What can be my next move? I'm thinking about applying for 2 cards next...

[thatguycx]

In a few weeks (towards the end of this month), I plan on applying for two cards. Either the (1) Chase Freedom or the Chase Sapphire Preferred and (2) one of the lower or mid-tier Amex’s. My current credit file, banking history, etc can be found here.

For pre-qualifications/pre-approvals for Chase, I’m pre-qualified for these cards right here (APR is set in stone). I don’t want the Freedom Unlimited though since I already have a card that earns 1.5% cashback. So for Chase, it’s either the Freedom or the Sapphire Preferred. I have to point out too that Chase also sent me this email right here, to apply by July 1st.

For pre-qualifications/pre-approvals for AMEX, I did get a letter in the mail like 2 or 3 months ago inviting me to apply for one of the Hilton cards. I think it was the Hilton Honors Surpass Card because I do remember the annual fee on that fancy letter saying $95. Just in case, I did check the prequalified offers again and this is what I got (that hilton offer has probably expired).

So, here’s my plans: Preferably, I don’t want another card that earns only 1.5% cashback (I would like to earn more cashback for this card or travel points) and preferably I don’t want them both to have annual fees (so whatever combination of cards I go with it, at least one should be no-annual fees). And since I’m pretty sure I’m already at 4/24 for Chase, I will submit one of their applications first so I probably won’t submit AMEX’s application until if I get auto-approved for Chase or pass reconsideration if I have to.

What do you guys think of this and which cards?

[Anonymous]

The Freedom Unlimited isn't valuable as 1.5% cash back card. It's value is as a 2.25% back points card when the points are transferred to the Reserve (less for Preferred).

If you then transfer the points to partners, such as Hyatt, you can often do a lot better. (Transfers to Hyatt and others work with the Preferred too.)

[TSlop]

Like @Anonymous said, you'd earn more than 1.5% on the CFU if you have a CSR/CSP AND redeem them for travel through the UR portal. This would require a second card, though.

How is your spend? Do you align with 5% catagories for the CF? Do you do lots of travel/restaurants? Do you stay a lot at Hilton hotels? Personally, I'd first get whatever card fits your spend, unless you are really wanting to get in with Chase. Since you are at 4/24, you'd have to decide how bad you want one of their cards because it could be a while if you go with another card.

[elixerin]

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@thatguycx wrote:

In a few weeks (towards the end of this month), I plan on applying for two cards. Either the (1) Chase Freedom or the Chase Sapphire Preferred and (2) one of the lower or mid-tier Amex’s. My current credit file, banking history, etc can be found here.

For pre-qualifications/pre-approvals for Chase, I’m pre-qualified for these cards right here (APR is set in stone). I don’t want the Freedom Unlimited though since I already have a card that earns 1.5% cashback. So for Chase, it’s either the Freedom or the Sapphire Preferred. I have to point out too that Chase also sent me this email right here, to apply by July 1st.

For pre-qualifications/pre-approvals for AMEX, I did get a letter in the mail like 2 or 3 months ago inviting me to apply for one of the Hilton cards. I think it was the Hilton Honors Surpass Card because I do remember the annual fee on that fancy letter saying $95. Just in case, I did check the prequalified offers again and this is what I got (that hilton offer has probably expired).

So, here’s my plans: Preferably, I don’t want another card that earns only 1.5% cashback (I would like to earn more cashback for this card or travel points) and preferably I don’t want them both to have annual fees (so whatever combination of cards I go with it, at least one should be no-annual fees). And since I’m pretty sure I’m already at 4/24 for Chase, I will submit one of their applications first so I probably won’t submit AMEX’s application until if I get auto-approved for Chase or pass reconsideration if I have to.

What do you guys think of this and which cards?

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+1 on everyone else's input for Chase strategies

it looks like your pretty good as far as the apping part goes, as for which cards you seem to be diligent enough to not replicate 1.5% cards so which ever card would best suit your current needs.