I love credit cards so much!

[SouthFayetteFan]

I may go for it. I want to get into the MR game and this seems like an easy way

What is drawing you to MRs? How do you plan to use them? Have you considered the Business Blue+ Card (won’t affect 5/24 status).

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Welcome! Wow - you've done some homework You definitely speak the lingo well.

Sounds like you're aware of the 5/24 rule with Chase since you're listing cards in the last 24 months. Luckily you are at 4/24 since the SW Biz doesn't count! AND your SW Plus will "come off" the 24 month list in July so you have some slots available!

The CIP is a GREAT card!! The signup bonus on that is worth over $1,000 in travel and even more if you later pair it with a Chase CSR card. A few thoughts there:
1) Do you have a Chase branch nearby? IF So, would you feel comfortable applying in person? You may be able to score a 100,000 point offer that way.
2) If not...no big deal, then I'd recommend you apply online for the 80,000 point offer. We have a private group on reddit where you could even support another DISer by clicking on their link. If you want added just PM me
3) When you go to apply make sure you use your FIRST NAME and LAST NAME as the business name...don't try to get cute. And then use your SSN as the Business EIN.

If you get a CIP you'll STILL be at 4/24 since it doesn't count against the "5". And then come July you'll be 3/24 and can get even more cards (I know I sound crazy, haha!)

As far as getting your husband involved - that's a great strategy too. If you alternate applications you can refer each other (hello more points!) and you look less "risky" to CC companies since you are each applying at a slower pace. CC companies will only analyze you separately, they don't look at a married couple as a join unit I would take him off as an AU on any cards you got in the past year or so. Do you know how many cards he has gotten himself in the past 24 months?

Thanks..I will PM you to be added to the private group....my credit score is 830 and we pay off cc monthly so hopefully no issue getting the card

Do you think I should reduce any credit limits prior to applying for the CIP....currently at 50% of income on Chase accounts

We do have Chase branches but not friendly ones so I’m ok with applying online

Hubby has no cards lol ever...he leaves the applying for cc to me and I’ve always added him as an AU...now know not to do so....he’s fine with me applying for cards for him....maybe even referring him for the CIP if I’m approved
He just will not make phone calls about applications

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Yes, not knowing where she will be working makes it extremely tough. It looks like Oakland is pretty central to most of the sites, and I think fairly safe since the campuses are there. Most of the sites are within the rivers but there is a few on the other side, so hoping will not have to worry about the bridges or tunnels.

The day I started primarily working from home was a great day to me lol. No more daily tunnel x 2!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

The CIP is a great card. If you are approaching 50% of your income with Chase you may want to lower some limits, but some people get way more than 50% of their income extended to them. It’s really your call. Do you have any Chase branches near you? Since you have a real business you can go into a branch and see if they have the CIP 100k offer available to you.

I’d do the CIP and then refer you DH to the CIP assuming he isn’t at 5/24.

Thanks...I probably will call or sm to reduce some lines...is one better to do than the other ?

After reducing the limits how long should I wait to apply ?

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Welcome! Wow - you've done some homework You definitely speak the lingo well.

Sounds like you're aware of the 5/24 rule with Chase since you're listing cards in the last 24 months. Luckily you are at 4/24 since the SW Biz doesn't count! AND your SW Plus will "come off" the 24 month list in July so you have some slots available!

The CIP is a GREAT card!! The signup bonus on that is worth over $1,000 in travel and even more if you later pair it with a Chase CSR card. A few thoughts there:
1) Do you have a Chase branch nearby? IF So, would you feel comfortable applying in person? You may be able to score a 100,000 point offer that way.
2) If not...no big deal, then I'd recommend you apply online for the 80,000 point offer. We have a private group on reddit where you could even support another DISer by clicking on their link. If you want added just PM me
3) When you go to apply make sure you use your FIRST NAME and LAST NAME as the business name...don't try to get cute. And then use your SSN as the Business EIN.

If you get a CIP you'll STILL be at 4/24 since it doesn't count against the "5". And then come July you'll be 3/24 and can get even more cards (I know I sound crazy, haha!)

As far as getting your husband involved - that's a great strategy too. If you alternate applications you can refer each other (hello more points!) and you look less "risky" to CC companies since you are each applying at a slower pace. CC companies will only analyze you separately, they don't look at a married couple as a join unit I would take him off as an AU on any cards you got in the past year or so. Do you know how many cards he has gotten himself in the past 24 months?

Thanks..I will

Yes I would reduce your combined CLs down to about 30% to give space for approval

Ok will do that...do you recommend calling or sending a sm ?

Then how long do I wait to apply for the CIP ?
Appreciate all your help

 

[speedyfishy]

Thanks...I probably will call or sm to reduce some lines...is one better to do than the other ?

