When to apply for my first US Bank credit card?

[FicoMike0]

I got the connect card last year when I was 1/6, 3/12 new accounts. Got a $500 sub too, won't see that again. I did have a USB checking at the time. 

[ptatohed]

I was approved for my $17,000 Smartly with zero previous "relationship" with USB.

[villemiami]

I don't see the Delta Sky Miles Blue card on my Experian credit report.

Before the Delta, I applied for the Air France Bofa on 3/7/25.

Amex should pull from Experian.

[xenon3030]

If you need the card, then apply for it. If you by chance receive approval, it would count as a relationship and you would be eligible to open a checking account, even if there would be no US Bank branch nearby. If you receive rejection, you only have wasted one HP and nothing else. 

[Patient957]

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@villemiami wrote:

I don't see the Delta Sky Miles Blue card on my Experian credit report.

Before the Delta, I applied for the Air France Bofa on 3/7/25.

Amex should pull from Experian.

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Ah, Ok.  So the reason I asked is because when applying, you should consider how you look on paper.  Your Delta card won't likely be on your report yet, but the Air France card will.  As for inquiries, for me USB pulls TU, so inquiries on my Experian report by Amex are irrelevant to a USB app.  Etc.

You haven't stated what your x/6, y/12, z/24 is, but it appears your current velocity is unlikely to be viewed favorably by USB.

I would wait until you're at least 0/6 for a USB application.

[villemiami]

6/12 new accounts and 4/6 inquiries. Can I really wait 0/6 inquiry before applying (that would be January 2026) or should I wait 0/12 new account (that would be May 2026)?

[PayAndProsper]

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@villemiami  escribió:

6/12 new accounts and 4/6 inquiries. Can I really wait 0/6 inquiry before applying (that would be January 2026) or should I wait 0/12 new account (that would be May 2026)?

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It seems as if you are pretty decided on the U.S. Bank card, but I just wanted to make you aware of another no-fee card, if you weren't already. Have you looked at the PenFed Pathfinder?

PenFed has made a couple of changes that many can consider to be unfavorable, but they don't seem to be as conservative as U.S. Bank. Weigh your options. There are similar benefits, and the card is fee-free if you leave $500 in a checking account with them.

[villemiami]

Thank you but unfortunately, that's not true. When I clicked on the details of the Priority Pass Lounge Membership, it says "Member’s PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature credit card will be charged a lounge visit fee of $35 per person
per visit for the member and guest."

While for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature, it says "Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Membership gives you 4 free visits ".