Ask Hegemony: Am I Diversified?

[EvoX]

UPDATE: DISREGARD PREVIOUS POST

Fidelity Rewards AMEX w/ 2% Cashback $15k

Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature $16.9k [Got it because of the signup bonus]

Chase Southwest Visa Signature $7.5k [Got it because of the signup bonus]

Discover More $8.1k [Really old card, plus I like ShopDiscover]

Citi Platinum $7.5k [0% for 21 mo]

Citi Forward $7k

PenFed Rewards $7.5k [Got it for the 5% on gas, the $250 bonus is nice too]

HSBC Saks Platinum $2k [i wanted the World Elite with no AF, but they gave me the Platinum ]

HSBC Platinum $1450 [Oldest card, wouldn't give me a CLI because of lack of usage]

 

BillMeLater $3500 [Doesn't show on credit reports]

Chase Business $5k [Doesn't show on credit reports]

 

FICO is 730-760

AAOA is 4 years

 

My future goals include getting rid of the pathetic HSBC card, and upgrading my Saks to World Elite.

I'd also like to get rid of the Southwest card since it has an annual fee and I don't like flying Southwest.

I might get an AMEX SPG or Gold. I used to have a Blue when I was in college. Hopefully I can backdate to 2001!

I also have my eye on USAA & San Francisco Fire Credit Union. I have savings accounts at both, but I'm waiting...

[virtualtreasure]

How am I doing Hegemoney?

 

My current cards:

 

Amex Blue Cash $2.6k

 

Amex Green NPSL

 

Amex Blue Sky $9.1k (applied & approved 01/04/12...backdated to 01/04) not reporting to CRA yet

 

Amex Delta Sky Gold $9.1k (applied 01/04/12 & approved 01/09/12....backdated to 01/04) not reporting to CRA yet

 

BOA Signature Rewards $5k (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

BOA Amex Accelerated $5k (same day app as above)

 

Barclay Rewards $4.4k (applied & approved 12/31/11)

 

Best Buy Store Card $2.1k

 

Capital One No Hassle Cash $3k

 

Capital Sparks Business $4.9k

 

Capital Sparks Business $1k

 

Chase Freedom $5k (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

Chase Slate $1.7k but cli to $5k after Freedom approval

 

Citi Thank You Preferred $2k

 

Citi Platinum MC $4.8k (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

Citi Diamond Preferred (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

Discover More $5.5k

 

Discover More $3.8k

 

PenFed Promise $3k (applied 12/13/11 & approved 12/19/11)

 

Walmart Discover $1k (applied & approved 12/31/11)

 

During my app spree on 01/04/12 applied for membership with Lockheed and on 01/09/12 applied for Visa online and got another pull in error since was told the same pull for membership is available for 60 days for loans and credit. The 2nd pull was removed but was used to decline me a measly $5k credit card request.

 

Became Member of First Tech Credit Union with only soft pull 01/04/12...haven't applied for one of their credit cards yet...thinking about waiting 6 months before applying.

 

Also applied for CareCredit last during my app spree and was declined only due to recent inquiries.

 

FNBO pulled EQ instead of EX and declined me since I didn't bother with providing pay stubs and W2's

 

Affinity Credit Union denied me membership because of eligibility requirement. I really was hoping to get in with them and apply for their credit card

 

Oh I also applied for DCU in December of 2011 but forgot that my EQ was frozen and haven't gotten around to reapplying.

 

My Plans:

 

I am contemplating unfreezing my EQ report soon so I can get a CLI on my Citi Thank You Preferred card and Best Buy Store Card. Also apply for DCU membership and possibly Alliant as well. Can't decide if I should wait until the 2 new Amex with $9.1k limits report. I am a limited USAA member with checking/savings account plus the credit monitoring. I want to get one of their credit cards but thinking about waiting until I B* the inquiries off EQ

 

Currently I have the following inquiries 5 EX, 6 EQ, 5 TU

 

I am considering applying for a Sallie Mae and Nationwide Visa Card...also asking for a CLI on my Discover More cards. (would all be TU pulls)

 

My credit history is clean (took me about 3 months to remove all negative stuff), my AAOA right now 6+ years after my app spree excluding the 2 AMEX that aren't reporting yet. Utilization is at 13% but would be under 10% if the new Amex cards were reporting.