After reducing the limits how long should I wait to apply ?

I prefer to SM because I find calling annoying, but calling would probably be quicker. I think you could apply right away after reducing your limit, but maybe wait a day or two before applying just to be safe.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I prefer to SM because I find calling annoying, but calling would probably be quicker. I think you could apply right away after reducing your limit, but maybe wait a day or two before applying just to be safe.

Thanks...didn’t know if one or the other puts you on Chases radar....I plan on cancelling one of the SW cards personal cards after the annual points hit this year probably the premier one and if I get the CIP...all also cancel the SW business card after the points hit in September

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks..I will PM you to be added to the private group....my credit score is 830 and we pay off cc monthly so hopefully no issue getting the card

Do you think I should reduce any credit limits prior to applying for the CIP....currently at 50% of income on Chase accounts

We do have Chase branches but not friendly ones so I’m ok with applying online

Hubby has no cards lol ever...he leaves the applying for cc to me and I’ve always added him as an AU...now know not to do so....he’s fine with me applying for cards for him....maybe even referring him for the CIP if I’m approved
He just will not make phone calls about applications

Thanks...I probably will call or sm to reduce some lines...is one better to do than the other ?

After reducing the limits how long should I wait to apply ?

Thanks..I will


Ok will do that...do you recommend calling or sending a sm ?

Then how long do I wait to apply for the CIP ?
Appreciate all your help

Alternate viewpoint - I prefer to call because I know they can’t screw it up and misread my message LOL! Plus then you can move exactly what you want to each card. I’d probably wait a week after before applying - Anybody else here think differently on that?

My wife let’s me apply for her as long as she doesn’t have to do anything either so o totally get that. Referring your husband to the CIP down the line would be amazing as that single signup could then be worth over $1,500 to you with the referral!! 2 player mode is awesome!!

 

[DisneyMandC]

Have you considered the Business Blue+ Card (won’t affect 5/24 status).

I think you recommended I get this card the other day too. Am I missing something, or is there no sign up bonus? I don't see anything on the website about it other than earn 2x MR for the first $50,000 in spending.

 

[speedyfishy]

Alternate viewpoint - I prefer to call because I know they can’t screw it up and misread my message LOL! Plus then you can move exactly what you want to each card. I’d probably wait a week after before applying - Anybody else here think differently on that?

Flyertalk says 24 hours.

“There is no known minimum wait between lowering a CL and having the freed-up amount become available for purposes of a new application. A prudent applicant will, as recommended above, plan well in advance; failing that, an applicant would be wise to wait at least 24 hours between lowering a CL and applying for a new card.”

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I think you recommended I get this card the other day too. Am I missing something, or is there no sign up bonus? I don't see anything on the website about it other than earn 2x MR for the first $50,000 in spending.

There is a targeted and/or call in offer for 20,000 MRs if you spend $3,000 or $5,000. Those are the best and all-time high offers. There is also an offer via referral for 10,000 MRs for spending $3,000 . It’s not a super high offer but gives you a no AF way to keep MRs active that doesn’t hit your “5/24” count.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Flyertalk says 24 hours.

“There is no known minimum wait between lowering a CL and having the freed-up amount become available for purposes of a new application. A prudent applicant will, as recommended above, plan well in advance; failing that, an applicant would be wise to wait at least 24 hours between lowering a CL and applying for a new card.”

So well I’m advance is probably like a month or more...lol. Otherwise 24 hours hahaha. Love that non-specific advice from the flyertalk experts!!

 

[kmc8826]

Thanks..I will


Ok will do that...do you recommend calling or sending a sm ?

Then how long do I wait to apply for the CIP ?
Appreciate all your help

I would probably just sm as that way you could have it written out what/where you want the reduction done. I would then wait a week. Just because seems like a good middle ground. FYI I actually did get approved for the CIP even though my overall credit was at least 70%. Only $5000 limit though. On the issue of your husband not wanting to call I can relate. One way we have got around that is that I just call and talk to them and then we put it on speaker and he is there giving permission for them to deal with me. That has never been a problem...you just have to coordinate a time you can both be around and deal with it.

 

[DisneyMandC]

There is a targeted and/or call in offer for 20,000 MRs if you spend $3,000 or $5,000. Those are the best and all-time high offers. There is also an offer via referral for 10,000 MRs for spending $3,000 . It’s not a super high offer but gives you a no AF way to keep MRs active that doesn’t hit your “5/24” count.

Thanks! Trying to decide when I should go for my first Amex card. DH is going to double dip once I'm a reasonable way through the CIP spend, and I'd still like to focus the bulk of our purchasing through URs so I'm not sure how I want to play this yet.

