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So my most recent two cards turn 6 months this weekend and I'm looking to use this time to complete my card collection for the foreseeable future. In the 6 months since I've had these new cards I've cleared my reports of all collections through GoodWill letters and seen marked improvements in my scores (+80 points EX, +60 points EQ, +40 points TU) as well. The cards I'd like to apply for are:
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Looking to head to Japan for a vacation this summer and will be traveling to conferences now for work so I wanted a travel card. I've had a banking relationship with Chase for ~4 years and the Freedom for 6 months, carried a small balance for 2, PIF the rest.
American Express Blue Cash Everyday - I'd like to start a relationship with AMEX now that my EX is in good shape. I'm looking at the BCE because I'd rather not have to deal with points and gift cards, just simply a cash-back card for now. I also think it would make a good companion to supplement my Sallie Mae for when I reach the cap (happens on groceries).
Discover IT - As well as with AMEX, I'd like to start a relationship with Discover to round out my networks. While the 5% categories may be similar to the Freedom, sometime the Discover can benefit me more (I shop at Home Depot instead of Lowes, Freedom is limited to Lowes where Discover is all Home Improvement Stores for an example).
These are the core cards I'd like to apply for. I've also given thought to applying at the local Credit Union I bank with in addition to Chase, but I feel that 4 apps may be pushing it.
Am I biting off more than I can chew with these 3 (or 4)? I'm still unsure of my chances for CSP or BCE (I've gotten a few pre-approval letters for IT) given my overall AAoA is still less than 3 years and I've yet to hit $5,000 on another card (unless I get an auto-CLI tomorrow from Barclay on my Sallie Mae). Given that I've improved my report markedly since getting my last two cards, I'm just not sure where I'll land on these apps.
Also, I'm doubtful of an auto-CLI from Chase on my Freedom as the collections JUST dropped off within the past couple of weeks, so I doubt they've soft-pulled since. If/When I don't, would it be a bad idea to ask for a HP CLI during my spree such that the inquiry can age with the rest?
As always, I am eternally greatful for the advice I receive here!
| Current Utilization: 0% / ~$50,000 AAoA: 7-8 Years Installment: ~$50,000 Student Loans / ~$2,000 Car Loan Current Scores: TU08 - 812 (8/5 BarclaysCard) EQ08 - 843 (7/28 Citi - Bankcard/900) Goal: Buying our first home! |
Followup question, I received a raise today, would I put my new salary or the salary I can immediately show pay stubs for?
| Current Utilization: 0% / ~$50,000 AAoA: 7-8 Years Installment: ~$50,000 Student Loans / ~$2,000 Car Loan Current Scores: TU08 - 812 (8/5 BarclaysCard) EQ08 - 843 (7/28 Citi - Bankcard/900) Goal: Buying our first home! |
I'd say you have a good chance at all 3. Your relationship is already there with Chase and the. IT and BCe isn't "too hard to get."
| Current Utilization: 0% / ~$50,000 AAoA: 7-8 Years Installment: ~$50,000 Student Loans / ~$2,000 Car Loan Current Scores: TU08 - 812 (8/5 BarclaysCard) EQ08 - 843 (7/28 Citi - Bankcard/900) Goal: Buying our first home! |
First, a big congrats for waiting the six months...that's HUGE.
If the two collections "just" fell off of your reports, I wouldn't plan on a soft pull CLI for at least another 30 days.
If you're OK with the HP on your report, then go for it!
I don't think that you'll have any trouble getting approved for what you want.
Good luck!
I would go ahead and apply for all 4 now and yes use your new salary!
I think you also have them listed in the order you should apply for them in too!
Put your new salary. Nobody's going to ask for proof, and even if they did, you legitimately got a raise so I'm sure you could find proof.
I think you're in great shape for those cards. Put your new salary as well; if they require proof, your employer can probably help with that.
Also don't stress not having another $5,000 CC; your limits are fine and as long as your Chase internal score remains good (which it should be with your great use of the Freedom card), they'll extend you the CSP.
Good luck ![]()







Also it's nice that your cards will probably individually pull TU/EX/EQ without overlap (unless borderline, then they might pull extra)
| Current Utilization: 0% / ~$50,000 AAoA: 7-8 Years Installment: ~$50,000 Student Loans / ~$2,000 Car Loan Current Scores: TU08 - 812 (8/5 BarclaysCard) EQ08 - 843 (7/28 Citi - Bankcard/900) Goal: Buying our first home! |