Last edit by: beltway
This thread is now archived. For later discussion, see the threads starting at May 2015 (now also closed) and January 2017 (current, with updated wiki).
Applying for Chase Credit Cards- Archived 2008-5/2015
#3121
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Unexpectedly, IHG got approved for 20k
I alluded to shifting limits but given that the 20k limit was for a card just approved, couldn't shift. called recon #2 and she could see the other apps and said nogo as well due to multiple apps and too much extended credit. I feel like the 20k limit on IHG totally nuked my chances to get the UA/Slate autoapproved, and my UA card still might not get approved.
My actual business with real 6 figure revenue only got a 10k credit limit with Ink Plus. Don't let the bloggers fool you, it's not as easy as the halcyon days of yore.
I'm assuming you don't need $20K on the IHG, since it's a great card for the sign up bonus and the annual certificate, but a terrible card to put spend on. We just stayed at the Hong Kong Intercontinental with our certs. It's a beautiful hotel with an incredible view across the harbor from Kowloon to HG proper. It's also 45K points per night. That's $45K in normal spend per night, and still $22,500 in grocery store purchases.
So why not SM Chase to lower the CL on the IHG to a few thousand, then call Recon again once that's done, and see if they will approve another card with the now much lower total Chase CL?
#3122
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 273
Mine really seemed to do with the number of cards opened the same day. The analyst tried to push it through multiple times. I have an existing biz card with 25k limit and he said even closing that wouldn't work and that it was showing because too many cards opened that day.
#3123
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 76
I'm new (but very well read) on the credit card bonus churning game.
First some background. In 2011 I applied an opened a United Mileage Plus Select with the 50k sign on bonus. Over the next few years I put my wife and I's vacation spending on the card (to kind of keep it separate). Last year we flew CLE->LAX and SFO->CLE open jaw and this year we are doing CLE-YVR and PDX -> CLE open jaw (already booked). Obviously for the summer vacation flights to be free, it's intoxicating. But I thought, well, I just blew all the points, we saved some big money, but it's over.
Then I found TPG blog, and One Mile at Time, and started my reading. The plan is to have wife open up a UMP Explorer (already approved and in the mail). Then for me a CSP. Then for her a CSP. To start all over again.
Anyway, to my question. I very stupidly changed my Select to an Explorer last month. Before I started the reading. Before I understood what I was doing. I'm like, hey we're going to Canada no Forex fees on the Explorer. I'm super smart. *Pats self on the back* Chase customer service on the phone was like, are you sure, the Select card isn't made anymore, this is non-revocable and you don't get the bonus. I'm like, whatever lady, no Forex fees. I'm gonna save $50. New Explorer card so pretty, though.
I OBVIOUSLY NOW KNOW I SHOULD HAVE JUST CANCELLED THE SELECT AND APPLIED FOR THE EXPLORER TO GET THE 30K BONUS.
How ****** am I? Can I just cancel the Explorer now? And re-apply for it later this year, or next, or when the 50k offer comes out? Or am I just screwed for the next 24 months because I dumbly changed it to Explorer. And if I should cancel.... should I cancel now? Or wait until after I have the CSP? What about if I call and ask about the bonus? And threaten to cancel unless I get it?
Thanks so much for any answers.
First some background. In 2011 I applied an opened a United Mileage Plus Select with the 50k sign on bonus. Over the next few years I put my wife and I's vacation spending on the card (to kind of keep it separate). Last year we flew CLE->LAX and SFO->CLE open jaw and this year we are doing CLE-YVR and PDX -> CLE open jaw (already booked). Obviously for the summer vacation flights to be free, it's intoxicating. But I thought, well, I just blew all the points, we saved some big money, but it's over.
Then I found TPG blog, and One Mile at Time, and started my reading. The plan is to have wife open up a UMP Explorer (already approved and in the mail). Then for me a CSP. Then for her a CSP. To start all over again.