 

[KPK02090]

I have been researching and reading so much on credit card bonuses the last couple of weeks. I think I've got this one figured out, but would love some confirmation that this will work.
If I apply for the southwest rapid rewards business card (we have a business - a rental property), at the end of November and complete the required spend in January, I'll earn 60,000 points.
I can then also open a personal SW premier card and get an additional 40,000 points, once the spend is completed. With additional regular spending once the card hits 110,000 points I will get the companion pass (do I apply for this?)
I can then use my 110,000+ points to book airfare for myself and my 3 kids and my husband can fly for free? Really seems to good to be true. Please tell me this is how it'll work.

 

[Albort]

My wife let’s me apply for her as long as she doesn’t have to do anything either so o totally get that.

SouthFayetteFan: Honey, i love you so much that i brought you a box of chocolate and flowers!
SouthFayetteFan's Wife: what did u do/want!?
SouthFayetteFan: call recon.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

SouthFayetteFan: Honey, i love you so much that i brought you a box of chocolate and flowers!
SouthFayetteFan's Wife: what did u do/want!?
SouthFayetteFan: call recon.

Hahaha. It’s actually more like my wife walks downstairs and I’m sitting at the comp talking in a super high feminine voice...she just shakes her head at me and walks away...

 

[Lain]

Hi All...I’ve been on these boards a while, usually the DVC ones and Just found your group....amazing stuff....thought I was doing well getting the SW points and companion ticket the last 5 years...

I’m ready to try for a different chase card, was looking at the CIP, since I do have a eBay business for the last 10years.
These are the cards I’ve opened in the last 24 months
7/16 chase SW Plus.. cl $11,000...husband as AU..I now know not to do this
1/17 chase Disney premier cl $18,000...hubby also AU
5/5 jared card...my name only ..mistake to open got a discount
9/17 chase SW business card cl$7,000... my name only
9/17 chase SW premier card cl$20,000...hubby as AU

Questions for you experts...when can I apply for the chase CIP card and should I reduce CL on any cards before doing so

I would also like to work on getting cards in my husbands name too...do I need to take him off as an authorized user on the above accounts first and what cards would you recommend getting in his name

We usually travel to Disney a few times a year...using our DVC points...my son also lives there now. Southwest is our airline of choice..we live 10minutes away from ISP so we make good use of SW points...us flying to Orlando and we also use them to fly our son back to NY

Thinking about a family trip to Hawaii in a few years so the Chase UR points look like they could work well for us
But I’d love to hear your opinions...thanks

Thanks..I will PM you to be added to the private group....my credit score is 830 and we pay off cc monthly so hopefully no issue getting the card

Do you think I should reduce any credit limits prior to applying for the CIP....currently at 50% of income on Chase accounts

We do have Chase branches but not friendly ones so I’m ok with applying online

Hubby has no cards lol ever...he leaves the applying for cc to me and I’ve always added him as an AU...now know not to do so....he’s fine with me applying for cards for him....maybe even referring him for the CIP if I’m approved
He just will not make phone calls about applications

Welcome to our thread!

@SouthFayetteFan and @speedyfishy already gave you great advice. I’ll just add a few more comments.

1. By my read of your list of cards opened in the past 24 months, I agree with @SouthFayetteFan that it looks like you’re only 4/24 and therefore eligible for the CIP.

Generally, business credit cards don’t get reported to credit reporting agencies and therefore don’t show up on your personal credit report, but there are exceptions. Chase doesn’t report their business card accounts to your personal credit report, so that SW Biz doesn’t count.

That Jared card may or may not count, because store cards sometimes don’t count; but because it looks like the card is issued by a bank, Comenity Bank, it’ll likely be reported on your personal credit report.

To get an unofficial count of the credit cards you’ve opened in the past 24 months, you can check Chase’s “Credit Journey” feature. If you’re a Chase customer, when you log into your account you should see a free credit score feature on the lefthand side of your screen, click on it and it’ll take you to Credit Journey that offers you insight into what’s on your credit report, including how many card accounts you’ve opened in the past 24 months! You can also sign up free for Credit Karma, which pulls data from TransUnion and Equifax, including what credit cards show up on your report and when you opened those accounts. When applying for credit cards, different issuers will pull your report from different credit bureaus, and this can even depend on your state. Data points (“DPs”) show Chase pulls from a mix of the 3 major bureaus so you should be aware what each might be reporting. You can pull a free credit report from each of the 3 major bureaus annually from https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.

2. If you want to get your husband into the game (as “Player 2”), remove him as an AU from your Chase cards immediately! As @SouthFayetteFan, 2-player mode is extremely lucrative and much less risky. Because issuers look at each of you individually (but you can put total household income on your applications!), you can alternate your applications to slow your pace of applying for new cards (and not hit an issuer too hard, too fast), making you and your husband look less risky. Alternating the order of you applications also allows one spouse to refer the other spouse for the same card and pick up a referral bonus.

