$1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for U... - myFICO® Forums

ptatohed · ‎11-16-2025

I see this offer every single time I visit USB for my personal accounts. So, I have been thinking and thinking about it. A juicy $1,200! No Direct Deposit required! $1,200 for keeping $25,000 in checking for 60 days and making 5 debit card purchases. Easy enough! But do I own a business? That's what made me hesitate, and hem and haw.

OFFER (there is also an offer for $400 bonus for $5,000 deposit for 60 days)

So, I researched what constitutes a 'business' and, honestly, it doesn't take a lot to qualify as a business. Without going any further into it, let's just say I applied as a Sole Proprietorship as someone who sells items on ebay. It worked.

They let me fund up to $3,000 with a credit card, I used my 3% AOD (didn't want to use my USB Smartly card with USB, and it probably would have only been 2%, not 4% anyway), so there is another free $90!!!!

The only 'cost' will be not having $25,000 in a 4.2% HYSA (my Lending Club Level Up Savings) for 2 months, so a loss of $175, bummer. Oh, plus the year-end taxes on the $1,200. But still worth it!!!!

P.S. Mods, I was not quite sure where to place this thread. Personal Finance - it isn't quite 'personal' (although it is for me) and it certainly is about 'finance'; or Business Credit - while related to 'business', it has nothing to do with 'credit'! Please move, as appropriate. Thanks!

[Until I can make a pretty signature, here’s an updated draft]

Everyday 5% CB:
Chase prime Visa // citi CUSTOM CASH “A” // citi CUSTOM CASH “B” // citi SHOP YOUR WAY (5% gas (in points), lucrative spending offers) // mylowe’s Rewards // Target circle card // primis Perks debit Visa (50c CB per transaction (5% CB or more up to $10 spend))

5% CB rotating:
Chase “OG” freedom Visa // DISCOVER it Cash Back // nusenda CU Platinum Cash Rewards

Everyday 4% CB:
US Bank Smartly (v1.0)

Everyday 3% / 2.2% CB:
AOD FCU Visa Signature (3%, sockdrawered) // upgrade Cash Rewards Elite (2.2%, sockdrawered)

Welcome Offer / credits only:
Chase SAPPHIRE PREFFERED (grabbed my $1,000, sockdrawered, will cancel) // NFCU FLAGSHIP REWARDS (elevated Welcome Offer, annual prime credit, sockdrawered)

Hotel card:
Chase IHG ONE REWARDS PREMIER (elevated Welcome Offer, 1 free night/yr)

On my radar:
Langely FCU Signature Cash Back (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // Safe CU Cash Back+ (Quarterly rotating 5% CB cats plus bonus cats) // upgrade MyFive Cash Rewards (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // US Bank Kroger (and family) World Elite Master Card(s) (5% CB Mobile Wallet)

TrapLine · ‎11-17-2025

@ptatohed

Off topic but there was this notice that effective November 10th, 2025 the USB Smartly Savings would go to one tier based on the interest rate base of $0.05 and an 5%, 10% or 15% adder to the base rate using the amount you have on deposit as CQB.

I have been a hawk on my account every day and I still have the best USB Smartly Savings program offered back in 2024.

Certainly ... "do not poke the bear" ... Find it interesting? If you do the math on the new rates nothing is still nothing otherwise.

Moved out money from the USB Savings account in anticipation of the virtually zero interest rate.

What gives? You see anything?

Patient957 · ‎11-17-2025

Easy money. Congrats!

ptatohed · ‎11-17-2025

@TrapLine wrote:
@ptatohed

Off topic but there was this notice that effective November 10th, 2025 the USB Smartly Savings would go to one tier based on the interest rate base of $0.05 and an 5%, 10% or 15% adder to the base rate using the amount you have on deposit as CQB.

I have been a hawk on my account every day and I still have the best USB Smartly Savings program offered back in 2024.

Certainly ... "do not poke the bear" ... Find it interesting? If you do the math on the new rates nothing is still nothing otherwise.

Moved out money from the USB Savings account in anticipation of the virtually zero interest rate.

What gives? You see anything?

Trap, I am still getting the Smartly interest rate bump. I only keep $500 in there.

