Approved For 4 of 5 New Credit Cards = 240,000 New Miles!

WOW it has been an interesting few days since I first applied for 5 new credit cards! See previous posts:

1. /blog/uncategorized/applying-for-more-credit-cards-for-more-free-flights-but-which-ones-this-time/
2. /blog/i-applied-for-5-new-credit-cards/

I was a little discouraged after I first applied that I didn’t receive any instant approvals, and because I received an instant decline on the Capital One Venture card for the SECOND time! I got on the offensive about my credit and I started calling the banks & credit card issuing companies the day after I applied for all 5. I have done this dozens of times now, so I’m practically a PRO at reconsideration phone calls and convincing credit analysts why I’m the prefect credit candidate and pitching them how beautiful my credit report is & how high my credit score is.

Here are my results:

1. DECLINED CapitalOne Venture card for up to 100,000 points matching a spending statement from last year.
   Let’s start with the bad news. I was instantly declined for this card after applying online. I spoke with Capital One today on the phone and asked for a reconsideration, explaining my strong credit report, 100% on time payments, high credit score, solid income, and desire for the card and it’s benefits. Get this – the lady told me that if you’re declined by CapitalOne, you’re just simply declined! They don’t have a reconsideration department, and they don’t have credit analysts to review your credit individually because “they’re not a bank, and they’re only a credit card company”. Very interesting CapitalOne, very interesting. I guess I will continue to give all my credit business to the other banks.
2. APPROVED Citi ThankYou Points Mastercard for 50,000 points after spending $2,500 in 3 months. See TOP DEALS
   Same “decision pending” message after applying. Called Citi at 1-888-201-4523 and they needed to move credit lines from my existing Citi AA cards due to having really high limits. After she moved the limits, she couldn’t find a 2nd person to sign off on my approval so I had to call back yesterday to learn that I was approved for a $6,800 limit. Thanks Citi!
3. APPROVED Chase United Explorer card for 50,000 miles after 1st purchase.
   “Decision pending” message again (noticing a common trend?). Called Chase today at 1-888-245-0625 (works for reconsiderations too) and the agent was happy to approve me with an $8,000 credit limit. Thanks Chase!
4. APPROVED AFTER INITIAL DECLINE Bank of America Virgin Atlantic card for 50,000 transferred to 100,000 Hilton points after spending $2,500 in 3 months & adding 1 authorized user. See TOP DEALS
   Another “decision pending message” received, so I called 2 days ago to learn I had been DECLINED! I was a little baffled, but couldn’t go for  a reconsideration on the phone b/c that department was closed. I called back today to this number that connects you right to a credit analyst 1-866-458-8805 and explained my case about my strong credit score & report and my banking business that I have with Bank of America. The rep apologized for the decline, asked some questions, reviewed my credit report, and said everything looks great and that sometimes the automated system declines people that shouldn’t be declined….. APPROVED for a $5,000 limit. Thanks BOA!
5. APPROVED Barclay’s US Airways Mastercard for 40,000 miles 1st purchase. See TOP DEALS
   I received a “decision pending further review” notice after applying and called Barclay’s today. The analyst asked typical income, job, & credit questions over the phone, and verified that I already have this card, and they approved me FOR A 2ND CARD with a $5,000 credit limit. Thanks Barclays!

My Take:

240,000 miles & points!!!

I’ll easily redeem those for about $3,200 worth of airfare, hotels, & other travel activities.

All of that for only 1 hour and 15 minutes of my time applying and talking on the phone, and a $90 annual fee that is not waived 1st year on the Virgin Atlantic credit card. EASY!

Final Thoughts…

I’m pretty excited to have another 50,000 easy United miles, and I’ll definitely take advantage of the free checked bag and priority boarding benefits that come with the card. I’m excited to use those 50,000 ThankYou Points for flights & travel activities that I wouldn’t normally spend my miles or points on. This credit card app-o-rama was my first dive into Hilton HHonors points, and I can always use more hotel points since I’m miles rich! Last but not least, I’m pretty stoked that I received my 2nd US Airways Mastercard!! I applied for my first one in Spring of 2011, and was approved. Then I applied for another one in December of 2011 after hearing you could receive the sign-up-bonus with the card more than once, and was DECLINED. This was a nice redemption! I am even keeping my 1st US Airways Mastercard b/c the annual benefits that come with the card for the $89 annual fee are 10,000 bonus miles, US Airways club pass, and a couple $99 companion vouchers. Worth it to me.

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