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Which Line of credit to use for a new computer

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mitchblue
Valued Contributor

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer

That's why you save money and dip into your bank/CU account..Put it on a CC and pay it off right away..

FICO® 8 Scores 821 FICO® 9 Equifax 826 (Updated 02-7-23)
Message 21 of 37
chwebb1
Established Contributor

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer

I was recently in the same situation back in December. I ended up using a card I already have (Discover). As far as the MacBook, I bought a top of the line MacBook Pro (with AppleCare) with these specs:

 

  Specifications

  • 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
  • Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz
  • 16GB 1600MHz memory
  • 512GB PCIe-based flash storage 1
  • Intel Iris Pro Graphics
  • NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB GDDR5 memory
  • Built-in battery (8 hours)2

for $2400 on sale. I bought it at B&H. I don't know if it's still on sale, but you might want to shop around. That same machine with AppleCare from Apple would have cost me $2800, with an educational discount. You can buy a Magic Mouse for less than $70, and I'm not sure if you're buying a fancy printer, but if you are, you can get a nice printer for around $300. If you do decide to buy through Apple, I'd probably call up Discover and ask for a CLI (I'm assuming DIT is Discover It). They have a 5% deal with the Apple Store.

 photo NUS000000180_160X101_STRAIGHT.gif photo DISCOVER_IT_LG.gif photo card_1.png photo night-launch.png photo NUS000000012_160X101_STRAIGHT.gif photo bankamericard-better-balance-rewards-credit-card-small.png
$15000 ........... $12500 ............ $11750 ............ $10000 ........... $9400 ............ $5000 ............. $5000
In the Garden until at least November 2015
Message 22 of 37
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer

I'm almost certain you can get a PC that does everything your Macbook does for 1/2 the cost, but that's not an argument I'm going to partake in any further.

 

If I was you, I'd pull a Chase Slate or Citi Simplicity (or Double Cash) and finance the whole thing on a 0% APR.  I was considering doing that for a new motorcycle before I went the used route.

 

The other choice would be to find something with a big signup bonus (I was thinking CSP but it looks like you've already got it) and earn your bonus.  I would NOT finance anything on a current card which I can't afford to pay off before interest strikes.

 

YES, carrying a large balance may freak out some of your current banks.  You could preemptively call them and let them know you're taking advantage of a 0% APR, or you could wait and see if they don't already figure that out.

 

Your Util will dip, as will your scores, but that's temporary.  Long term the only effect you'll see is the lower AAoA once you pay the card off.

Message 23 of 37
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer

Okay. What if I app for a,personal loan from alliant, which would add another installment history on my account which I think might help thicken it. Plus would almost be payed off by the time I'm mortgage ready, so almost no debt but still the points from installment. But before the first payment is due app for NFCU CC LOC one two punch.

 

this could be the only time I come out of the garden this year. I just want in with NFCU and some extra installment of some sort. I was considering upgrading my car, but a personal loan would be nice I think too. i really need to meet with a lender.

Message 24 of 37
sillykitty1
Established Contributor

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer


@Anonymous wrote:

Okay. What if I app for a,personal loan from alliant, which would add another installment history on my account which I think might help thicken it. Plus would almost be payed off by the time I'm mortgage ready, so almost no debt but still the points from installment. But before the first payment is due app for NFCU CC LOC one two punch.


I wouldn't suggest opening a personal loan, Alliant personal loans are 11.90%.  I thinking paying that kind of interest is a complete waste.  Your scores are plenty good enough to get the best rate on a mortgage loan, so I don't think you have anything to gain by thickening your file.

 

My suggestion is if you have the cash, then I would open a cc with a large sign up bonus, then pay it off.  If you don't have the cash, then open up a 0% APR cc and pay it off before the end of the promo period.  A $4K balance on a cc that you're steadily paying off won't spook a cc company.

Message 25 of 37
Creditaddict
Legendary Contributor

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer

CSP, Freedom or Amex are not going to care at all about you making the large purchase... especially paying $500 a month... they gave you the CL... I can't believe all the posts on here about you freaking the lender out... especially if this is basically your only balance!

Message 26 of 37
Themanwhocan
Senior Contributor

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer


@robbulous wrote:

Never do upgrades through Apple, they overcharge for RAM by up to 10x. They're hoping suckers will just max everything out without looking at the price.

 

Edit: Also, any computer these days that's $1k+ will perform beautifully.


Well, as long as its not a laptop.





TU-8: 804 EX-8: 805 EQ-8: 788 EX-98: 767 EQ-04: 752    
TU-9 Bankcard: 837 EQ-9: 823 EX-9 Bankcard: 837
Total $443,800
Message 27 of 37
Callandra
Valued Contributor

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer


@Anonymous wrote:

That's one expensive MacBook


Was going to say..lol. 

 

I got a new MacBook Pro last year and granted it's not the most expensive/top-of-the-line model but it only cost me $1300 (on sale). 

Quicksilver $10,000 | Better Balance Rewards $2000 | Sallie Mae $3500 | Freedom $3500

Last HP: 9/27/2015
Message 28 of 37
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer

I will never buy dell computer even if it's last computer company on earth! Rather go back to the stone age than use that computers probably made by Satan to punish people.

 

*breathe* now that's out of the way. I think it will be good to sign up for the card with good sign up bonus and 0% apr for certain time. 

 

 

Message 29 of 37
NRB525
Super Contributor

Re: Which Line of credit to use for a new computer


@Anonymous wrote:

I will never buy dell computer even if it's last computer company on earth! Rather go back to the stone age than use that computers probably made by Satan to punish people.

 

*breathe* now that's out of the way. I think it will be good to sign up for the card with good sign up bonus and 0% apr for certain time. 

 

 


I've only had Dell, personal and business, for the last 15 years. My work laptop, a Dell, is over 4 years old, just went through a HD replacement the last two days to keep it going. The entire company has switched to HP laptops, which I hate. Had to borrow one yesterday, hate, hate, hate. The tech guy warned me someday they are going to take it away from me. I'm actually waiting for them to open up the "bring your own device" so I can get a new Dell Latitude to keep going Smiley Happy I'm on about my 4th Dell desktop computer at home, and a personal laptop I bought in 2008 I use sometimes.

 

To everyone else, the OP has chosen a particular top of the line Apple, that is designed to meet particular requirements only OP can define. Stop with the shopping suggestions already.

 

And I would not hesitate to charge the Mac to one of the higher limit cards. Should be no problem.

High Bal Jan 2009 $116k on $146k limits 80% Util.
Oct 2014 $46k on $127k 36% util EQ 722 TU 727 EX 727
April 2018 $18k on $344k 5% util EQ 806 TU 810 EX 812
Jan 2019 $7.6k on $360k EQ 832 TU 839 EX 831
March 2021 $33k on $312k EQ 796 TU 798 EX 801
May 2021 Paid all Installments and Mortgages, one new Mortgage EQ 761 TY 774 EX 777
April 2022 EQ=811 TU=807 EX=805 - TU VS 3.0 765
Message 30 of 37
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