Overview
Account details

Total variable interest rate

2.96%

Standard interest rate

0.05%

Interest rate bump

2.91%

Interest paid this year

$563.99

Interest paid last year

$7.83

Smartly interest rate bump tier

Tier range: $100,000 and above

Benefits this year

Monthly maintenance fees waived

$50.00

Learn more

[Until I can make a pretty signature, here’s an updated draft]

Everyday 5% CB:
Chase prime Visa // citi CUSTOM CASH “A” // citi CUSTOM CASH “B” // citi SHOP YOUR WAY (5% gas (in points), lucrative spending offers) // mylowe’s Rewards // Target circle card // primis Perks debit Visa (50c CB per transaction (5% CB or more up to $10 spend))

5% CB rotating:
Chase “OG” freedom Visa // DISCOVER it Cash Back // nusenda CU Platinum Cash Rewards

Everyday 4% CB:
US Bank Smartly (v1.0)

Everyday 3% / 2.2% CB:
AOD FCU Visa Signature (3%, sockdrawered) // upgrade Cash Rewards Elite (2.2%, sockdrawered)

Welcome Offer / credits only:
Chase SAPPHIRE PREFFERED (grabbed my $1,000, sockdrawered, will cancel) // NFCU FLAGSHIP REWARDS (elevated Welcome Offer, annual prime credit, sockdrawered)

Hotel card:
Chase IHG ONE REWARDS PREMIER (elevated Welcome Offer, 1 free night/yr)

On my radar:
Langely FCU Signature Cash Back (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // Safe CU Cash Back+ (Quarterly rotating 5% CB cats plus bonus cats) // upgrade MyFive Cash Rewards (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // US Bank Kroger (and family) World Elite Master Card(s) (5% CB Mobile Wallet)

Vinjints · ‎11-18-2025

@ptatohed wrote:
So, I researched what constitutes a 'business' and, honestly, it doesn't take a lot to qualify as a business. Without going any further into it, let's just say I applied as a Sole Proprietorship as someone who sells items on ebay. It worked.

Is this worth looking into for credit cards? Generally speaking, do FIs limit/monitor your business cards to business related purchases?

NFCU Flagship (Daily 2% + Travel) | USAA Rewards (AoOA = 26y)

Aven Rewards (Groceries) | Chase Prime (Amazon) | Citi Custom Cash (Dining) | Elan MCP (Utilities)

EQ(F8) 784 | EX(F8) 801 | TU(F8) 800 | EQ(F9) 823 | EQ(BC8) 815

On the Radar: Langley | Kroger | AmEx | Discover

ptatohed · ‎11-18-2025

@Vinjints wrote:
@ptatohed wrote:
So, I researched what constitutes a 'business' and, honestly, it doesn't take a lot to qualify as a business. Without going any further into it, let's just say I applied as a Sole Proprietorship as someone who sells items on ebay. It worked.

Is this worth looking into for credit cards? Generally speaking, do FIs limit/monitor your business cards to business related purchases?

Yeah, great question Vin. I haven't totally explored every business card out there but, as far as I know, I haven't seen one that totally excites me. But, yeah, I assume one could very well apply for a business card under Sole Prop. I remember many, many moons ago, I applied for a Chase Ink and was approved. I don't think the spending on a Business card has to solely be 'business'.

[Until I can make a pretty signature, here’s an updated draft]

Everyday 5% CB:
Chase prime Visa // citi CUSTOM CASH “A” // citi CUSTOM CASH “B” // citi SHOP YOUR WAY (5% gas (in points), lucrative spending offers) // mylowe’s Rewards // Target circle card // primis Perks debit Visa (50c CB per transaction (5% CB or more up to $10 spend))

5% CB rotating:
Chase “OG” freedom Visa // DISCOVER it Cash Back // nusenda CU Platinum Cash Rewards

Everyday 4% CB:
US Bank Smartly (v1.0)

Everyday 3% / 2.2% CB:
AOD FCU Visa Signature (3%, sockdrawered) // upgrade Cash Rewards Elite (2.2%, sockdrawered)

