Introduction
The last time I had a round of credit card apps was back in July. I was 7 out of 9 at the time. This time, I went more conservative (mainly because I’m running out of cards to apply for).
Bank of America Alaska Visa – Instantly Approved
I did this a week before my app-o-rama below. This was for the $1,000 biz checking account offer. This was approved via email by my business banker.
Chase Ink – Denied in letter weeks later
I applied for the 60K offer. This would have been for my 2nd Ink using my EIN this time. I honestly think I made the mistake of calling in because the 2nd rule that you should know about Chase these days is – DO NOT CALL IN! Just let your app ride it out. Anyway, I called in, got grilled with the questions about my business (why even do an online app in the first place right?) Anyway, he told me he couldn’t approve me and thus sent a letter weeks later.
Chase British Airways – Approved in letter weeks later
First off, I am way past the 5/24 rule. I think all the AMEX AU’s count as new accounts on my CR and so I think it’s beginning to impact my ability to get new cards. Anyway, unlike the Ink app, I let this one ride itself out. Sure enough, I was approved in the mail weeks later.
Citi Prestige – Rejected over phone
I swear Citi has been tightening up new apps as of this summer. I wish I had gotten this card last year, but I waited until this year so I could get the triple hit of airline credits. Now I wind up with nothing. Hey, you can’t win them all. I think I may just let Citi apps ride it out similar to Chase in the future
Barclays Hawaiian Visa – Instantly Approved
I thought this one would be the toughest since I already have an Aviator red and an Arrival. I was shocked when they instantly approved me for the 50K offer.
Virgin America Visa – Approved after call-in
Commenity took a month to mail me a letter telling me to call in to verify date. Once I called in, I answered 3 public questions about myself and was approved for a 20K CL. I’m shocked it’s that high.
Conclusion
So only 4 out of 6 this time around. I considered some AMEX cards, but I’ve run out of slots. I’m going to wait until these AMEX offers die down and cancel some cards to apply for new ones next year. I also didn’t do any BoA personal cards since I didn’t want to push my luck; I’ve heard they too have gotten stingy after a certain blog post. The next card that I really want to get is the Best Buy Visa card since I’m back into reselling now. I think I’m going to wait until next summer though to let my CR cool off a bit. I’ll do an app-o-rama for my wife in March. I’m fine with a 6 month break.