Good idea to apply for these 2 cards now or wait a bit?
First question/problem in thread was solved. So, moving on to the other question I have.
I am looking to add another card or two. I currently have 3 cards, with two more on the way:
- Chase Freedom
- Chase BP Rewards (terrible card, but I have a short credit history and this is my longest held card - so keeping it for that reason)
- Banana Republic Card (Run by GE Capital unfortunately, but it's a good rewards card for all the shopping I do at BR)
- Citi AA Visa (Pending, in my hands in 7 days)
- Citi AA Amex (Pending, in my hands in 7-10 days)
My credit is in the 740-760 range, and before this Friday the 11th, I hadn't applied for a card since october 2012 (the chase freedom card)
Now I am looking to apply for the United Explorer Card (with targeted 50k mileage bonus) and the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
I'm wondering, after just getting a credit pull Friday the 11th, should I wait to apply for both or one of these cards? It may look like i'm desperate for credit, even when I'm not (just want the rewards). It's also possible I may not be able to fulfill the spending requirements for the Explorer, CSP, and both Citi AA cards, so I might hold back on CSP. But still interested in getting the explorer.
Last edited by nonstopski; Jan 14, 13 at 7:33 pm..
I applied for the Citi AAdvantage Visa and Amex using the two browser method on Friday, was approved for the Visa, was told Amex had to review my application and they'd get back to me. So, I don't think that worked. If they give it to me it will probably be without the 50k, so I'll just not activate the card (is that the best plan of action?)
But, more importantly, looking to add another card. I currently have 3 cards:
- Chase Freedom
- Chase BP Rewards (terrible card, but I have a short credit history and this is my longest held card - so keeping it for that reason)
- Banana Republic Card (Run by GE Capital unfortunately, but it's a good rewards card for all the shopping I do at BR)
My credit is in the 740-760 range, and before this Friday the 11th, I hadn't applied for a card since october 2012 (the chase freedom card)
Now I am looking to apply for the United Explorer Card (with targeted 50k mileage bonus) and the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
I'm wondering, after just getting a credit pull Friday, should I wait to apply for both or one of these cards? It may look like i'm desperate for credit, even when I'm not (just want the rewards). It's also possible I may not be able to fulfill the spending requirements for the Explorer, CSP, and Citi AA card all at once in 4 months time, so I was thinking of waiting a month for the CSP anyways. But that still made me want to apply for the Explorer card ASAP. What are your guys thoughts? I know credit pulls aren't a huge drag on a credit score, but is this too many pulls to quickly?
If they give you the Amex, then you'll likely get the 50k bonus.
I am not certain that you got the straight scoop from Citi regarding the status of the Amex card, unless you may have misunderstood the rep who spoke with you.
Citi issues the AA Advantage card under a licensing arrangement with American Express. Citi makes the credit decision, services the account and collects the payments. The Amex brand on the card permits the cardholder to take advantage of marketing offers and other benefits available to Amex cardholders, and to utilize Amex services when travelling.
I am not certain that you got the straight scoop from Citi regarding the status of the Amex card, unless you may have misunderstood the rep who spoke with you.
Citi issues the AA Advantage card under a licensing arrangement with American Express. Citi makes the credit decision, services the account and collects the payments. The Amex brand on the card permits the cardholder to take advantage of marketing offers and other benefits available to Amex cardholders, and to utilize Amex services when travelling.
Potentially. I knew about how Citi worked with Amex on this card. Additionally, I actually never spoke to a rep on the amex card. When I applied for the Visa, I had to call to confirm info. The Amex was ambiguous and said they'd email me with info (essentially - "we'll think about it").
I've received no info so far in my email about the Amex. I called the same number I called for the Citi Visa to check on the citi Amex, but the amex sign up never gave me any kind of number of account ID or anything, the way Visa did. So when I called, I gave them my social security number and the card they pulled up was the visa, just reconfirming the terms of that card. I didn't ask "is there an Amex there as well?" because that would just let them in on the two browser method, or at least that's what I was thinking.
Long story short, I don't know of any way to check on the status of the Amex.
I was considering calling the reconsideration line (instead of the "we need more info on your for us to approve this card" number) for Citi, maybe it's currently in that "department?" Just confused overall. Seems this card is lost in space, maybe i'll hear by this Friday?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nonstopski
Potentially. I knew about how Citi worked with Amex on this card. Additionally, I actually never spoke to a rep on the amex card. When I applied for the Visa, I had to call to confirm info. The Amex was ambiguous and said they'd email me with info (essentially - "we'll think about it").
I've received no info so far in my email about the Amex. I called the same number I called for the Citi Visa to check on the citi Amex, but the amex sign up never gave me any kind of number of account ID or anything, the way Visa did. So when I called, I gave them my social security number and the card they pulled up was the visa, just reconfirming the terms of that card. I didn't ask "is there an Amex there as well?" because that would just let them in on the two browser method, or at least that's what I was thinking.
Long story short, I don't know of any way to check on the status of the Amex.
I was considering calling the reconsideration line (instead of the "we need more info on your for us to approve this card" number) for Citi, maybe it's currently in that "department?" Just confused overall. Seems this card is lost in space, maybe i'll hear by this Friday?
