Credit Card Application Outcomes
Our points and travel hobby can play tricks on us. In this highly dynamic, always-go-hard space, anything short of pedal-to-the-metal can seem boring. That’s how I feel with our recent credit card application outcomes. Things have seemed fairly quiet for my wife and me, so I was surprised to review my spreadsheets to see we were busier than I thought (but still a bit quieter than usual). I’m reviewing highlights of our credit card applications for the past few months today, always with an eye to what’s next.
Hilton Honors Amex Aspire
Surprisingly, my wife had never held the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire card. But the reason she hasn’t is less of a surprise. Up until late last year, she always received the “behavior” version of the Amex pop up box. A legit welcome offer on the Aspire was elusive until a few months ago. Her application for the 175k bonus point welcome offer sailed through without a pop-up.
Application Outcome: Pending, then Approved
Hilton Honors Amex (No Fee)
It had been many years since I held the fee-free Hilton Amex card. Indeed, the bonus on this product is generally underwhelming, and the benefits aren’t anything special. So when a welcome offer with 70k bonus points, and more implortantly, a free night cert came around, I hopped on it. In my view, Hilton free night certificates are the best of their kind – redeemable at all properties, with a few niche exclusions.
Application Outcome: Pending, then Approved
Bank Of America Business Customized Cash Mastercard
I already held a BoA Business Customized Cash account after a product change from the Business Unlimited Cash card. I choose not to participate in Preferred Rewards, so I didn’t have much long-term use for the Unlimited Cash. The Customized Cash has come in handy for certain hobby tasks, and I decided to try for a second for ongoing utility and the solid-if-not-outstanding $300 signup bonus. After completing the BoA business card application process, which seems way longer than it needs to be, I submitted.
Application Outcome: Immediately Approved
Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business
It’s been a few years since I held the Alaska Business card, and like many of you, the 75k offer earlier this month caught my eye. I don’t consider this card an option at it’s normal, 50ish-k welcome offer level, but getting into the 70-75k range – along with BoA’s generally-predictable outcomes – piqued my interest. I felt like an approval was likely, but BoA humbled me. Perhaps they don’t want to extend any more credit on the business side than I already have. But I’ll know for sure when the letter arrives.
Application Outcome: Immediately Denied
Credit Line Increases
I’m continuing to love the ability to virtually request more credit line with certain banks. My wife and I each pursued more with multiple Synchrony and Comenity accounts. All were approved, with one not to the level we hoped. Still, these credit line increases are good news across the board. I’ve found in some situations, a CLI is more beneficial than a new card approval. We hope to keep the good mojo going here.
Card Application Outcomes – Conclusion
This cycle wasn’t as busy as our last one, but we’ll take these wins. I expect our application activity to increase over the late winter and early spring. We’re planning new applications with Amex, Citi, and a few smaller banks and credit unions. This latest batch of applications is another reminder plenty’s going on in our hobby, even when we think it’s quiet. And, of course, much of the stuff worth doing doesn’t grab headlines. Here’s to the minutiae and all the good which can come from it!
What cards did you apply for recently and why?
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