Anyway, to my question. I very stupidly changed my Select to an Explorer last month. Before I started the reading. Before I understood what I was doing. I'm like, hey we're going to Canada no Forex fees on the Explorer. I'm super smart. *Pats self on the back* Chase customer service on the phone was like, are you sure, the Select card isn't made anymore, this is non-revocable and you don't get the bonus. I'm like, whatever lady, no Forex fees. I'm gonna save $50. New Explorer card so pretty, though.
I OBVIOUSLY NOW KNOW I SHOULD HAVE JUST CANCELLED THE SELECT AND APPLIED FOR THE EXPLORER TO GET THE 30K BONUS.
How ****** am I? Can I just cancel the Explorer now? And re-apply for it later this year, or next, or when the 50k offer comes out? Or am I just screwed for the next 24 months because I dumbly changed it to Explorer. And if I should cancel.... should I cancel now? Or wait until after I have the CSP? What about if I call and ask about the bonus? And threaten to cancel unless I get it?
Thanks so much for any answers.
Last edited by awval999; Mar 21, 2015 at 1:35 pm
#3124
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 294
I'm new (but very well read) on the credit card bonus churning game.
First some background. In 2011 I applied an opened a United Mileage Plus Select with the 50k sign on bonus. Over the next few years I put my wife and I's vacation spending on the card (to kind of keep it separate). Last year we flew CLE->LAX and SFO->CLE open jaw and this year we are doing CLE-YVR and PDX -> CLE open jaw (already booked). Obviously for the summer vacation flights to be free, it's intoxicating. But I thought, well, I just blew all the points, we saved some big money, but it's over.
Then I found TPG blog, and One Mile at Time, and started my reading. The plan is to have wife open up a UMP Explorer (already approved and in the mail). Then for me a CSP. Then for her a CSP. To start all over again.
Anyway, to my question. I very stupidly changed my Select to an Explorer last month. Before I started the reading. Before I understood what I was doing. I'm like, hey we're going to Canada no Forex fees on the Explorer. I'm super smart. *Pats self on the back* Chase customer service on the phone was like, are you sure, the Select card isn't made anymore, this is non-revocable and you don't get the bonus. I'm like, whatever lady, no Forex fees. I'm gonna save $50. New Explorer card so pretty, though.
I OBVIOUSLY NOW KNOW I SHOULD HAVE JUST CANCELLED THE SELECT AND APPLIED FOR THE EXPLORER TO GET THE 30K BONUS.
How ****** am I? Can I just cancel the Explorer now? And re-apply for it later this year, or next, or when the 50k offer comes out? Or am I just screwed for the next 24 months because I dumbly changed it to Explorer. And if I should cancel.... should I cancel now? Or wait until after I have the CSP? What about if I call and ask about the bonus? And threaten to cancel unless I get it?
Thanks so much for any answers.
First some background. In 2011 I applied an opened a United Mileage Plus Select with the 50k sign on bonus. Over the next few years I put my wife and I's vacation spending on the card (to kind of keep it separate). Last year we flew CLE->LAX and SFO->CLE open jaw and this year we are doing CLE-YVR and PDX -> CLE open jaw (already booked). Obviously for the summer vacation flights to be free, it's intoxicating. But I thought, well, I just blew all the points, we saved some big money, but it's over.
Then I found TPG blog, and One Mile at Time, and started my reading. The plan is to have wife open up a UMP Explorer (already approved and in the mail). Then for me a CSP. Then for her a CSP. To start all over again.
Anyway, to my question. I very stupidly changed my Select to an Explorer last month. Before I started the reading. Before I understood what I was doing. I'm like, hey we're going to Canada no Forex fees on the Explorer. I'm super smart. *Pats self on the back* Chase customer service on the phone was like, are you sure, the Select card isn't made anymore, this is non-revocable and you don't get the bonus. I'm like, whatever lady, no Forex fees. I'm gonna save $50. New Explorer card so pretty, though.
