I drive about 100 miles per day for work and figured I could save money with a good card that covers Gas. I have come down to the 2 choices mentioned in the Subject but I was curious as to which of the 2 would be considered within reach by Inq's, Credit Score also any possible pitfalls or regrets that would normally be dealbreakers.
Garden Life: 4.01.20
I have been happy with Ducks.
Just got a SP CLI over the phone for $2,000 after less than a year after opening the card.
Just got 0% checks for 12 or 13 months with a 2% or 3% fee.
@TheAuthorizedUser wrote:I drive about 100 miles per day for work and figured I could save money with a good card that covers Gas. I have come down to the 2 choices mentioned in the Subject but I was curious as to which of the 2 would be considered within reach by Inq's, Credit Score also any possible pitfalls or regrets that would normally be dealbreakers.
I have the PNC Cash Rewards card, and the NRA Visa (a 5% gas/sports card also issued by FNBO just like the Ducks Unlimited card, but they no longer allow you to app for the NRA card).
According to my records, when PNC pulled my score it was a 702. When FNBO pulled it a few months later it was a 724. My annual income is roughly 50k/year. I had either 2 or 3 inquiries when I got the PNC card, and 4 by the time I got the FNBO card. I was approved for $1500 for the PNC card (I have a checking account with them, and also had a car loan with them at the time, and my mortgage). I assume that my banking relationship helped me get approved, and my bad payment history on the car kept my limit low. The limit is still $1,500 over a year and a half later as they've never offered me a CLI, but I only use it for the 3% on restaurants when I'm at a place that isn't fast food (which I use the Cash+ card for) so the limit has never been an issue for me.
The FNBO card was approved for a $4100 limit, which is higher than I was expecting at the time as I had read on here that they were such a conservative lender. They have also never offered a CLI, but I don't put much spend through it, so the limit is more than enough for my gas and sporting goods purchases.
I'd say if you already have a relationship with PNC, then either one of these cards would probably get approved. Your mileage may vary..
Edit: As far as regrets, I'd say that when I first got the PNC card I was excited because I could use it for all 3 categories gas, restaurants, and groceries. But later I got a better grocery card, a better gas card, and a better fast food card. If I could get approved for the Uber Visa, then I'll have a better restaurant card and my PNC card will be obsolete. I also don't like that they make you redeem cashback at least $25 at a time (FNBO does that too) and if I recall correctly, only in $25 increments too. So the PNC card is one that you can outgrow, but the FNBO card still has the highest gas and sports categories that I've seen. Sure, there are other cards that will give 5% on gas or sports, but I haven't seen a card that beats the FNBO in those categories. It's pretty easy to beat the PNC card.
Well if you look at pure rewards then the Ducks Unlimited kills the competition 5 to 4. As for the other criteria it is a slight wash. Both lenders are rather conservative, are inquiry sensitive, and generally pick apart the last 6 months. The catch though is that FNBO is a little looser as they consider the Ducks Unlimited a co-branded card.
My opinion is that you are more likely to get a Ducks Unlimited at a set score then the PNC and if you can get both it will have better terms.
