cash+

Groceries: 6% - Amex BCP

Gift Certs: 6% Amex BCP

Department Stores: 3% - Amex BCP

Wholesale Clubs: 2.5% BOA Cash Rewards (25% bonus as gold client)

All Else: 2.25% - Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5X booster when transferred to CSR UR)

Quarterly Spending Categories: 7.5% - Chase Freedom (1.5X booster when transferred to CSR UR)

Online Shopping: Chase Shopping Portal - I've gotten deals up to 10X points while doing online shopping through the Chase portal. It's great!

Special perks:

 - Priority Pass access: CSR

 - Centurion Lounge access: AMEX Plat

 - Hilton and SPG gold status: AMEX Plat

 - Primary rental car insurance: CSR

 - Shop Runner: AMEX Plat and BCP

 - Concierge: AMEX Plat

 - Fine Hotel and Resorts Collection - Plat and CSR

 - $200 Uber credit: AMEX Plat

 - $300 travel credit: CSR

 - $200 airline credit: AMEX Plat

Signup bonuses are great and I've definitely taken advantage of them while building up my portfolio, but personally I'm looking for long term, sustainable rewards. 

Ok and as much as I hate to admit it, I really do love using my metal cards when paying for dinners  

[Creditplz]

I apply for credit mainly for sign up bonuses, since I don't fly much these cards (mostly) tend to be hotel cards, also i like the fact that some banks offer high SL although I've PIF since I can remember, it helps in the fact if I ever need to make a big purchase I can.

For my business I picked up the biz Marriott card for the Sign up bonus (80k) and for general spend although it will be PIF.

My DW usually only picks up cards for her wants, she picked up the Citi DP with 8k CL simply to get her extra wants for 0%/21 months.

[Blackswizz750]

I have the BCE  too and its the coolest design if you ask me, my kids call it my ice card.  I do like the Marvel cards too, didnt make the cut for it. No one really looks at cards anymore but sometimes someone will compliment it my cafe at work.

---

@MrsCHX wrote:

---

@Blackswizz750 wrote:

I apply for general use as I dont make enough to chase bonuses. Its nice to have them for UTIL and to be there for big purchases. Not worried about status because even folks who dont make a lot can get most cards if they have the profile. I am a rebuilder so I apped a lot my first year. If I get a few bonuses or rewards, I save them. 

---

This post made me remember a point on the 'status' question...I love the design of the AMEX BCE. I think it's a beautiful card!  But most places use chip readers and no one even gets to see my gorgeous card! LOL!

The kids that work at the movie theater really like my Captain America card though!

---

[Anonymous]

For me it's a mixture, for example my second unsecured card I set my sights on the freedom unlimited because I wanted to be in with Chase early since they have some of the best cards. I could've gotten a second amex, or used one of the million letters that disco sent me but I know for long term use Chase will be good to be in with.