Why did I apply???

[icyhot]

Looking back on my credit spree there were sooooooo many cards I applied to and didn't need AT ALL and I'm like, wow I really took a HP for that. I'm gardening now so it's no biggie. But I can't help but think that hindered me from cards I did need and could've gotten. Ah you live and you learn. Has anyone else ever done that?

[taxi818]

---

@icyhot wrote:
Looking back on my credit spree there were sooooooo many cards I applied to and didn't need AT ALL and I'm like, wow I really took a HP for that. I'm gardening now so it's no biggie. But I can't help but think that hindered me from cards I did need and could've gotten. Ah you live and you learn. Has anyone else ever done that?

---

Yes. we all have done that. and made dumb decisions. but here is what is most important. you have awaken and now understand. now the real journey begins.

[Anonymous]

---

@icyhot wrote:
Looking back on my credit spree there were sooooooo many cards I applied to and didn't need AT ALL and I'm like, wow I really took a HP for that. I'm gardening now so it's no biggie. But I can't help but think that hindered me from cards I did need and could've gotten. Ah you live and you learn. Has anyone else ever done that?

---

Not yet, but sometimes it takes every ounce of willpower I can muster. It got REALLY hard when the Venture craze hit.

[kdm31091]

---

@icyhot wrote:
Looking back on my credit spree there were sooooooo many cards I applied to and didn't need AT ALL and I'm like, wow I really took a HP for that. I'm gardening now so it's no biggie. But I can't help but think that hindered me from cards I did need and could've gotten. Ah you live and you learn. Has anyone else ever done that?

---

I think we all have. I got a Thank You Preferred once without really realizing how incredibly useless it is (you get 2x on dining but that is nowhere near equal to 2% cash with the Thank You points). It was a pretty classic impulse thing. I got the flyer, saw "2x dining" and thought "oh, that's great!". Applied, got the card, realized how worthless it really was, and cancelled it pretty quickly.

It kind of sounds bad to say it, but this forum helps some people and it definitely hurts others. It can kind of encourage impulse apping. While one has to of course be in control of their own actions, there is often a "bandwagon" effect here with new cards/new bonuses/revamped cards/whatever, and some people really don't do their homework before applying. You have to really look into each card before you apply, and just because a card is popular (I'll just throw CSP or SPG as examples) doesn't mean they are right for everyone or that it makes sense for you to get. Even the Venture card makes very little sense for someone who isn't going to redeem for travel and you are better with the Quicksilver -- but you wouldn't really know it from the Venture mania that hit awhile ago. Unfortunately I don't doubt that some people obtained it without really understanding if it would benefit them. (A poster who no longer posts here who repeatedly opened and closed all his cards comes to mind -- he definitely seemed to be following the herd and not thinking for himself).

Always read your terms before applying. This is important when situations like the Cash+ from US Bank come up. Some people were miffed because if not approved for the Cash+ you are given the lesser Cash Rewards card instead. This is stated in the terms, but many people don't read these before applying. Save yourself a headache, read your terms, read your benefits, do the math, decide what's best for you. Do not rely on forum trends or what is popular. Rely on what you want and need and you'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Yes, sure.  We live and learn.  Matter of fact, I'm still weeding through what cards I really want and what others I should get in place of the ones that I don't.  I think most of us do.  

[Anonymous]

---

@icyhot wrote:
 Has anyone else ever done that?

---

LoL, are you kidding me?  

I applied for AMEX like 5x until I realized that my 550 FICO was too low for AMEX

[elim]

ahhhhh... apper's remorse,   been there.

[Anonymous]

Everyone on this forum has... There'd be fibbing if they say otherwise..

[Anonymous]

---

@kdm31091 wrote:

---

It kind of sounds bad to say it, but this forum helps some people and it definitely hurts others. It can kind of encourage impulse apping. While one has to of course be in control of their own actions, there is often a "bandwagon" effect here with new cards/new bonuses/revamped cards/whatever, and some people really don't do their homework before applying. You have to really look into each card before you apply, and just because a card is popular (I'll just throw CSP or SPG as examples) doesn't mean they are right for everyone or that it makes sense for you to get. Even the Venture card makes very little sense for someone who isn't going to redeem for travel and you are better with the Quicksilver -- but you wouldn't really know it from the Venture mania that hit awhile ago.  

---

+1

I only have 3 cards - they are all tiny, little, baby limits and I am OK with that. I am trying to make amends for past stupidity, chillax and rebuild. 

But, I would be lying if I said that I didn't get a little bit envious when I see the 'big guns' here getting fancy upgrades and limits that make me blush, lol. KDM's comments hit home for me though, because I admit that I am naive when it comes to credit cards. With the help of every poster on here, I have been able to gain a little confidence and choose what's best for me. 

@icyhot - I'll make a batch of fresh lemonade for us gardeners.

[Anonymous]

We app because we can