Affinity FCU is open field via several different association memberships (including Friends of Whittemore for a $5 donation:)

 

[/url]

 

+1 on waiting to be clear of EQ INQs prior to USAA app for better results.

 

I tried to join Affinity through Friends of Whittemore but was declined membership because I am not a resident of New Jersey, New York, or PA

 

I actually applied last night for USAA credit card and was approved today the Platinum MC with $11,800 starting limit

 

Congrats on the approval! Nice CL!

 

(AFCU open only within the tri state listed, I missed that part.)

[boomhower1820]

I'll play:

 

Credit Cards:

Amex BCP: $2k (only two months old, going for CLI next month and hope that will get me over the $2k rut I'm stuck in. Maxed and PIF both months.)

Chase Freedom: $1k (back-up to Amex w/ crazy interest and they don't seem to want to give me a CLI, I love the ultimate mall rewards though. That's the key to this card.)

CapOne: $1800(Some kind of middle ground card, not a prime one but it has grown so not a complete low end subprime)

Orchard: $300 (getting closed this month as the AF is due)

Merrick: $2k (If memory serves it's a former Geico card, $4 monthly fee but keeping it until I get some other cards with decent CL's)

Hooters: $1900

 

Store Cards;

Amazon: $1900

Dell: $5500

 

I'm getting a Lowe's card after I close on my house this month. I'm thinking of trying for a Citi as well but two 5.5 year old collections from a couple of apartments has me doubtful of approval. I've thought of Discover but figure they'll give me a crap CL. Perfect credit card history. Well almost, one 30 day late six years ago to CapOne. Several other cards are closed by credit grantor but no lates on them. I don't remember why as it was many years back when I was in college and am surprised they are still reporting, bound to fall off soon.

[esmehugo]

My turn!

 

 

 

(2005) AmEx Blue Cash - $25k

(2006) Amazon Visa - $30k

(2004) BOA Worldpoints Visa - $30k

(2001) BOA Platinum Plus MasterCard - $30k

(2008) L.L. Bean Visa (Barclays) - $20k

(2007) Citi ThankYou Card - $14,550

(2008) Discover Miles - $7k

 

AU - AmEx Optima platinum $15,300 (opened 1985)

 

I belong to Alliant, but haven't applied for credit there. Am eligible for NFCU and Penfed (my stepson is active duty), but have not applied to either yet.

 

1 TU inq (just got Discover up to 7k from 5k, but it took a hard.) CreditKarma shows 807 Transrisk, 936 VantageScore.

 

 

Bumping for hegmony...

[jmz.d]

AMEX PLAT Jun-11 10,600 (High Balance)

 

BARNEYS Dec-11 $1,000

 

CHASE BANK Nov-11 $3,000

 

CITICARDS Sep-04 $4,110

 

AMAZON Jan-11 $2,000

 

CARE CREDIT Jan-11 $1,800

 

LOWES Jul-11 $1,500

 

WALMART Jan-11 $1,100

 

JARED Jan-11 $5,100

 

TARGET May-11 $200

 

USAA MC Jan-11 $12,000

Length of Credit History

9 Years , 1 Months

 

Average Account Age

2 Years, 8 Months

 

 

I'm wondering if it would behoove me to add Alliant or something...maybe I should just let these puppies simmer for a while...