I OBVIOUSLY NOW KNOW I SHOULD HAVE JUST CANCELLED THE SELECT AND APPLIED FOR THE EXPLORER TO GET THE 30K BONUS.
How ****** am I? Can I just cancel the Explorer now? And re-apply for it later this year, or next, or when the 50k offer comes out? Or am I just screwed for the next 24 months because I dumbly changed it to Explorer. And if I should cancel.... should I cancel now? Or wait until after I have the CSP? What about if I call and ask about the bonus? And threaten to cancel unless I get it?
Thanks so much for any answers.
#3125
Join Date: May 2000
Location: HH Gold, Marriott Gold, PC Plat, Emirates Silver
Posts: 2,676
I like instant approval vs. having to call in to get credit moved in order to get approved for the card. Therefore, I lower my limit to $5k on cards and this has worked well for me. I do leave 1 card with a higher limit just in case I need it for purchases or if I do need to call in.
#3126
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,731
There has been an open question about when the 2 year limit for BA bonus points was to be considered over. I got my original sign up bonus over 2 years ago, but got a second bonus upon renewal less than 2 years ago. I quessed that only the first bonus would count towards the 2 year limit, so a few months ago I applied for another BA card. I waited 2 months to see if Chase would send me a letter saying my new card didn't qualify for a bonus, and when I didn't get a notice, I recently did the $2K min spnd.
Since my statement closed a week ago, I called Chase to find out what was up. The CSR said "the 52K miles have already been transferred to BA". Why don't I see them in my account? Supposedly because "the transfer process takes 6 to 8 weeks" to show up in the BA account.
So anyway, for those who have been wondering, this is an apparent first data point that the only bonus that counts for the 2 year re-app time frame is the sign up bonus, not the secondary spend and/or renewal additional bonus points.
Since my statement closed a week ago, I called Chase to find out what was up. The CSR said "the 52K miles have already been transferred to BA". Why don't I see them in my account? Supposedly because "the transfer process takes 6 to 8 weeks" to show up in the BA account.
So anyway, for those who have been wondering, this is an apparent first data point that the only bonus that counts for the 2 year re-app time frame is the sign up bonus, not the secondary spend and/or renewal additional bonus points.
#3127
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,731
My wife had a Sapphire card from 2011, closed via PM on 3/3/2015, applied for a new one a few hours later. Reject letter in mail noting open card received on 3/10/2015. Sent PM stating that open card was closed, and was closed at time of application. Approved today.
So the waiting period is between 3 hours and 1 week. Better, it is a denial that can be overcome without actually calling anyone!
So the waiting period is between 3 hours and 1 week. Better, it is a denial that can be overcome without actually calling anyone!
#3128
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 8
New to churning: I received both Southwest RR Plus & Premier about a month ago and have almost reached the Companion Pass. Planing on a trip to NYC this Summer and just applied for Hyatt card for my wife. Didn't get instant approval for it SO should I wait for a letter or call in? Am I moving too quickly and causing myself problems? Thanks!
#3129
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 294
New to churning: I received both Southwest RR Plus & Premier about a month ago and have almost reached the Companion Pass. Planing on a trip to NYC this Summer and just applied for Hyatt card for my wife. Didn't get instant approval for it SO should I wait for a letter or call in? Am I moving too quickly and causing myself problems? Thanks!
#3130
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 274
Is this still the right number to close and allocate credit limit?
I am getting busy signal.
(888) 298-5623 – Credit Reallocation Office (Personal cards)
I am getting busy signal.
(888) 298-5623 – Credit Reallocation Office (Personal cards)
#3131
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
March 13, 2015
Total Avios transferred to Executive Club 52,496
#3132
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Northwest, United
Posts: 3,256
Well IME it seems that Chase is either getting tighter, or maybe you can just randomly hit someone who is more hostile.
I recently applied for the IHG MC. Got the message asking me to call in ASAP to complete the process. Not a biggie, I think I know this drill. Called in, friendly CSR asked how much additional credit I was looking for. Not much, I replied, just $5K would be plenty. No problem, he says, can do. Done. Quick & easy.
