It's that time again for what has become a standing My FICO tradition. We're almost into the last two weeks of 2024, so it's time to consider our credit and financial plans for 2025! 
This annual thread began in 2020. (See these links: >2021<, >2022<, and >2023<, and >2024<. Again, thanks to @Remedios for the suggestion of the original thread. Below are the highlights of my original message:
We often remind each other that "Credit is a marathon, not a Sprint," to try to pace ourselves, and to realize that we need to keep some self-discipline in the process. Self discipline requires a plan. Periodically, we may look on with horror (or envy) as someone tries to get away with a monster App Spree. We know that's not really the way to build good credit. Overly-seeking credit can be addictive and counterproductive to finances and FICO. As a general guideline, I usually suggest to newer members that slow and steady wins the race, and that planning to add about one new account every six months is a good long-term pacing that will usually keep them within the various lender limitations, especially for those with low-to-medium scores, thinner files or derogatories. The more they go over that, the more likely they'll start getting denials or low-limit approvals eventually, and that's regardless of the strength of their profile.
Having a good strategy requires taking inventory of our existing cards, an honest evaluation of our financial picture and needs, and a careful consideration of which credit cards (if any) would be most beneficial. Sometimes, chasing after the FOTM card (Flavor of the Month) or the latest, greatest SUB isn't the card we most need. And over-app'ing can be a disruption to improving our finances with the best card for us. At times, I've been guilty of the impulsive apps so I'm not pointing fingers. But I've also planned for new cards and I'm doing so right now. Writing down my card details and plan helps me to come up with strategies for the short term (~six months), medium term (~one year), and long term (~two years.)
As we approach the new year, and with the goal of making credit changes a premeditated and mindful decision, what are the planned changes for your card lineup in 2025?
With the mortgage and HELOC both closed, it's time for me and P2 to come out of the garden in a big way.
From October - December we've added Hilton stays to our Chase-United flights empire with the Surpass + Aspire combo. I'm hoping an FNC signup offer comes along so we can add more to that area. This basically shores up our typical travel plan of fly United -> Hilton hotel.
Really want a good SUB for Amex Blue Business Preferred. Would be a long-term keeper for us both. I would pull the trigger early when my AmEx Platinum renewal comes around to dodge the annual fee, if I have to. I get good value from the credits, but the net fee still ends up being ~50-100 which I could live without.
P2 hit big SUBs on Amex Biz Plat, personal Gold, and now Biz Gold, so I'll be looking for chances to get big SUBs on those with her referral bonus once we have some spend to spare. Meanwhile, doing the same for her and personal Platinum would be great. For now, adding another big spend requirement to the $15k in 3 months for the new Biz Gold would be a bit intense, so we'll likely hold until Springish.
We'll also want to downgrade at least one of our Chase Sapphire Reserves (probably hers, maybe both) if a good CSR signup offer comes along. She only has 1 Chase personal while I have 3. Have to be wary of 5/24 given the above targets.
We will want to pick up at least one United card for free checked bags and expanded award travel availability. That's not a high priority compared to big SUBs though, since we generally only go on trips requiring 1-2 checked bags once, max twice, per year. We're more quick getaway people and often make do with carry-ons.
As able, it would be nice to stack Inks with decent SUBs. I have one, she has 0. We'll see what the SUB world brings.
Currently waiting to get back under 5/24, which should be mid-April. Looking to add at least one of Ink Cash/Unlimited (maybe both) as well as the Bonvoy Boundless. May add a couple other cards as well, but those 2/3 Chase cards are the only ones I am definitely looking to add to my portfolio for 2025. Considering downgrading my AA card once it is time to renew in May as I went from splitting between AA and DL to now being mainly DL with some AA flights. Delta Plat Biz may be on the chopping block as well as I just needed the $2500 MQDs for Platinum status as I was slated to come up just under $1000 MQDs short. Would prefer to have the additional slot open for other AMEX options in the future, whether getting the BBP again or a different product.
Planning to get a Citi Custom Cash card, and get into the Chase ecosystem with one of their cards since I'll finally be under the 5/24 rule.
I may open a Chase checking acount in branch for the bonus, and apply for the card at that time, as I've heard that better results can be had that way.
Once those 2 are open, I'l finally get a BoA Unlimited Cash Rewards card for the 2.62% cash back.
I'm currently in a likely infantesamally small minority of Platinum Honors Preferred Rewards members that doesn't have the UCR or one of the travel cards.🤣
I plan to dump most of the limits from my other 2 BoA cards into it, and use it to pay for a new roof to take advantage of the SUB and 15 month 0% APR all in one go.
Even in a marathon there are moments when an occasional sprint can be to your advantage. Everyone's needs/strategy are different. If you have a plan and can sprint at the right moment, go for it, the grabing hands grab all they can. A denial just tells you that the sprint is over and time to go back to a steady pace/gardening, no foul. Knowing your needs and what issuer your gunning for will determine the pace. Once you have your perfect structure of long term cards in place (you don't need 20 to 40 cards for this, more like 10 or less, active), why not grab some subs only. No need to leave money on the table. It's their rules so use it against them.
That being said, there are a few long term cards I've been gardening for going into 2025. A couple of them are Citi cards. Going to wait 3 more months into 2025 (will have 3 in already 2024), then go for both 8-10 days apart. Then wait a couple months and grab another BofA card, to replace a couple others I will PC to CCR. After that the sky is the limit for 2025. If I grab any other cards it will be just for their subs and once fullfilled, closed. Probably do another 12 new checking account subs also. Add one more cash back debit account to my current 3. Nothing like shuffling money around and get paid for it.
Good luck!!!
Citi:
US Bank:
Chase:
Aven:
RH:
I entered 2024 with one card: Quicksilver. My wife had zero. We end 2024 having each added BCP and Savor. I also added Voice and Hilton while she added BCE and Quicksilver. That's 4 cards each in one year. We received $1,100 in SUBs and about $1,000 in cash back this year, so needless to say we are thrilled.
For 2025 the plan is to sit and do nothing until the fall. We'd like to add the Fidelity Rewards Visa (and ditch the Quicksilvers) as well as the Elan Max Cash cards. That will bring our three biggest categories (grocery, gas, & utilities) up to 6%, 5%, and 5% cash back and add a 2% catch all card.
