Mega App O Rama w/ ~ 120 Apps!

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I am planning a mega tag team app o rama. My primary goals are for BT offers, and simply new credit to help with utilization, as backup CCS, and for more options to get future offers from existing cards. I am helping 2 friends plan an app o rama, and one thing I want to emphasize is adding smaller lesser known banks, and credit unions. I am aware there are thousands of Credit unions in the US, but I often see people talking about the same ones.. To make execution of the AORs easier, I plan bookmark the links to the Actual CC app for each bank. For credit unions, I will need to bookmark the APP, and the Application to Join the CU, and in some cases need to Join prior do the AOR. I did see one thread with 1000 credit card links, but as some of the replies mentioned, there were good ones missing. I think it would be in our interest to create a mother thread that has exactly this -- Direct link to CU Joining page and separate link for CC App. For banks, one link to CC App.
Some banks may have multiple CCS to apply for. A link to the page with the different options is fine. In execution of AOR, most of the time is wasted scouring for banks, especially CUs, as several are lesser known. A mother thread with 3000+ Banks/CUs will be great. Be sure to specify any special requirements to join (Such as having to live/know someone/work in a certain area or work in a certain profession.) Credit union research will be tedious and the hardest part. I plan to look at Credit Union Locator to start. I am aware we have quite an arsenal already on Fatwallet, and links to the threads with the info can help as well. Creditboards and other site links would be acceptable also if it is in Mother thread format I do want to try for 150 apps and want to start within 100 days. Thanks for any feedback, and I know FWF diehards will help!

edits
I have been working hard to add links. I have found a ton of cards. My strategy is to search for banks on the FDIC site. I tried to put the bank name, and if needed, who services their card(s). In some cases, the app needs to be done by phone, or mail. A small portion may only serve certain areas, although I left some out that I noticed. I have seen lots of promotions, and terms. Be careful you are aware of all the terms before you Apply for any credit card!! I have seen banks that charge an annual fee if your finance charges aren't $100, or if you don't charge 3k on their card. I have also seen alot of 0% promos, and think saw a few signup bonuses. I am just looking up banks for now, but will work on CUs later. I hope you like my list, and if anyone has success at any of these smaller banks on my list, please share! I have the majors on there also for conveinence.
I will want to sort this list by servicer. I also did not bother mentioning 0% promos, and annual fees, maybe I will at some point. Banks without a servicer in () run their CC program in house.

As people have warned, I want to make sure I don't waste my time, and apply for too many cards from the same issuer.
The top issuers (Citi, BofA, AMEX, Chase) tend to have different category's of cards.. like store cards, business cards, and cobranded cards. If I remember right, some people apply and get approved for many cards with the top issuers in a single AOR, by utilizing the different divisions at the issuer. I won't be trying for more than 1 of 1 type (ie Citi dividend) I am not going to bother with store branded cards.

As I am creating my list, alot of servicing institutions are the same, and many independent issuers want faxed/mailed/phone/in person application, which can add up to an hour to process the app. Perhaps this may involve more extensive planning that I thought, such as mailing/faxing very many apps on the same day, in addition to the many Online apps. In person apps will take the most time, so these will be done last, if at all.

After discovering several NEW banks, I will be tempted to do an AOR myself, although I don't know if I will do 150 apps. My WAMU FICO score is about 100 points less than my last AOR. I was declined for a CLI w/ AMEX recently, and my WAMU, citi, and chase BT offers have dissapeared! Does not look good. Still have Barclays and discover offers.

AOR planning progress

12/14/06
Planning

12/15/06 I am researching CUs now, and am finding most have certain requirements for joining, but it is implied almost any business can apply to be on their approved org lists. If you have a business (such as S corp or LLC) that should get your foot in the door. I found a nice search engine for CUs which I am using. I found over 15,000 financial institutions in total.