Fortunately, removing your husband as an AU from your cards and those open accounts from his credit report is very easy through Chase (not the case for all issuers). You’ll want to start this now and give it a statement cycle before getting your husband in the game. For each card that your husband is an AU on, go into your Chase account, send a Secure Message (“SM”) to Chase regarding the particular card requesting that Chase cancel the AU card/remove your husband as an AU on that card account. Once that’s done, go into your husband’s Chase account, and send a SM to Chase informing them that he is no longer an AU on each card, that he was not and no longer is responsible financially for any of the charges on each card (key words), and that he’d like Chase to remove those AU accounts from his credit reports with all credit bureaus to which Chase reports. This should remove at least 3 cards from his */24 count.

You may want to save a slot or two under 5/24 for your husband to apply for the SW cards later in the year if you want him to go for the SW Companion Pass.

3. It looks like Chase has extended $56k in credit lines to you. The conventional wisdom is Chase is comfortable extending credit lines up to 50% of the income reported on your application. If you're married, you should put down total household income. There are numerous DPs, including many people here, who have credit lines way more than 50% of income. Chase views personal and business credit lines together, but if you come to a situation where you offer to move credit around, Chase will not let you move personal credit lines to business or vice versa. (As an aside, a lot of people applying for business cards with only a "business" prefer not to have to get to a situation where they have to speak with a person for verification or reconsideration and possibly get grilled about their "business," which is why there's such a preference for automatic approval.)

There's been more and more DPs recently where people have offered to move credit around to open a new card, but a Chase rep told them no, or they don't do that anymore, or offered to close one or more existing cards to open a new card. There are still more DPs of Chase allowing credit to be moved around to open a new card, however, so it seems like YMMV.

Whether one should proactively reduce their credit lines with Chase if they feel like they are reaching their limit (e.g., your new cards' credit lines are getting smaller, or you had to move around credit to open the last card, or your new card has a bare minimum credit line available for that card product) is debatable. Some people feel you should never proactively reduce your credit line because it takes away a chip that you can possibly bargain with by offering to move it around to open a new card. Also, reducing credit lines will reduce your total available credit, which will tend to increase the % of credit utilization and could lower your credit score. Others feel like proactively lowering their credit lines if they feel they're at or over what Chase is likely to extend to them, as much as a statement cycle before submitting an app for a new card, will increase the chances of auto-approval.

If you’re going to apply for a CIP, the bare minimum credit line required to open that card is $5k. If ends up denying your application for too much credit extended, remember you won’t be able to call the reconsideration line (“recon”) to offer to move credit over from your personal cards to open the CIP and you have only a $7k credit line on the SW Biz. So if you think you may be on the edge of the total credit limit that Chase is willing to give you, you may want to call or send an SM to Chase to reduce some credit lines on your personal cards (since those can’t be moved to a CIP anyway).

4. The CIP is my favorite card in my wallet right now and my fastest Ultimate Rewards (“UR”)-points generator because of how it currently earns 3x UR points on Plastiq. If you decide to go for the CIP, we can fill you in on ways to maximize the rewards on your spending.

 

[3 DD love princesses]

Hi All...I’ve been on these boards a while, usually the DVC ones and Just found your group....amazing stuff....thought I was doing well getting the SW points and companion ticket the last 5 years...

I’m ready to try for a different chase card, was looking at the CIP, since I do have a eBay business for the last 10years.
These are the cards I’ve opened in the last 24 months
7/16 chase SW Plus.. cl $11,000...husband as AU..I now know not to do this
1/17 chase Disney premier cl $18,000...hubby also AU
5/5 jared card...my name only ..mistake to open got a discount
9/17 chase SW business card cl$7,000... my name only
9/17 chase SW premier card cl$20,000...hubby as AU

Questions for you experts...when can I apply for the chase CIP card and should I reduce CL on any cards before doing so

I would also like to work on getting cards in my husbands name too...do I need to take him off as an authorized user on the above accounts first and what cards would you recommend getting in his name

We usually travel to Disney a few times a year...using our DVC points...my son also lives there now. Southwest is our airline of choice..we live 10minutes away from ISP so we make good use of SW points...us flying to Orlando and we also use them to fly our son back to NY

Thinking about a family trip to Hawaii in a few years so the Chase UR points look like they could work well for us
But I’d love to hear your opinions...thanks

I’ve added DH as an ur but not on the original app. Then for DH added myself after approved. Good luck applying

 

[miztressuz]

The day I started primarily working from home was a great day to me lol. No more daily tunnel x 2!!

I honestly can't imagine doing it twice a day daily. We visit at least once a year (this weekend actually!) and it annoys us just doing it the couple times a weekend. I'm pretty sure Buddha himself would start a mild case of road rage if he had to do it daily. I'm glad you get to work from home