When I applied for the Citi/Amex cards, I received two identical emails with applications numbers and the ability to check the status from either of those
emails. Did you not receive two emails as a result of your applications?
When I applied for the Citi/Amex cards, I received two identical emails with applications numbers and the ability to check the status from either of those
emails. Did you not receive two emails as a result of your applications?
When I applied in September I received one email, for the Visa. But both the Visa and AmEX were approved.
1. Finding information in a 268 page thread is ridiculous in this day and age. It would be like going to a library and searching paper and ink copies of records to find information. We simply don't do it anymore, and it takes too much time.
2. That main first post in that thread, even with its first post directing to multiple other posts, does not answr my question specifically. It talks about how to apply (I know how to do that). It talks about if you get denied who to call (I was never denied either card, Visa was approved and Amex was in limbo, never told me to call anyone).
3. All that thread did was give me a reconsideration phone number, which I can find just about anywhere. My question was more of who I should call next to best insure I get the bonus on both cards and to see if my Amex was approved. All those threads just have very broad steps on how to apply. I knew how to do that. I had a specific question about the Amex, and what my next steps on it should be.
I was worried about the CSR seeing both of my applications and that mattering. I wanted there to be a way for them just to see my amex application, but with Amex not giving me a reference number, I had no way of doing that. Had to use my SSN, which then pulled up both applications.
4. Not to mention, my thread actually asks some very specific questions about applying for two new cards after applying for the 2 Citi AA cards only a few days ago. No one has mentioned that.
As for what I've learned:
Talked to CSR. They said I was already approved for the Visa, and that I was approved for the Amex 2 days ago. Which means I got approved for the Amex a day after the Visa, which likely means I probably didn't get the signup bonus on the Amex, but I guess I'll have to wait and see. Anyone have any experience with that? The woman over the phone was very confused by my question of bonuses, and didn't seem to hear me correctly. I'll confirm if I got the bonus once I have the card number.
Forums were made for people to ask questions and for responses, or for discussion. For what that thread is offering, it would be 400 times better as a blog post, that is updated with new information much easier. There's also a virtual Q&A section really with the comments section. Luckily, blogs are where I first go, but when I had this specific question, that folks were unable to answer (and still seem fairly unable to answer), I go to forums to ask the specific question.
Thanks to those who provided helpful responses, less thanks to those who do the equivalent of saying "just google it" in a situation that is fairly un-google-able (I make up words sometimes).
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Since no one did answer the real question you were originally asking:
There's nothing magical about bunching all your applications together on the same day. However, once a card reports on your credit report, it will affect AAoA and newest account. That might make it harder to get the next approval. If you bunch them all together, that's not an issue (only the new inquiries).
Since you have a short AAoA, it might be in your best interest to wait some number of months. But if the new cards haven't reported yet, it probably won't matter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nonstopski
Forums were made for people to ask questions and for responses, or for discussion. For what that thread is offering, it would be 400 times better as a blog post, that is updated with new information much easier. There's also a virtual Q&A section really with the comments section. Luckily, blogs are where I first go, but when I had this specific question, that folks were unable to answer (and still seem fairly unable to answer), I go to forums to ask the specific question.
I wonder how different your reception here would have been if your first 50 posts (or 20... or 10... or even 1...) were to contribute some new piece of knowledge or experience to the community, rather than asking a question? A question that has been asked numerous times, on numerous threads, that you don't want to waste time reading?
You will find FT works better as a library than a concierge. Some people are turned off by that. As you noted, you have many other options, such as blogs, if you'd prefer. Most of us would really rather that you read the threads, learn gradually, and become a contributing member of the community. In particular, no one here wants to be considered an avenue of last resort, when you can't find a way to get what you want from blogs.
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Since no one did answer the real question you were originally asking:
There's nothing magical about bunching all your applications together on the same day. However, once a card reports on your credit report, it will affect AAoA and newest account. That might make it harder to get the next approval. If you bunch them all together, that's not an issue (only the new inquiries).
Since you have a short AAoA, it might be in your best interest to wait some number of months. But if the new cards haven't reported yet, it probably won't matter.
I wonder how different your reception here would have been if your first 50 posts (or 20... or 10... or even 1...) were to contribute some new piece of knowledge or experience to the community, rather than asking a question? A question that has been asked numerous times, on numerous threads, that you don't want to waste time reading?
You will find FT works better as a library than a concierge. Some people are turned off by that. As you noted, you have many other options, such as blogs, if you'd prefer. Most of us would really rather that you read the threads, learn gradually, and become a contributing member of the community. In particular, no one here wants to be considered an avenue of last resort, when you can't find a way to get what you want from blogs.
Thanks for your response on the recs related to AAoA. That was helpful.
I don't mind contributing. Nothing wrong with communities, they're great. FT's is a large, vast, and knowledgable community. I just dont think it makes someone want to join a community when the constant response is "check this thread you idiot." You didn't say that, but that's how it comes off in my head, unfortunately.
As someone who helps builds communities often as a job, this kind of response doesn't foster or garner relationships so well. It makes people less likely to come back. Well organized information with questions answered without snark builds a community much better (emphasis on the snark, the former is more a preference maybe).