Friday night, the wife did the same application (as part of a mini AOR with 2 other cards). She got the same screen. She has been sick this weekend, so almost 2 days passed before she felt up to calling. To her (and my) surprise,. the CSR was much more standoff-ish - not exactly hostile, but a much less friendly, less encouraging tone. He asked the usual ID verification questions, then started probing on income, why this card, etc. Put her on hold for along time. Came back and said she already had all the credit with Chase he could extend, and that to process her application, he would need to forward it to a "senior credit analyst" and that she would need to fax in proof of income - something neither of us have ever had to do before. She said she really didn't need any additional credit, she would be fine with moving some credit from one of her existing cards (she has multiple cards with CLs of $20K and up), she didn't need a lot on this card, could he simply move $5K from one of the other CLs? No. He wouldn't do that. Really? Yeah, he said he couldn't do that, she would need to provide income verification. He wants her W2.
So, long story short, now I'm not sure how much to push this. We have always reported our combined household income (we live in a community property state) - which we have reported accurately: hers + mine + proceeds from stock sales related to my job. The numbers do add up to our reported income, but the number on her W2 will not reflect that total.
OTOH, I'm doing our taxes right now, so I should have a fresh new form 1040 that shows the combined household income that matches what went onto the form. That will be a few days before its done. I'm inclined to let this just sit until then, rather than pushing it right now and having to explain the numbers.
Anyway, IME this is entirely new behavior from Chase. I'm hoping we just got somebody in a bad mood, rather than this being a new approach they are taking.
I recently applied for the IHG MC. Got the message asking me to call in ASAP to complete the process. Not a biggie, I think I know this drill. Called in, friendly CSR asked how much additional credit I was looking for. Not much, I replied, just $5K would be plenty. No problem, he says, can do. Done. Quick & easy.
Friday night, the wife did the same application (as part of a mini AOR with 2 other cards). She got the same screen. She has been sick this weekend, so almost 2 days passed before she felt up to calling. To her (and my) surprise,. the CSR was much more standoff-ish - not exactly hostile, but a much less friendly, less encouraging tone. He asked the usual ID verification questions, then started probing on income, why this card, etc. Put her on hold for along time. Came back and said she already had all the credit with Chase he could extend, and that to process her application, he would need to forward it to a "senior credit analyst" and that she would need to fax in proof of income - something neither of us have ever had to do before. She said she really didn't need any additional credit, she would be fine with moving some credit from one of her existing cards (she has multiple cards with CLs of $20K and up), she didn't need a lot on this card, could he simply move $5K from one of the other CLs? No. He wouldn't do that. Really? Yeah, he said he couldn't do that, she would need to provide income verification. He wants her W2.
So, long story short, now I'm not sure how much to push this. We have always reported our combined household income (we live in a community property state) - which we have reported accurately: hers + mine + proceeds from stock sales related to my job. The numbers do add up to our reported income, but the number on her W2 will not reflect that total.
OTOH, I'm doing our taxes right now, so I should have a fresh new form 1040 that shows the combined household income that matches what went onto the form. That will be a few days before its done. I'm inclined to let this just sit until then, rather than pushing it right now and having to explain the numbers.
Anyway, IME this is entirely new behavior from Chase. I'm hoping we just got somebody in a bad mood, rather than this being a new approach they are taking.
#3133
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, DL PM, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,305
Benefits of United Club card other than Lounge access?
Besides lounge access and 1.5 points per $ spending, what are the other perks of having a Club card? How much would you pay in AF if you didn't care the club access or the 0.5 points extra mile per $ spent.
I have two Explorer card between me and my wife and debating of upgrading to one Club for myself. Do you get special treatment for reward spending or other benefits and what kind of $ value would one put to the club vs. Explorer decision making.
Thanks!
I have two Explorer card between me and my wife and debating of upgrading to one Club for myself. Do you get special treatment for reward spending or other benefits and what kind of $ value would one put to the club vs. Explorer decision making.
