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Last week, I entered the garden. Then, my FICO scores finally showed up and were higher than expected, so I quickly left the garden.
The results were the exact opposite of what I expected with my first app spree. I was approved for the cards I thought I couldn't get approved for and declined on the easier cards.
Approved:
AMEX Blue: $1000
AMEX Green
Discover: $2500
GM Buypower: $500
Yes, they're small, but considering I just opened my first card 6 months ago and my highest CL is $3000, I'll take it and dance all over myself knowing they'll grow (well, not sure about Buypower, but I'll need a truck in a couple of years so I guess I'll be making multiple payments every month).
Declined:
NFCU Platinum
Capital One Quicksilver
Amazon Store Card
From what I've read here (been reading every day for a month and half) and looking on CreditBoards app tracker, my results are the exact opposite of what I would have expected. I suppose the rapid-fire apps may have spooked the last three (I applied in the order they're listed with the first four wins and then the next three losses). I also assume my fair scores and multiple new accounts are more damaging to the last three than the first, but still, it's a little unexpected across the board.
Nonetheless, I'm ecstatic to get the cards I truly wanted. Now, I'll REALLY enter the garden for a year or two since I just loaded up on so many new accounts/inquiries I'm terrified about spooking the creditors I have. Thanks for all the advice I've received here.
Data:
Fresh FICOs from tonight:
EQ: 671
TU: 687
EX: 664
AAoA: 3 months
Oldest: 6 months
Current Cards:
BOA Alaska Air: $1500
DCU Platinum: $3000
CapOne Platinum: $400
Wayfair: $3300
Williams Sonoma: $2500
Overstock: $2100
4 recently opened and now closed accounts (Fingerhut, Credit One, another Credit One AU, Brylane Homes)
3 paid/released tax liens from 2015
No other baddies.
2% Utilization, all account zero balance except for one with 7% Utilization.
I'd strongly advise that you don't app at all for a long time. At least a year. You could get yourself into trouble. You originally said you entered the garden and then within a week stepped out of it for a spree. The biggest red flag is that you're getting denied for cards. Any time you are getting multiple denials that's a sign that you shouldn't be apping.
Congrats on getting approved for the cards that you didn't think you could get, but I think it's time to sit back and enjoy them and really let your profile build. Just my opinion.
If your current Cap 1 is less than 6 months old, that would be the reason for them denying the second card. They require 6 months between cards. Congrats on the approvals.
Congratulations on the approvals you did get, and sorry about the others.
Like BBS said, I would garden for at least a year and grow the cards that you have. Then you should be able to get even better cards with better limits. Since you are just starting out, you have plenty of time to grow the portfolio you want long term
Your oldest account is 6 months old and already youve closed 4 accounts???? Someone chain Federalist to the garden fence and take away his wifi