In other words, there is a reason certain blogs get a visit from me daily, as opposed to every once and awhile, like FT. For the record, I've asked questions there (on the said blog), and once given a great response, I later offered something I learned about how to get a targeted offer. I've started on that blog and this site roughly in the same time period - the last 7 days. I had been to FT a few times before in years past (have another account with another email) and never fully dived in. It wasn't as welcoming. Sure, part of that is personal preference in how information is presented. But.. it's also how the community treats you.
I guess I'd relate it into going into a new job or a store. Your first interaction is likely to be a series of questions. You're new, you don't understand everything. Later, you feel you can (hopefully) add something that others don't know, or reconfirm something with your personal feeling or examples. It's a gradual process. How can I contribute to something that I am just learning about?
If you had said "this question has been answered multiple times, they're just buried in the thread. Try searching for 'blah blah blah' in the thread, you'll find some helpful situations exactly the same as yours" - my response may have been different as well.
I don't know the motives behind a site like milepoint.com, but since it came out of frustration with FT, I guess I'm just trying to say... maybe vet FT'ers should be aware of how they come off to newer folks and how it helps or hurts building a community.
Alright, off soapbox. Thanks for the responses so far guys. I've had two different opinions now on applying for two news cards. I might at least hold off until I get these two cards in the mail and confirm that I get the award on the Amex AND Visa.
That's $5,000 in 4 months with the two AA cards - not sure I want to add on another $4000 of required spending in 4 months. But again, depends on the award offer I actually get with the Amex. If I don't get the bonus with Amex, I may apply for them a few weeks later/2 months.
Thanks for your response on the recs related to AAoA. That was helpful.
I don't mind contributing. Nothing wrong with communities, they're great. FT's is a large, vast, and knowledgable community. I just dont think it makes someone want to join a community when the constant response is "check this thread you idiot." You didn't say that, but that's how it comes off in my head, unfortunately.
As someone who helps builds communities often as a job, this kind of response doesn't foster or garner relationships so well. It makes people less likely to come back. Well organized information with questions answered without snark builds a community much better (emphasis on the snark, the former is more a preference maybe).
In other words, there is a reason certain blogs get a visit from me daily, as opposed to every once and awhile, like FT. For the record, I've asked questions there (on the said blog), and once given a great response, I later offered something I learned about how to get a targeted offer. I've started on that blog and this site roughly in the same time period - the last 7 days. I had been to FT a few times before in years past (have another account with another email) and never fully dived in. It wasn't as welcoming. Sure, part of that is personal preference in how information is presented. But.. it's also how the community treats you.
I guess I'd relate it into going into a new job or a store. Your first interaction is likely to be a series of questions. You're new, you don't understand everything. Later, you feel you can (hopefully) add something that others don't know, or reconfirm something with your personal feeling or examples. It's a gradual process. How can I contribute to something that I am just learning about?
If you had said "this question has been answered multiple times, they're just buried in the thread. Try searching for 'blah blah blah' in the thread, you'll find some helpful situations exactly the same as yours" - my response may have been different as well.
I don't know the motives behind a site like milepoint.com, but since it came out of frustration with FT, I guess I'm just trying to say... maybe vet FT'ers should be aware of how they come off to newer folks and how it helps or hurts building a community.
Alright, off soapbox. Thanks for the responses so far guys. I've had two different opinions now on applying for two news cards. I might at least hold off until I get these two cards in the mail and confirm that I get the award on the Amex AND Visa.
That's $5,000 in 4 months with the two AA cards - not sure I want to add on another $4000 of required spending in 4 months. But again, depends on the award offer I actually get with the Amex. If I don't get the bonus with Amex, I may apply for them a few weeks later/2 months.
To take your point to its logical extreme--there are over 400,000 people here. And then there's you. It sounds as if you're somewhat familiar with Internet forums so perhaps you've heard of FAQs: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/faq.php. Not a bad place to start to see how this community works.
Plus, a minor amount of research isn't a bad way to tell forum members that you care enough to figure your way around and maybe, eventually and with some familiarity with the topics here, provide some positive input rather than being the person who needs every morsel fed to them. For instance, a Google search for "Citi AA" yields hits within three pages to a number of blogs that discuss this and similar Citi deals (to some here, in nauseating detail). So, if you really like some of the blogs, you probably would have found similar detail even before hitting FT. So, when you say you're comfortable with the blogs, a lot of folks here are left questioning you since the blogs have a fair amount of the distilled detail you're looking for. And, milepoint.com certainly has information on this deal as well.
I don't want to beat on any newbie here. Sometimes, however, newbies forget that everyone here was a newbie at some point. If the forum culture were THAT uninviting, do you think over 400,000 people would have survived the initiation? And, as much as I may like the more inviting atmosphere of other forums, the truth remains that FT rules the roost.
So, if your soapbox speech gets a less than welcoming reception here, maybe this will better explain the audience you're addressing.
You soon learn here that there are three types of folks at FT: those that contribute, those that observe, and those that don't contribute. Much better to be a member of the first two groups.