12/18/06 over the weekend I added more banks, and a few CUs. I am leaning away from CUs as you must open a savings, and may need to join an association (co-op) I will add some Local CUs which my friends may qualify for already. I have also heard some CUs may charge a minimum acct fee on the savings such as if the balance is < $100. I still have plenty of time to plan this AOR, and have nearly 200 links. I have gone thru the Visa website, and the "1k card thread" and added everything I could find. I have added some banks from the FDIC web site, and I found creditunions.com to be a good CU searcher. I want to make sure the best promo's are posted also. I only have 1 15mo 0% offer so far. Feel free to post opinions on my progress. I have added some more CUs in my area. Some interesting questions come to mind.. Some CUs state that you qualify if you "worship" in a particular area. This leaves the door open to getting your foot in the door IMO, although YMMV. Some will even let you apply for the CC first before joining. This seems like the best route, as why would you want to waste time getting a membership, opening an acct, and maybe a Hard inq for the share acct, only to be declined? One strategy also is to fill out some of the printable mail in/fax in apps, and send them all in near the beginning of the AOR, but fill them out in advance.

12/22/06 I decided to check out cardoffers.com a bit more. You need to create an account with them before you can see the offers. It looks like you can get up to $75 cash for approvals, and an average of about $35. They have quite a few issuers. I will see if it is possible to add cardoffer specific links for those with accounts. It took me less than a minute to open the account

12/24/06 It seems maybe the summary has gotten too big, as there seems to be a glitch in letting me add new links.
For the time being, I will add them here, if I can't seem to add them in the summary.

12/27/06 I am still adding CUs. I have gone through most banks, and think I should have just about every issuer w/ an Online Application. I searched banks manually by using the FDIC site, sorted by Assets. From the top, down, I got down to the mid to low $600MM range. There were a few that may offer phone apps, or mail in, which I skipped over. I am adding CUs sorted by Unsecured credit card loans outstanding, from the highest going down (nationwide) and have also added a few local ones to me. I am currently doing the 40MM outstanding CUs, some of these have assets over $1B. It seems that the size of this thread has gotten pretty big, and I may need to split this up, with perhaps the CUs making a move. Suggestions for a new home, or if they should stay here would be appreciated. I have added CUs down to $30MM. Most of the bigger ones should be in there now. I am still waiting for the AU accts to show up on my friend's report. Nothing yet (on EQ at least) Waiting on AMEX, Chase, and HSBC. Got chase, and HSBC cards in the mail, no AMEX yet! AMEX is SLOOOW!

12/29/06 I just talked to one of my friends, and he said he may want to do the AOR sooner rather than later. Possibly very soon. He said he may do 150-200 apps!! We also discussed possibly getting UK and Japan based credit cards. I need to finalize the list, and make sure the best 0% promos are applied for.

1/12/07 Called EQ and disputed 3 mortgage inquiries from late oct/early nov. Friendly CSR said they would be deleted. She would also update my address. It can take 30 days. It is the first time I've disputed anything, but seemed painless. I'm trying to bump the same 3 inqs off my TU report, and pulling TU 3x a day for now. TU let me change my primary address online, so I should have my new address updated on all 3. Once my utilization gets below either 50%, or 30%, I will be ready for my AOR. I will have to time some BTs carefully. Some AU accts will be used strategically also for utilization benefits. My True credit FAKOs dropped down to 658-681, and my BofA PS fako down to 608. Suprisingly, my Prosper credit grade is an E, which is 540-599, very low. I am showing over 100k in revolving debt, and slightly over 70% utilization now. I have some work to do.

1/13/07 Pulled my EQ today, and they took care of everything already! The 3 inq. are gone, and my addy was updated. The AMEX AUs may take about 5 weeks to show up. I pulled my true credit scores, and EQ is the same (658) I also noticed EQ is reporting my address as a variation slightly wrong, and is reporting it as of 1/07, so it looks like it is brand new! EX has it as of 01. EQ has it as a previous address also, as of 01 or 02. I will need to call them about this. This will redflag me for sure if anyone pulls EQ. I hope I don't have the same issue w/ TU. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything about the addy.

