BofA cc and checking

[Swatch]

I want a BofA cc, and they seem to practically require that you have an existing relationship. Also, I want the existing relationship because then I can wait until they offer me the cc (with fixed APR).

However, I don't like having to have DD or $1500 average balance to waive the monthly checking fee. Could I open a checking account, and close it right after approved for a cc?

Would they possibly offer me a cc before having 6 full months of checking? Of course, I mean a real offer, not one of those marketing offers.

BofA definitely pulls EX for my area. When Citi pulled my EX, it was 710.

Would they offer me a cc even if I don't have much activity on my checking? I would have the monthly DD and then 1 withdrawal and maybe 1 debit card transaction per month. I don't want to bother doing more.

If they are more particular, then I won't bother starting a relationship with them until down the road when I can deposit more and have more activity.

[Remedios]

There is no "requirement" to have checking, I don't have one and I have BoA card.

There isn't a lender who doesn't want additional business such as DDA, so sometimes they might sweeten the pot for existing customers, especially ones who aren't just putting token amount and waiting, or incentivize new customers by offering sub for DDA (but not *open checking, we give you card*).

Having a checking and/or savings won't hurt your chances but they won't approve you just because you have checking/savings.  

[coldfusion]

Everything that Remi said is spot-on.   The only comment I would make is that opening a BoA checking account expecting to see a preapproval via the Activity Center within 6 months is a very low-probabilty strategy.   BoA was known to sometimes do quid pro quos in the past but those had nothing to do with personal credit cards.

[Mycreditjourney2020]

In my experience BoA is definitely a relationship bank.  I had checking/savings with them for 15 years.  Towards the end of that time is when I got into credit cards.  In 10/2020 I opened a secured card with them.  Over 8 months I got a couple CLI's and graduated from $200 to $2600 unsecured.  A couple months after the card graduated I closed both savings and checking accounts but kept the credit card opened (Cash Rewards).  Shortly after closing the accounts I got a, "You're pre-selected" offer for their travel card.  I applied and got an instant denial.  A week later when the letter came, the reason stated for denial....NO RELATIONSHIP BANKING!!!

I now noticed my "BankAmerideals" for the credit card were removed, so I called Customer Service and they told me I didn't have enough spend on the card. I've have several other cards that suit me better than the Cash Rewards so I only put $50 -$200 a month on the card.  Not sure what kind of spend there needs to be to retain the BankAmerideals.  So long story short, yes BoA is definitely a relationship bank!!!

[SoCalGardener]

I agree with the previous replies saying a banking relationship with BofA won't get you anywhere, and just want to add this: I've been with BofA for all my banking needs for 30+ years. That relationship in no way affects my [existing] CC with them, although I don't know if it did have any impact 10+ years ago when I opened the card. What I'm referring to now is that I requested CLIs over and over again, for several years, and never got one approved. Finally, maybe six months ago?, I got a nice one. My point is that if having a banking relationship with BofA was some kind of automatic guarantee of getting credit from them.....no!!!  It's not. They base their credit decisions solely on creditworthiness, at least as far as I know.

Also, and this is a personal thing, I think opening/closing accounts for a specific purpose is silly. My sister used to do that all the time; I thought it was ridiculous then and I still do now! If you actually WANT a checking account with BofA, then go ahead and get it. Otherwise, skip it, and don't worry about its impact on getting their CCs.

[RootDet]

With talks i have had with BFOA, relationship banking can likely get you over the edge on the higher credit lines. but that tends to only be if you have like $20k+ stashed there.