Edited March 9, 2012 by jmz.d

[BDK]

AMEX PLAT Jun-11 10,600 (High Balance)

 

BARNEYS Dec-11 $1,000

 

CHASE BANK Nov-11 $3,000

 

CITICARDS Sep-04 $4,110

 

AMAZON Jan-11 $2,000

 

CARE CREDIT Jan-11 $1,800

 

LOWES Jul-11 $1,500

 

WALMART Jan-11 $1,100

 

JARED Jan-11 $5,100

 

TARGET May-11 $200

 

USAA MC Jan-11 $12,000

Length of Credit History

9 Years , 1 Months

 

Average Account Age

2 Years, 8 Months

 

 

I'm wondering if it would behoove me to add Alliant or something...maybe I should just let these puppies age...

 

IMHO, any CU would help to diversify your credit portfolio!

[FordGuy100]

I kinda feel bad after seeing some of your guys portfolios.

 

 

 

BofA visa (recently unsecured): $1000 limit

 

Wellsfargo secured: $300 limit

 

Cap1 mastercard: $500 limit

 

Discover More: $1500 limit ($180 balance)

 

Citi Platinum Dividend Visa: $4000 limit

 

USAA Auto Loan: $7600, current balance $7050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I need more lines of credit. My AAOA is pretty low though (all credit 2.5 years or newer).

[FordGuy100]

Bump for an interesting thread.

 

Wells Fargo secured: $300

Capital One: $500

Bank of America: $1000

Walmart: $1100

Discover More: $1500

Barclay Ring: $2500

Citi Div. Visa: $4000

USAA Mastercard: $10,000

USAA Amex: $11,000

Amex Zync

Amex BCE

USAA Auto loan 6700/7600

 

 

 

I am going to be moving soon and was thinking I should try for a personal line of credit as I think it would help diversify? Something along the lines of $5K

Edited April 26, 2012 by FordGuy100

[itrev82]

Yeah this is interesting.. Is Hegemoney still handing out results?

 

Alliant CU - $7500

Cap One - $3500

Cap One - $2000

Hoot - $3000

Senate CU - $3000

WM Discover - $1400

Abercrombie - $1000

Barclays iTunes - $5000

 

CU Auto Loan - $23k-ish

Mortgage - $75k-ish

 

BK 6/06

[iWhat]

I like Chicken.

[Matti]

See my signature.

 

And add an Auto Loan - ~ $18k

 

ETA:

Other's were including this, so I figured what the hell.

 

Length of Credit History: 7 Years, 9 Months

Average Account Age: 3 Years, 4 Months

Edited April 26, 2012 by Matti

[hegemony]

I'll get active in this thread asap.

[Repairerer]

Awesome! Maybe I'll post in it.

[georgeb]

I am going to list my wifes first as she is the one im most concerned with

 

Auto Loan with Credit Union: 14.5K Current Balance 13K even 9 months

 

Capital One Secured: $371 CL $1 Balance

 

CFNA/Hibdons Card (AU) $1200 CL $0 Balance

 

Capital One (AU) :$300 CL $0 Balance

 

Capital One Secured (AU) $300 CL $0 Balance

[hegemony]

Hi Hegemony!! Can you tell me how I'm doing, and if you have any recommendations for me? Thanks!!

 

BK7 Discharged 10/07

 

NFCU cashRewards $5000 - 0 balance

Target Red Card $3000 - 0 balance

Capital 1 Platinum - $1500 - 0 balance

Walmart Discover - $1200 - 0 balance

HSN Card - $800 - 0 balance

 

***Also, I have a pre-approval letter from Express for their credit card, which I was going to pull the trigger on, but I was advised here not to go for it.***

 

All these cards get used and then PIF.

 

No Mortgage

Car is paid for

No loans or other debt

 

I also am AU on the cards listed below, all of which have zero balance.

 

I have a 12 month liquid emergency fund, a mutual fund account, and max out 401k.

 

Any advice or help would be much appreciated!!

 

For post BK you are doing excellent! I would shy away from more store cards unless the rewards are compelling for your shopping patterns. Consider adding DCU (free FICO) and a couple oddballs, such as SFB visa or UMB. Grade: B-

[hegemony]

My turn!