Thanks!
#3134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,038
The benefits of all the Chase UA cards can be found at www.united.com AFAIK there are no extra benefits for booking award tix over the Explorer card except the fee is waived for close in booking.
#3135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,731
Well IME it seems that Chase is either getting tighter, or maybe you can just randomly hit someone who is more hostile.
I recently applied for the IHG MC. Got the message asking me to call in ASAP to complete the process. Not a biggie, I think I know this drill. Called in, friendly CSR asked how much additional credit I was looking for. Not much, I replied, just $5K would be plenty. No problem, he says, can do. Done. Quick & easy.
Friday night, the wife did the same application (as part of a mini AOR with 2 other cards). She got the same screen. She has been sick this weekend, so almost 2 days passed before she felt up to calling. To her (and my) surprise,. the CSR was much more standoff-ish - not exactly hostile, but a much less friendly, less encouraging tone. He asked the usual ID verification questions, then started probing on income, why this card, etc. Put her on hold for along time. Came back and said she already had all the credit with Chase he could extend, and that to process her application, he would need to forward it to a "senior credit analyst" and that she would need to fax in proof of income - something neither of us have ever had to do before. She said she really didn't need any additional credit, she would be fine with moving some credit from one of her existing cards (she has multiple cards with CLs of $20K and up), she didn't need a lot on this card, could he simply move $5K from one of the other CLs? No. He wouldn't do that. Really? Yeah, he said he couldn't do that, she would need to provide income verification. He wants her W2.
So, long story short, now I'm not sure how much to push this. We have always reported our combined household income (we live in a community property state) - which we have reported accurately: hers + mine + proceeds from stock sales related to my job. The numbers do add up to our reported income, but the number on her W2 will not reflect that total.
OTOH, I'm doing our taxes right now, so I should have a fresh new form 1040 that shows the combined household income that matches what went onto the form. That will be a few days before its done. I'm inclined to let this just sit until then, rather than pushing it right now and having to explain the numbers.
Anyway, IME this is entirely new behavior from Chase. I'm hoping we just got somebody in a bad mood, rather than this being a new approach they are taking.
I recently applied for the IHG MC. Got the message asking me to call in ASAP to complete the process. Not a biggie, I think I know this drill. Called in, friendly CSR asked how much additional credit I was looking for. Not much, I replied, just $5K would be plenty. No problem, he says, can do. Done. Quick & easy.
Friday night, the wife did the same application (as part of a mini AOR with 2 other cards). She got the same screen. She has been sick this weekend, so almost 2 days passed before she felt up to calling. To her (and my) surprise,. the CSR was much more standoff-ish - not exactly hostile, but a much less friendly, less encouraging tone. He asked the usual ID verification questions, then started probing on income, why this card, etc. Put her on hold for along time. Came back and said she already had all the credit with Chase he could extend, and that to process her application, he would need to forward it to a "senior credit analyst" and that she would need to fax in proof of income - something neither of us have ever had to do before. She said she really didn't need any additional credit, she would be fine with moving some credit from one of her existing cards (she has multiple cards with CLs of $20K and up), she didn't need a lot on this card, could he simply move $5K from one of the other CLs? No. He wouldn't do that. Really? Yeah, he said he couldn't do that, she would need to provide income verification. He wants her W2.
So, long story short, now I'm not sure how much to push this. We have always reported our combined household income (we live in a community property state) - which we have reported accurately: hers + mine + proceeds from stock sales related to my job. The numbers do add up to our reported income, but the number on her W2 will not reflect that total.
OTOH, I'm doing our taxes right now, so I should have a fresh new form 1040 that shows the combined household income that matches what went onto the form. That will be a few days before its done. I'm inclined to let this just sit until then, rather than pushing it right now and having to explain the numbers.
Anyway, IME this is entirely new behavior from Chase. I'm hoping we just got somebody in a bad mood, rather than this being a new approach they are taking.