That should work.  If you are able to keep your rewards card clear for PIFs, you should be fine. ... View more

Angel----I have several (for now) that are in a good range: First Command: 4.25% (until October, then 1% + prime, base of 7.25%) Simmons First: 7.25% (until October, then 7.25% variable to prime) Addison Avenue: 5.24% (expect this to remain there unless prime goes up) Citi Platinum Select: 8.24% Etc. ... View more

DI-----excellent questions.  It is recommended to have your primary card + a backup card available.  I typically use my Amex Blue Cash + my PenFed Rewards Visa.   My other cards stay at home and are used once per month for specific purchases.   I think you're on the right track. ... View more

I used the great advice on this board, with the insight of Hauling and the inspriration of tx to accumulate the following since March 2009:   triple credit line increase from main cu account double credit line increase from my low interest regional bank card increase to five figures for national bank card   three new prime bank cards one prime regional low-interest card four new credit union cards two new store cards   The goals were to build up quality cards for the new banking atmosphere, build up my credit score (after the initial score hit), and be able to credit garden for the next two years before my home purchase.   I am thankful to the forum to help make this possible. ... View more

Congrats on the card.   My Gold Card account posted transactions usually within 48 hours and my Blue Cash the same.  Interestingly, my payments post within 24 hours, although I use my CU's bill pay.     ... View more

Scout----thanks for the heads up.  I have a Platinum Select MC and will check to see if there are any changes.   Burn Notice is one of the only shows I make time to watch---enjoy the Season Finale! ... View more

Angel---I faxed to the loan department, then called the next day.  It's good that you had a specific person.   When I called the next day they had the decision.  ... View more

Lexa---congratulations to you and your girlfriend.  Excellent plan and you both should be very successful.   Well done! ... View more

M----welcome to the forums!   Your goal would be to pay off any credit card debt, if possible.   Keeping your "reported" balances (amounts that show up on your statements) to about 1% would be optimal for FICO scoring.   There are a number of great threads that outline the strategies, including the Credit 101 and High Achievers threads. ... View more

Magic----welcome to the forums!   Most credit card statements do fluctuate 2-3 days during a month.  I have some that cut between the 14th and 16th and between the 29th and 31st.   Marty's advice is good.  If you follow that, you should be fine. ... View more

Peach,   Your plan is pretty well thought out--especially the actions now to carry to the future.   Removing yourself from the AU status of your mother's accounts, especially with your utilization issues, is a sound move.   The USAA MC is a great card.  I would recommend adding a major bank like US Bank and a good cu card like Alliant, PenFed, or something similar.   The store card, credit cards, student loans, and mortgage will give you an excellent mix.  I would only think about Amex or Disc if you have particular uses for those cards.   There are many good threads on the products listed above, and others, so please peruse them to find the ones that will meet your needs.   As long as you handle the other (more weighty) aspects of high FICO characteristics (a great thread), you should have no problem reaching your FICO point goal--probably in 1/2 the time you project.   You have a great plan and good luck! ... View more

Tray-----congratulations on getting such a great result.  I am also grateful for joing Alliant and am happy to read that things like this can happen. ... View more

Congratulations PJ!   Amex surprised my a few weeks ago with a 40% increase in my line.   Keep up the great work! ... View more

Lynette-----three CUs getting a log of press in the forums are Alliant, PenFed, and Addison Avenue.   You should be eligible to join any of those.  I have received good cs from each and the three have different focal points.   Alliant will give you pre-approved offers upon joining, the usuals being a credit card and/or auto loan.  PenFed offers a great rewards card.  Addison Avenue offers a great low-interest (5.24%) credit card.   There are a number of threads on each that will give you the necessary and optimal information on each.   Good luck on your research. ... View more

My last for the the next several years was July 2009 (Addison Avenue Visa).  That rounded out a spree of adding nine ccs to stock up during this banking era and to thin the herd as is necessary.   I fully expect to drop about 1/2 of the ccs that I currently have during the next two years and am targeting a home mortgage directly after that.   I could not have done so well without this forum's advice, support and great tips.  Even after the spree I was able to raise my scores on TU and EQ 8 and 18 points respectively to almost meet my FICO goals.  Not apping for another cc for a good while will fully get me to the goals. ... View more

Hauling's advice, as usual, is right on.  Credit cards and applications are hopefully a part of a bigger plan.   It is difficult to think that you have what you need and then see something out there.  I thought that I was done for 3+ years because I did a similar thing with a plan and list.  My low interest cards (4.25% and 7.25%) in back-to-back days changed their terms and I needed to fill in (Addison).   In the end it's important to follow the good guidance about only applying for credit you need and ensuring that your major plans are not compromised.  Patience can be tough to learn, but will be the ultimate advantage when building great credit scores and keeping them.   ... View more

Congratulations Pattycake!  I've enjoyed using my for the past 2 months or so.  I haven't spent a lot on it, but have already gotten back over $10.  You'll really like the card! ... View more

