Hello all, there may be a more direct forum for this, but I'm new and appreciate any guidance. My wife and I are jumping into reward cards for the first time and I've done a lot of reading in the last few weeks on this, and related blogs. There seems to be a consensus of sorts on the Amex prem and Chase Sapphire being good cards to go after. We are very interested in trying to rack up miles (albiet through one card only, to start) for travel to Europe.

To cut to the chase - my wife has a FICO of around 685 and mine is the ol' repair mode and unusable at this point. We were approved for a new SUV on the preffered special rate a couple of months ago, so I'm not anticipating an issue with approval per se', but just in your own experience do you think she would be approved for the Sapphire or Amex prem? In the reading I'm doing it says 700 is the preferred min threshold, but wondering if anyone had luck getting approval at a lower score? Our debt to income is very good. Follow-up question to that being, we're most likely starting slow, and opinions can differ, but if you were choosing just one is there a direction you would head?

Thank you in advance, knowing that a lot of this, has been answered round-aboutly in other threads, but just wanted to present a specific context and get opinions. Much thanks to everyone who reguarly post for newbs out there like us, to be able to learn from.

You mentioned one card, but you may consider having your wife apply for the two Citi AA cards (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...t-2-first.html) at the same time. If she gets them, it is $5500 spend in six months for a total of 156K miles. That is enough to get you both to/from Europe in economy. Get another 44K miles and you can both get there in Business class. If you decide to go that route, read the second post in the thread carefully and follow the instructions therein.

Another option is the AmEx Gold MR card, if you can bump the bonus to 75K or 100K, you can transfer MR points to airlines. There are a couple of special transfer offers out there but some end in the next week.

I agree that the two AA applications would get you the most bang for your buck. The Million Mile Secrets blog has a nice explanation of the process if you decide to go that route. I've been to Europe twice in economy on AA miles, so they're definitely bookable awards (unlike some programs). AA also has nice off- peak awards for Europe in the dead of winter. I went to Barcelona for 40K round trip plus $27 one February. It was a lovely trip.

I recall reading at one point that CITI sometimes approves people for a lower credit limit/less fancy card, but still awards the miles. I don't have any personal experience with this myself.

I'd say your chances are better at getting the Chase card than the Amex card although your chances of getting either are very poor. A 685 credit score is below the level most credit issuers are looking for and would have to be made up for with a pretty good income level.

You're right to start low and slow so the suggestion to consider Citi may be a viable alternative if you're willing to adjust your sights a bit. You might qualify for one card; two will be tough for the reasons set forth above. That would get you 75K miles. With your spending requirement for the card, you'd get up to 79K. Spend another $1000, and you've got 80K.

Fortunately, if you're willing to travel during the winter, AA has an off peak Europe fare for 40K miles round trip per passenger. I just checked a booking for Paris flying over 11/2 and flying back 11/12; there's decent availability at this point for off peak fares, and you'd pay about $100 in taxes and fees. Different destinations and dates may affect availability and the amount of taxes and fees, but this information gives you a general idea. And the 40K round trip is much better than the 60K (or more) required during peak times.

With your current credit scores, you're not going to be viewed favorably for a lot of credit card offers at this point. Applying for two Citi AA cards is a risk, but I guess one worth taking at this point. It would provide you with enough AA miles to take a round trip during the peak season.

If you take any card, your first priority must be to pay the balance off, in full, every month, and probably do it as soon as your statement posts, not the last date due. I'd really suggest taking a look at some of the credit resources on the Internet, like creditboards.com. Keep in mind that every credit inquiry will cause your wife's credit score to drop 3-5 points, but that will rebound, especially if you demonstrate responsible use of credit.

Good luck!

You may also benefit from trying to "repair" your score before you apply. I recently went to www.experian.com for the $1.00 free trial. I had 1 negative thing and 1 item that was false bringing my score way down. I disputed them with 1 sentence reasons (all you can do) and in less than a week they were gone and my score rose 50 points. I HIGHLY suggest logging in there first to see if there is anything you can dispute and potentially increase your score very easily and fast.

I wouldn't waste a credit inquiry unless you have at least a 710 fico score.

With scores under 700... I dont think its worth the inquiries on your credit, very likely to be denied unfortunately. Unless as mentioned above, your income levels are high.

I would first recommend you continue with credit repair (and there is a GREAT web resource, www.creditboards.com for help with that) and get you scores up so you can begin on the right foot.

For the Chase Sapphire card you need a FICO of around 750 or so to really apply for it. The AA should be good to get you going for it plus it will help you get your credit score up esp if you pay it off completely every month.

Another card you might want to take a look at would be the Citi Experdia card that gives you "Thank You" points for the miles your fly which can actually end up turned into cash.

creditkarma.com also has useful info for understanding and raising your credit score. I agree that you would be better off improving your credit scores BEFORE applying for any cards.

We're steering "credit" questions to www.creditboards.com They have TONS of good info & a long history. Thanks.