 

 

 

(2005) AmEx Blue Cash - $25k

(2006) Amazon Visa - $30k

(2004) BOA Worldpoints Visa - $30k

(2001) BOA Platinum Plus MasterCard - $30k

(2008) L.L. Bean Visa (Barclays) - $20k

(2007) Citi ThankYou Card - $14,550

(2008) Discover Miles - $7k

 

AU - AmEx Optima platinum $15,300 (opened 1985)

 

I belong to Alliant, but haven't applied for credit there. Am eligible for NFCU and Penfed (my stepson is active duty), but have not applied to either yet.

 

1 TU inq (just got Discover up to 7k from 5k, but it took a hard.) CreditKarma shows 807 Transrisk, 936 VantageScore.

 

you have some SWEET limits! You would have a solid A if you add a few CU tradelines to build-out your diversity. I would consider combining the BOA cards unless the rewards on each are something you find useful. Recommendation: get the Alliant visa then perhaps Penfed and DCU (free FICO). A-

[hegemony]

Ok Professor Hege, I'm ready...

 

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred $16,500

AMEX Delta Skymiles Platinum $13,000

Trustmark Bank (local bank) Platinum VISA $7,500

Wells Fargo Financial National Bank (mattress financing) $6,900

Shell Gas Card (through Citi) $5,000

Barclays Financing VISA (through Apple online store) $3,000

Dell Financing $1,000

 

An above average array of cards with some solid limits. Unless you use both regularly, consider combining the Amex limits. I recommend you consider another Amex and another bank card such as Nordstrom's Visa or SFB Visa. If you don't use the Apple card a lot, consider applying for a different Barclays product (e.g., the priceline 2% cashback card) and move the apple limit over. Additionally, the lack of credit union products is precluding you from ascending to the top of the class. Recommendation: get some CU cards, perhaps Penfed, DCU and NASA. Grade: B

[hegemony]

Here are mine:

 

AMEX Blue Cash $1000

AMEX Delta $1000

AMEX Gold Premier Rewards

AMEX Starwood Business $8000

AMEX SimplyCash Business $8000

Alliant Rewards Visa $9000

BOA Worldpoints Mastercard $40000

BOA Business visa $13000

Capital One visa $12000

Citi Forward $25200

Citi Advantage Amex $5000

Citi Advantage Business visa$1000

AT&T Business visa $7200

Chase Freedom $3400

Chase AARP visa $6000

Chase Sapphire preferred $16000

Chase Ink Business $31300

Discover $11500

HSBC household mastercard $3500

Sears store card by citi $4000

Penfed visa $30000

 

One mortgage, and two car loan.

 

Any recommendations for more accounts?

 

 

Occasionally I come across a student who has put a lot of energy into his or her work, but has not stepped back and looked at the big picture. At some point, a credit card consumer needs to transition from finding more accounts to being in a position of having higher limits even if it means fewer accounts. You should consider combining limits where possible, especially with amex and chase. (check with my colleagues in the business school to see if amex, chase, and citi will combo personal and business products) Keep the products that serve you well, but use the ones that no longer serve your rewards pattern to obtain higher limits on the cards that do benefit your spending pattern.

 

Once you have combined limits, I recommend the Penfed amex (if you travel, otherwise the new platinum rewards visa) and DCU visa (free FICO and awesome terms). Then I would consider asking for a CLI from Alliant. Following this, you need to add a couple oddballs; perhaps UMB or if possible the 3% cashback JCB card. You also might want to kill hsbc unless it is the 2% cashback card. grade: A-

Edited April 26, 2012 by hegemony

[hegemony]

How am I doing Hegemoney?