1/14/07 I couldn't pull my BofA PS for some reason yesterday, I got a weird error. I hope my EQ file didn't get locked. It's been almost 24hrs for my TC & EQ CWG, so I will see. My friend who was planning to apply for mortgages is now leaning towards doing the app o rama first, as he might not need a mortgage for 3+ months. He may start soon as his Fico is ~ 740. I just got off the phone with him, and he may want to do the AOR imminently. He has an S Corp already, so he can get some biz credit too. I need to plan how many cards at each of the major issuers to go for. I am thinking 1-2 pers, 1-2 biz, and 3-8 cobranded cards. We'll try for 1-2 cards with the minor banks, and try for 15-30 credit union cards. He used roboform before, and will try that. I may also help him by doing some apps for him as well, on the same day. With some issuers reporting possibly within 12 hrs of the app, time is very precious. I haven't decided if a weekend or weekday would be best. He may decide not to do as many apps as originally planned, but I should be ready for my AOR after his. My other friend w/ the auto late, and ~605 fico may try to for an AOR just for kicks once the auto loan shows current.

1/15/07 My friend now seems indecisive on the AOR timing. He says he may want to get the mortgages first. He pulled his true ficos today, and his EX is 689 and EQ is 749. TU WAMU Fico was 720 as of 12/1/06. EX seems a little low. One 89% card will show paid off soon, and there are some inquiries in the last year. I moved the business card links to the Mega business card thread. Using the myFICO estimator, my friend w/ the Auto late should recover some points once it shows as paid, even with the late there.

1/16/07 TU updated my address, and EQ corrected the variation w/o me needing to call, but they would not change the "date reported" when I called to ask.
It still shows it as a previous address reporting correctly on EQ. TU is reporting it the same year as my PMB! Ex has it correct. I decided to scrap the Nevada corp, and do a CA corp, to minimize red flags w/ DNB, and u/w depts at banks. I can always domesticate it in another state, and dissolve the corp in CA.

1/20/07 I filed my articles of Incorporation w/ the CA Secretary of State. According to the IRS SS4 form, I need to wait for my Corporation# before I can apply for an EIN. I should get it within 2 weeks hopefully. I am already listed w/ 411, and should have a website by then also. It will be an S Corp. I may try for some Biz lines of credit, towards the end of the AOR, or afterwards.

1/22/07 All 3 AU accts finally showed up my on friend's EQ report. (The one w/ the recent 30 day late) I will try having my friend get the CRAs to dispute the late as "Never ever late" and time the AOR while they are investigating. I think FICO may not include those accounts, which would be a plus.

1/24/07 I got my corporate papers back from the CA Secretary of state today! I guess it was worth it to go file it in person, than mailing it in. I got my corporate #, so now I can apply for an EIN#. I suppose I could get a Duns# too.. I also got 2 TU inquiries bumped off this week, and 1 left. EQ is clean also. EX has 3 in the last 6mos, and about 10 in the last 12mos. Just got the EIN online instantly. I just need to wait for the 50k in AUs to show up
now.

1/27/07 Bumped my last TU inq today. I need to pay off some BTs now, and time them to get my utilization down. I want to minimize BT fees.

1/31/07 Here is my preliminary strategy for the AOR strategy: Pre-fill out the mail in applications, and get them ready to mail. Research AOR statistics, and find out which banks tend to "wait a few days" before pulling a report. Apply for those first. Then, apply for banks with online apps in rapid succession, with the ones more likely to give favorable terms, and high CL first. Some banks, such as Juniper & BofA have known to report new accts quite quickly, so I may do those towards the middle, or end, or do these over a weekend with the hope it might not report on a Saturday or Sunday. The mail in apps will be mailed before hand by a day or two, and the slow banks applied for first, to try to get as many inquiries within as few days as possible. I do also plan to do some phone apps on the following Monday, or the day of the online apps. I will use roboform to help save time, and may have another person help me do them simultaneously. Once the denial letters start coming in, I will have a nice letter written up for reconsideration based on the reasons they give. I probably won't call in to underwriting in the hope that it may spark a manual review which I don't really want. I will try for some CLIs on Activation when I feel necessary.