Welcome Offer / credits only:
Chase SAPPHIRE PREFFERED (grabbed my $1,000, sockdrawered, will cancel) // NFCU FLAGSHIP REWARDS (elevated Welcome Offer, annual prime credit, sockdrawered)

Hotel card:
Chase IHG ONE REWARDS PREMIER (elevated Welcome Offer, 1 free night/yr)

On my radar:
Langely FCU Signature Cash Back (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // Safe CU Cash Back+ (Quarterly rotating 5% CB cats plus bonus cats) // upgrade MyFive Cash Rewards (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // US Bank Kroger (and family) World Elite Master Card(s) (5% CB Mobile Wallet)

ElvisCaprice · ‎11-22-2025

@ptatohed wrote:
They let me fund up to $3,000 with a credit card, I used my 3% AOD (didn't want to use my USB Smartly card with USB, and it probably would have only been 2%, not 4% anyway), so there is another free $90!!!!

Good find on the nice SUB, with data points!!!

Doesn't the AOD have a $1500 cap per month at 3%, then 1%? Thus your 3k initial finance would be $60. Hmmm, makes the case for having the AVEN. I would use the BofA CCR/online category for 5.25%, first $2500, then 1%, myself. Payoff $136.25.

BofA (w/PH Status):

Premium Rewards (for SUB & PC to CCR no FTF)

Citi:

US Bank:

Chase:

Aven:

RH:

CB Debit Cards:

For Aven Rewards Visa ref www qsv.com

ptatohed · ‎11-22-2025

@ElvisCaprice wrote:
@ptatohed wrote:
They let me fund up to $3,000 with a credit card, I used my 3% AOD (didn't want to use my USB Smartly card with USB, and it probably would have only been 2%, not 4% anyway), so there is another free $90!!!!
Good find on the nice SUB, with data points!!!
Doesn't the AOD have a $1500 cap per month at 3%, then 1%? Thus your 3k initial finance would be $60. Hmmm, makes the case for having the AVEN. I would use the BofA CCR/online category for 5.25%, first $2500, then 1%, myself. Payoff $136.25.

Yeah, I guess you are right EC! Doh!

[Until I can make a pretty signature, here’s an updated draft]

Everyday 5% CB:
Chase prime Visa // citi CUSTOM CASH “A” // citi CUSTOM CASH “B” // citi SHOP YOUR WAY (5% gas (in points), lucrative spending offers) // mylowe’s Rewards // Target circle card // primis Perks debit Visa (50c CB per transaction (5% CB or more up to $10 spend))

5% CB rotating:
Chase “OG” freedom Visa // DISCOVER it Cash Back // nusenda CU Platinum Cash Rewards

Everyday 4% CB:
US Bank Smartly (v1.0)

Everyday 3% / 2.2% CB:
AOD FCU Visa Signature (3%, sockdrawered) // upgrade Cash Rewards Elite (2.2%, sockdrawered)

Welcome Offer / credits only:
Chase SAPPHIRE PREFFERED (grabbed my $1,000, sockdrawered, will cancel) // NFCU FLAGSHIP REWARDS (elevated Welcome Offer, annual prime credit, sockdrawered)

Hotel card:
Chase IHG ONE REWARDS PREMIER (elevated Welcome Offer, 1 free night/yr)

On my radar:
Langely FCU Signature Cash Back (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // Safe CU Cash Back+ (Quarterly rotating 5% CB cats plus bonus cats) // upgrade MyFive Cash Rewards (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // US Bank Kroger (and family) World Elite Master Card(s) (5% CB Mobile Wallet)

TrapLine · ‎11-23-2025

In reading postings ... some financials do pop into our spending patterns and flag business/commercial accounts showing what appears to be personal spending.

One that really keeps a look out is JP Morgan Chase. They have been known to shut down account holders that they see are miss using them. For myself, sometimes I make a business purchase of items that appear to be personal but are not. Example, our local Walmart Store has a good office supply section to include electronic equipment with good pricing. So, why not buy there? I do and then wait for Chase to hammer me. Probably should just ignore it but I do wonder?

$1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

$1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

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Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

2.96%

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

$1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

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$1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

2.96%

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

Re: $1,200, Come to Poppa! Applied and Approved for USB Platinum Business Checking

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