@Kylo wrote:Are you open to a business card? If so, Amex BBP (extremely easy to qualify for) is effectively 3% on everything if you redeem the Amex points in an intelligent way.
if you're not open to a business card, I would go for the USB Altitude Go. 4% on dining with no annual fee is fantastic, and 2% on streaming is great BUT you also get a statement credit that boosts your effective cash back rate.
This is a grreat point and another push in Altitude Go's favor. Having slept on it, Altitude Go is also a leading contender along with Venmo, but only if the ease of redeeming the rewards is simple and easy.
Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions! I don't need a business card, but have a few more ideas to consider thanks to the community. I hope this thread is helpful to others as well. I didn't have this trouble when the Wayfair card closed because it was so niche I didn't miss anything other than the high limit, but I'm coming to realize I had created the perfect card lineup nicely meeting all my spending needs quite unintentionally. I'm trying to be far more purposeful in this newest app decision, so appreciate all the feedback
@blossom_rebuilding , is the AOD 3% on everything with no limit Signature card not an option available to you? There are some hurdles to jump through, but once getting past those it is an excellent card and CU!
For the US Bank products, they are very selective about the number of new cards you have gained in the past 12 months. Basically, if you've gotten 1 card in the past 12 months, they may not approve... if you've acquired 2+ then don't even attempt nabbing one of their options as it will most likely be a denial. I've had no issues redeeming cashback from USB as a statement credit, and just last month it still says minimum redemption amount was $0.01. Not exactly sure if the statement credit redemption amount changes soon... I thought I read that on here somewhere but haven't seen it on my USB Go or DW's Cash+ yet.
@Duke_Nukem wrote:@blossom_rebuilding , is the AOD 3% on everything with no limit Signature card not an option available to you? There are some hurdles to jump through, but once getting past those it is an excellent card and CU!
For the US Bank products, they are very selective about the number of new cards you have gained in the past 12 months. Basically, if you've gotten 1 card in the past 12 months, they may not approve... if you've acquired 2+ then don't even attempt nabbing one of their options as it will most likely be a denial. I've had no issues redeeming cashback from USB as a statement credit, and just last month it still says minimum redemption amount was $0.01. Not exactly sure if the statement credit redemption amount changes soon... I thought I read that on here somewhere but haven't seen it on my USB Go or DW's Cash+ yet.
I'm good on inquiries; I only have one that is about 18 months old. All three Fico 8's are in the 750 neighborhood, total utilization around 23%. I hadn't considered AOD; will add that to my research list! The AltitudeGo redemption is good news, but I need to look more as to how points translate to cashback (one more reason why I don't love points structures)...
Spent the last day deliberating on a new dining and entertainment card (ongoing thread can be found here). I want to replace the Marvel card before it gets discontinued at the end of May, and get my recurring charges and stuff switched over ASAP, and I landed on the USB Altitude Go card as my first choice. I know they are inquiry sensitive, but my last inquiry and new account were 18 months ago. My utilization isn't the best at 23%, but I've been steadily paying it down. All FICO 8s are 750-757. I know it's USB will be hit or miss, so I won't be too upset if I'm not approved or waste an inquiry since I have so few anyway and have a solid backup plan if in applying for Venmo if it doesn't pan out. I apped, got an identity verification request, then the 5-7 day message. Fingers crossed!
Good luck!
(Still give AODFCU a really good look....their 3% Everything card survived the myFICO wave when it was discovered and it's still going strong and still promoting. It's been a godsend for me personally, covering all the cashback categories I couldn't cover previously and it is my go-to card now. The credit union is phenomenal. They have a very healthy kasasa checking account as well that offers a 2.5% dividend up to $20k.)
On Deck: No Plans Currently
@blossom_rebuilding wrote:Spent the last day deliberating on a new dining and entertainment card (ongoing thread can be found here). I want to replace the Marvel card before it gets discontinued at the end of May, and get my recurring charges and stuff switched over ASAP, and I landed on the USB Altitude Go card as my first choice. I know they are inquiry sensitive, but my last inquiry and new account were 18 months ago. My utilization isn't the best at 23%, but I've been steadily paying it down. All FICO 8s are 750-757. I know it's USB will be hit or miss, so I won't be too upset if I'm not approved or waste an inquiry since I have so few anyway and have a solid backup plan if in applying for Venmo if it doesn't pan out. I apped, got an identity verification request, then the 5-7 day message. Fingers crossed!
It's not unusual to have USB do a manual review, so nothing too concerning at the moment for you. It sounds to me like you should get the GO card with your DP's.
If you feel up to the challenge, go for the AOD card as well. I was able to get my AOD after getting a couple of new cards on my report, so even if you do have the USB Go report it shouldn't be much of a concern with AOD. A biggie with AOD is how they calculate student loans into your DTI. If you have any of those, then a may hurt your chances.
Good luck with the USB app! There's a phone number you can call to get updates on your application (it's automated, so you don't have to talk to a person unless you want to). I don't remember the number, but you should be able to find it somewhere in the application and/or approval threads.