2/3/07 Just pulled my EQ Fako on BofA PS and it's only 621. Only a few points up from the teens. My friend just got a 20k CLI on an AMEX using the reallocation method. He also told me his only BofA card is 1 day past due I told him how bad that is, and how it may adversely affect his future AOR w/ BofA, and CLI success with them. He was going to request a CLI w/ BofA, but he is going to call them Monday to see if he can sweet talk a CSR into removing any negative notation on his account. It is on a pay in full card, and NOT a 0% card. He did get an old tax lien removed off his experian report, and his FICO jumped from 693 to 734! He will wait to do his AOR until March 1st now, so the AMEX will report the new high 45k limit.

2/13/07 My friend got 2 AMEX CLIs approved, and now has over 90k across 2 cards I'm an AU on both, so this should only help. I hope a FR isn't in the cards. I applied for a free DUNS number today. It takes 30 days. It's been about 2 months since I started planning this AOR.

3/4/07 No DUNS number yet. I am considering purchasing an "Aged" or "Shelf" corporation, possibly one with seasoned credit to maximize the AOR effect. Our timeline has been pushed back, but I plan to do it tag team style, so when I start, I will have a series of AoRs to talk about. My female friend screwed up her AOR by getting auto lates, and my other friend wants to hold off since he's planning to get multiple mortgages. I have a 3rd friend, who wants to do an AOR now. He has no credit at all. I'm building him a score by adding him to 6 accounts as an AU, a combo of 3 aged accounts, and a 3 high limit ones. Hopefully he will be ready by the first week of April.

3/14/07 No duns # yet, but I'm listed in 411, and the B2B telemarketing calls are ramping up, so I know I'm doing something right
The biz phone is in my personal name, but I opened a cell phone in my Biz name. Since it was a new acct, they wanted a deposit, which I paid, but they say they report to the Biz bureaus. The 3rd friend I mentioned had a snag. We added 4 AU accounts, and they reported already, but when we pulled his reports, we found a collection, and a fresh 30 day late on a CC All that wasted for nothing. I was told he had NO credit. We have a 4th friend lined up, but they live out of state, and have some debt which needs to be paid down. Their FAKOs were right around 695-705 so hopefully this will work out. I guess I need better friends. This will set us back until mid-late april most likely. As I mentioned in another thread, I want to make a master list of Business lines of credit. I'd like to see perhaps 50 or more.

3/22/07 4th friend has paid down their cards, and I am waiting for the new AU accounts to report. As soon as they do, and the balances show paid down, it should be AOR time! Hopefully early next month if the reporting is in our favor. I can't wait!!
I have more people lined up, 4 potential people, including me. No DUNS number yet, either.

4/2/07 Still no duns# yet. I signed up for Myfio scorewatch, which only monitors EQ. It was suprisingly close to my TrueCredit FAKO.
I need to get to work on getting the biz lines of credit apps lined up.

4/16/07 First AOR in progress. Early results seem dissapointing, but more details to come. Finally got a duns#. 2nd AOR should be ready to start in a week or more.

4/21/07 More approvals are rolling in and popping up. 18 so far, plus some CLIs but it is still early. Some denials. Some mistakes were made as well. Over 100 Inqs. Some late apps, and inquiries popping up too. Plenty of deferrals still in the pipeline. Plenty of docs requested.

4/27/07 I don't have the info in front of me on the First AOR, but I will try to get a detailed report soon. I haven't heard from some banks yet, and sent out some requested docs, and recon letters. EX score was 740ish at the start, and now in the 690s last time I checked. Once 0% debt hits, I expect it to tank even more. FNB of Omaha Closed the account asap, by the way. Infibank, and FNB pulled from a little known 5th bureau. Infibank denied due to inquiries (along with many others) I haven't seen one credit union approval, even though many called and requested more info. Some late or possible 2nd peek inquiries are still popping up.
HSBC approved 3 cards, and one was for $4k, along with the infamous $600 lines (2). BofA approved at least 105k in new credit via CLIs, and new cards. Only 1 AMEX card was applied for, and it was denied. Just finished w/ an AMEX FR in which the accounts were closed at my request. The next AOR won't be as agressive as this one, and I will be adjusting the order. Barclays rapidly reported 2 new accounts within 24hrs or less, and that hurt quite a bit.