Amazing.......ok, not really (considering all of the posts re: Chase).   With your scores and credit history it is indeed astounding that they are not doing anything to retain you as a customer... ... View more

Congratulations on the new card!  I have listed the CU on my task list for down the road, since I've already added four CUs lately.  Great tip. ... View more

I doubt they'll come up on whogavemecredit.com, but if you qualify for the 9.9, I would doubt the cls would be tiny. ... View more

I'm not in the area, but it looks to have a good rate (6.9) and others can join (not in TX) with a $20 donation.  I spoke to CS to ask about membership (although  I'm done with my spree) and the person was really nice (good signt).  Another good alternative along with Addison. ... View more

Smallfry's advice is right on.  You may consider the PenFed card for regular purchases and two cards from the lenders that you've already worked with on your other mortgages, etc.   The AAoAs will suffer, but utilizing the cc payment strategies on this forum, you should be able to improve your score while getting cash/merchandise back.   If you take your score for a ride, you may be surprised at the mileage you can get out of it for new credit. ... View more

Krazy---welcome to the forums!   It depends on your goals.  If you are a PIF cardholder, the interest rate is not an issue.  Over time you may be able to talk them down, but there are better alternatives to carrying at even 11%.   Many posters are now writing about Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union, their good customer service, and yes---their 5.24% Visa.   You may want to check into this card.  Otherwise, if your PIF, the Discover rate should not affect you. ... View more

Many others have reported similar review trends.  It seems excessive, but Amex has been checking everyone quite a bit for some time now. ... View more

Welcome to the forums!   Considering your debt load, your EQ score is very good.   It is recommended in the threads to optimally have only one card report a balance and a small one at that.  Many posters have experimented with this and I myself have seen signifcant increases from the strategy.   When you are able to reduce your debt to less than 9% or so of your total lines, that will be good.  The next step would be to complete the debt removal and charge on all three cards.  Pay off two of the three before the statements cut and let a small amount report on the third card.  When its statement cuts, pay off the balance.   You will avoid finance charges and improve your FICO score.    You are on the right track---good luck! ... View more

Tx----I just received my Addison card today .  I don't think I'll go for the 3.41%, as I'd need to do the obligatory 12 debit card purchases per month.....   Sounds like your plan should be fine.  My CSUN credit union originally had a five business day turn time to PenFed.  The next payment credited at PenFed the next business day.  The most recent is taking the whole five busines days..... not too consistent.  I am setting up enough money in PenFed by small amount direct deposit to start transferring the payments next month.  We'll see... ... View more

Dunnc-----welcome to the forums!   From what you're describing, it shouldn't preclude you from getting a PenFed card, provided all else is in order.  With scores in your range, you should be in good shape.  PenFed uses their own scoring system that apparently adds 5-10 "points" to your average.   You may also consider a second lower interet card from a cu or similar.  I just joined Addison Avenue and their 5.24% card is attractive.   Also remember, if the Chase card is one or your oldest, you may prefer to sock-drawer is as opposed to closing, depending on you needs for FICO scoring. ... View more

Moon----congratulations on getting things in order.   I would also recommend a credit union, but perferably one close to you.  Meeting them in person and speaking with the LO about your journey can help a lot in getting a decent line to start.   I would also recommend doing the same thing with a bank like US Bank.  They are conservative, but an in-person meeting can help with the person taking your application.  They are know to many posters here as the bank that wants to be your "first big bankcard".   Others will most likely chime in with some good recommendations. ... View more

Good move tx.  I didn't get the personal call, as I was on the phone with them over the next two days getting them information.   I did also apply for the Visa (5.24%), as my Simmons and First Command changed their terms this month.  Although you PIF, it's usually a good idea to have a really low-interest card in case of emergency.   They all seemed very friendly and showed great customer service.  This should be my last application for some time, and it was a great experience. ... View more

Swoo-----welcome to the forum!   Your attitude about not carrying a balance is a great one to have.   Regarding your plan----it depends on your goals.  You will need a few more cards to pull the most points if a higher FICO score is a goal.  There are a number of great threads in the Search function to help you on this.   Regarding the choices of cards, you are smar ot keep the WF card and use it perhaps once every 1-3 months to keep it active.  I have the PenFed card and really am happy with it.   For the last card choice, I did have an Amex Gold that I used for points, and after I purchased (redeemed) the products I wanted, I cancelled the card and picked up a Blue Cash.  Because of tuition, etc. my expenditures this year were high and the BC made the most sense.  Next year most of my purchases will go to the PenFed, as I will not hit the 6500 tier.  You will need to see that the points you rack up will serve you.   I would opt for either---as long as the extended warranty is good (a personal favorite of mine).   Other posters should be chiming in shortly, but I like your plan-----just please have some patience regarding how you view the recommendations, etc. here, as we urge constructive feedback and patience in testing the theories/advice for ourselves.   You should be very successful with you plan---good luck! ... View more