 

My current cards:

 

Amex Blue Cash $2.6k

 

Amex Green NPSL

 

Amex Blue Sky $9.1k (applied & approved 01/04/12...backdated to 01/04) not reporting to CRA yet

 

Amex Delta Sky Gold $9.1k (applied 01/04/12 & approved 01/09/12....backdated to 01/04) not reporting to CRA yet

 

BOA Signature Rewards $5k (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

BOA Amex Accelerated $5k (same day app as above)

 

Barclay Rewards $4.4k (applied & approved 12/31/11)

 

Best Buy Store Card $2.1k

 

Capital One No Hassle Cash $3k

 

Capital Sparks Business $4.9k

 

Capital Sparks Business $1k

 

Chase Freedom $5k (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

Chase Slate $1.7k but cli to $5k after Freedom approval

 

Citi Thank You Preferred $2k

 

Citi Platinum MC $4.8k (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

Citi Diamond Preferred (applied & approved 01/04/12)

 

Discover More $5.5k

 

Discover More $3.8k

 

PenFed Promise $3k (applied 12/13/11 & approved 12/19/11)

 

Walmart Discover $1k (applied & approved 12/31/11)

 

 

This is a laudable portfolio. Since several of the cards were opened in the last 2 years, you might want to open another card issued by amex to help your AAOA. Additionally, while you have certainly lived up to the class requirement to obtain credit from multiple issuers, you have not completed the section of the course where you focus more on quality and size of limit. While you wait for the newer lines to age, I recommend you combine limits where it makes sense. You mentioned DCU, consider following through on your app...if anything just for the free FICO.

 

Your portfolio and story reminds me of the old Virginia Slims slogan: you've come a long way, baby. Adding a couple oddballs (think sallie mae 5% cashback card and UMB) and more CUs (something you've already realized) will go a long way to getting you into the front of the class. Remember that Virginia Slims use to also state the following edict: Find your voice. It seems to me that you are at the point where you need to clarify the purpose for each of your cards and aim for a little more diversity and higher limits. grade: B+ with 2 gold stars.

[road2freedom]

Are UMB and SFB known to be BK friendly? I saw you mention them a couple of times but haven't seen them mentioned in recent threads or the bk friendly thread lately and there not much in credit pulls.

[hegemony]

UPDATE: DISREGARD PREVIOUS POST

Fidelity Rewards AMEX w/ 2% Cashback $15k

Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature $16.9k [Got it because of the signup bonus]

Chase Southwest Visa Signature $7.5k [Got it because of the signup bonus]

Discover More $8.1k [Really old card, plus I like ShopDiscover]

Citi Platinum $7.5k [0% for 21 mo]

Citi Forward $7k

PenFed Rewards $7.5k [Got it for the 5% on gas, the $250 bonus is nice too]

HSBC Saks Platinum $2k [i wanted the World Elite with no AF, but they gave me the Platinum ]

HSBC Platinum $1450 [Oldest card, wouldn't give me a CLI because of lack of usage]

 

BillMeLater $3500 [Doesn't show on credit reports]

Chase Business $5k [Doesn't show on credit reports]

 

FICO is 730-760

AAOA is 4 years

 

My future goals include getting rid of the pathetic HSBC card, and upgrading my Saks to World Elite.

I'd also like to get rid of the Southwest card since it has an annual fee and I don't like flying Southwest.

I might get an AMEX SPG or Gold. I used to have a Blue when I was in college. Hopefully I can backdate to 2001!

I also have my eye on USAA & San Francisco Fire Credit Union. I have savings accounts at both, but I'm waiting...

 

You are aiming for the right goals, but you need to execute better. If you really want World Elite there are other very good options (e.g., Ameriprise) but AFAIK, the Saks is the only one without an annual fee. I have a WEMC and the benefits are not all that special.

 

I don't see the point of the BML tradelines unless you need to for paying overtime promos.

 

To move up in class rank, you should consider combining the CITI and Chase cards (unless you really benefit from the rewards of the individual cards). I concur with your assessment of your hsbc card. recall that closed accounts still contribute toward AAOA. Adding a card or two issued by amex would really help if the backdate works in your favor.

 

Beyond this, adding USAA and more CU tradelines is the way to go. I would also consider a couple oddballs, such as the JCB 3% card if you qualify for it geographically.

