My Name is Carrie and I Am An App Addict !!!

[Carrie_in_Pa]

Hi Everyone !!!

I have been reading everything i can for about a week now and my head is spinning. There is sooooo much to take in and its overwhelming.

I decided last week that i need to make some changes to my credit history and figured i would apply for one new card to up my total available credit before i axe an old card. I attempted to get a Chase Freedom and was immediately denied. Instead of waiting and trying later i went on a crazy application spree. There was 1 more denial but did get 5 new accounts.

Then my phone rings and it's Chase. The apologized and said they needed to go over some security questions with me and to review some information. In less than 5 minutes i confirmed everything and hung up with them. I was approved for the card i wanted in the first place!

I am so excited that i wasn't rejected after all but i still want more. It really was supposed to be one card, that's all.

Is this normal? Does anyone else have a hard time fighting the urge to fill out more apps?

[E150GT]

I think we all do. I started this board with two cards. Now I have 6

[coldnmn]

Welcome to the forum.  Yes it's normal the more apps the more denials and toy limits after so many applications. Gardening and controlling the app urge benefits you with higher limits and better APRs.

[chalupaman]

Been there, done that and froze all my CRs to help me stay focused on getting better cards in the future and possibly closing some of the store cards I don't use much when that happens.

[Carrie_in_Pa]

Hmmm i have 7 credit cards now and 4 store accounts. Maybe i should do some downsizing. All of my cards and accounts added up are about one of your low cards.

[Carrie_in_Pa]

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@chalupaman wrote:

Been there, done that and froze all my CRs to help me stay focused on getting better cards in the future and possibly closing some of the store cards I don't use much when that happens.

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What do you mean by froze all of your CR's?

[baller4life]

I know exactly how you feel which is why I froze all my bureaus. Freezing is your friend!

[chalupaman]

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@Carrie_in_Pa wrote:

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@chalupaman wrote:

Been there, done that and froze all my CRs to help me stay focused on getting better cards in the future and possibly closing some of the store cards I don't use much when that happens.

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What do you mean by froze all of your CR's?

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Bascally it stops lenders from being able to pull up your credit reports when you apply for cards. I paid a total of 9 dollars to have all three of mine frozen and it usually costs something to have them unfrozen. I did two of mine online and had to call Experian and do the process over the phone with them. It doesn't affect soft pulls though or being able to check your FICO score so I wouldn't worry about that.

[baller4life]

Freezing is basically putting a lock on your reports so you won't be able to spontaneously app. New creditors cannot pull your reports while they are frozen. Which would require you to plan apps. To do so would take more effort because you would have to go through the process of thawing your bureaus before apping. It did WONDERS for my urge to just app willy nilly.

[Kenny]

Completely understand what you're saying. Most of us have been there at one point! Putting a security freeze on your reports is a great idea if you want to not obtain any new trade lines. (This is called gardening.) Soft pull credit limit increases are encouraged, however!

Best of luck and come join us in the garden club!