I'm about to begin my second round of apps. My first round wasn't as well thought out as I wish it were (everybody starts somewhere ) and the first time I got:

CitiAA x2 - instant approval
Chase Marriott Visa - instant approval
Chase Hyatt Visa - reconsideration (why do I need 2 Chase hotel cards....?)

All on 10/13/12

This time, I want:

Ink Bold
SPG Amex
? Chase BA Visa (while it still has 100k sign up)
something else..?

I'm in a bit of a quandary on how to apply for the Ink Bold. I have an EIN so I could use that but I got the EIN as I hired a nanny/babysitter in 2012 and wanted the Employer ID Number for tax reporting. So technically, I have a sole proprietorship, I just don't (and won't) make any money.

So do I go with that? Or, do I plan on starting business (selling on Ebay, for example)? I've also thought that (legitimately), I need to separate my business expenses (for work) as I pay for them and get reimbursed but I don't know if that would count as a business for the purposes of the IB application.

Any suggestions appreciated. I just want to know if I should go with my $0, never will earn any money business with an EIN, or put in my SSN and identify a business.

Thanks for any and all assistance!

I would go with SSN and list your business as Sole Proprietorship. That was what I did and got the Citi Biz, 50K miles with 3000 spend

I just got the 75K Amex Gold Biz today (a card you should consider - deadline is next Monday). Grabbed new EIN from IRS online site, and selected $0-$49,999 income level. Said less than 1 year history and 1 employee. Instant approval.

If you aren't in NEED of the SPG you may want to wait until the summer when they tend to have a 30K sign up bonus vs. the 25K offer now.

I agree with farwest that the 75K gold should definitely be considered.

I don't need it, per se. However, my company was just purchased and now we have to use their online travel service. Starwood is a preferred hotel chain (unfortunately, so is La Quinta) and I can currently use my own CC to pay for my corporate expenses. I figure they'll force me to a corporate card fairly soon so I thought SPG might be a good card to try to get a little spend on the company dime while I can.

I'm concerned that if I get a FR (amex), I'll never be able to show any kind of profit. I'm also a bit concerned about what I'd say if I had to call reconsideration, for some reason (IB).

Thanks!

If you do get an FR from AMEX you DO NOT show them anything anyway. It wouldn't be a smart move.

If you don't show them anyyhing, does that automatically close that card? What does it do to the ability to get future Amex?