 

In short, keep up the solid work and move toward higher limits, more CUs, and a couple oddballs. Grade: B with one silver star and one gold star

[hegemony]

Are UMB and SFB known to be BK friendly? I saw you mention them a couple of times but haven't seen them mentioned in recent threads or the bk friendly thread lately and there not much in credit pulls.

IIRC SFB requires 3 years post BK and CP reveals several approvals with BK reporting.

[hegemony]

I'll play:

 

Credit Cards:

Amex BCP: $2k (only two months old, going for CLI next month and hope that will get me over the $2k rut I'm stuck in. Maxed and PIF both months.)

Chase Freedom: $1k (back-up to Amex w/ crazy interest and they don't seem to want to give me a CLI, I love the ultimate mall rewards though. That's the key to this card.)

CapOne: $1800(Some kind of middle ground card, not a prime one but it has grown so not a complete low end subprime)

Orchard: $300 (getting closed this month as the AF is due)

Merrick: $2k (If memory serves it's a former Geico card, $4 monthly fee but keeping it until I get some other cards with decent CL's)

Hooters: $1900

 

Store Cards;

Amazon: $1900

Dell: $5500

 

I'm getting a Lowe's card after I close on my house this month. I'm thinking of trying for a Citi as well but two 5.5 year old collections from a couple of apartments has me doubtful of approval. I've thought of Discover but figure they'll give me a crap CL. Perfect credit card history. Well almost, one 30 day late six years ago to CapOne. Several other cards are closed by credit grantor but no lates on them. I don't remember why as it was many years back when I was in college and am surprised they are still reporting, bound to fall off soon.

 

Even with relatively low limits, you have a nice selection of cards. If we assume you are precluded from many CUs due to unpaid collections reporting, I would work on adding some additional derog friendly cards, perhaps barclays. That said, once the 2 COs fall off and the crap1 late, you should have ample opportunity to improve your portfolio. If the COs are paid, then you should look into a couple CUs. Maybe when the "ELF" starts issuing credit cards next month it would be an option for you.

 

It seems to me you have a good sense of where you are and where you need to go. Grade: C+

[road2freedom]

1335469198[/url]' post='4668890']

1335469095[/url]' post='4668887']

Are UMB and SFB known to be BK friendly? I saw you mention them a couple of times but haven't seen them mentioned in recent threads or the bk friendly thread lately and there not much in credit pulls.

IIRC SFB requires 3 years post BK and CP reveals several approvals with BK reporting.

 

Maybe I'm thinking of a different acronym? SFB = State Farm Bank? I only see BK declines for them going back as far as 08, so I must be.

[hegemony]

AMEX PLAT Jun-11 10,600 (High Balance)

 

BARNEYS Dec-11 $1,000

 

CHASE BANK Nov-11 $3,000

 

CITICARDS Sep-04 $4,110

 

AMAZON Jan-11 $2,000

 

CARE CREDIT Jan-11 $1,800

 

LOWES Jul-11 $1,500

 

WALMART Jan-11 $1,100

 

JARED Jan-11 $5,100

 

TARGET May-11 $200

 

USAA MC Jan-11 $12,000

Length of Credit History

9 Years , 1 Months

 

Average Account Age

2 Years, 8 Months

 

 

I'm wondering if it would behoove me to add Alliant or something...maybe I should just let these puppies simmer for a while...

 

 

as my colleague bad debt king cogently pointed out, adding some CUs would help your grade tremendously. Even so, you have a good selection of cards to form a core of a solid portfolio. I recommend seeking another USAA card since it has been good to you and then opening a couple cards with CUs, DCU and Alliant are great options. You should also entertain the idea of asking for credit limit increases from extant creditors. You are at the cusp of having a diverse portfolio, but you also need to think about obtaining higher limits. Grading you is difficult because my inclination is to round you up to the next grade level just to reward your progress. But I'll pretend I am in a sour mood and give you the grade you earned: B-