4/29/07 2nd AOR started tonight. Will finish early AM. Early results seems discouraging. Applied in a different order. Is it just me, or did Chase shorted 0% to 6months from 12months? Believe it or not, AMEX gave the highest instant approval. 2nd AMEX app gave a deferral, and they were down the list. I found a small minor bank offering 0% for 12mos, Fulton financial services. I think I remember that one from the last AOR, but forgot to move it higher on my list. I don't remember any discussion about them. Juniper gave a measly 1k instant approval! TC Fakos were 770-780 EX, EQ, and TU 700-710 before the AOR start. The first AOR had plenty of deferred approvals. The 2nd one had some instant approvals, but small lines given out <5k. Quite dissapointing. Some of you even warned this may happen. Perhaps I should have waited for TU to update a paid down balance for a nice boost. 3rd AOR AoR I think will be in 5-6 weeks or so. I'll try to see how these 2 play out, and try to plan from there. I spent about 10 man hours doing the apps today.

5/1/07 2nd AOR for the most part done. For denials that come in, I do plan to send out letters of reconsideration. Applied for some new banks on this one, and left others out. Found some new GEMB branded banks, including San Benito, and first bank of San Luios Obispo, they both had 2.99 for 6mos I believe. BMW Bank took adverse action and closed one new account, which may have been triggered by a CLI request, and them seeing many new inquiries, and new accts. FNB Of Omaha also closed an account. Expect at least 30-40k, up to 80k or so from Citi. Fia approved another card, so BofA keeps on giving. I believe there is over 150k in 0% money from the first AOR so far. GEMB Did send 2 denial letters (the first non-approvals from them, I believe) One from Hancock bank (too many inquiries) and one from Dillards but the reason was "Could not confirm Identity".

5/3/07 Have at least 23 approvals from the 1st AOR. Some of the Mom & Pop banks weren't too picky after all, as they didn't get the application until excessive inquiries were showing. One small bank gave 8k, and some have 0% offers. I did some extensive research, and found a bunch of other small banks, but haven't added them to my list here.

5/6/07 1st AOR still going, haven't heard from some Citi cards, and haven't heard back from about 40 others as well. About ~25 approvals so far, and there were even some late apps, that didn't pull until after a few new accts, and many inquiries were showing, and they still apprvoed. I found some new 0% offers as well. I am just starting to get the 3rd AOR started. It may be ready next month sometime! A warning, Barclay's/Juniper reports the new accounts the quickest. GEMB, and BofA were also fairly quick. Juniper within 24hrs, and BofA, GEMB within 24-72hrs. This is why it's so important to get all the inquiries in a short period of time. GEMB, and Juniper give instant approvals pretty easily. GEMB Seems to pull EQ, and Barclays/Juniper TU normally.
2nd AOR barely going. 1st AOR used a slightly aged Corp, and 2nd a sole proprietorship. All with Eins. Some banks are still doing pulls from the 1st AOR after nearly a month. I guess this is what you call a "Rolling AOR".

5/11/07 up to 27 Approvals. Nearly 300k in new credit, and still have to hear back from some places. BTs starting to show now also.
2 banks took adverse action, and closed their new accounts (by grantor!).

5/14/07 Elan did a fresh hard pull. Haven't heard from them yet, but with them seeing many new accts and inquiries, it doesn't look good. They had 0% for 6mos w/ no fee I believe. Getting any pulls this late in the game can't be good. Balances from 0% bts being taken out are starting to show, and the score is tanking. Since this is a friend's AOR, details aren't easily available, but I will post more as it comes. Can't wait to hear from Citi. They requested ID docs, and at least one approval already. Other than that. Some of the recon letters resulted in 2nd denials.

5/23/07 Got at least 40k from Citi between all the cobranded cards, but there may be some still in the pipeline. Overall, got over 300k in new credit from AOR #1. Got late BofA cobranded card. Nice suprise. Still waiting for some recons. AOR #2 had less apps, but at least 1 approval that was denied on the 1st AOR. Since i'm a 3rd party to these, the info is coming in slow. I did find out that you can get approved for multiple cards if you have more than one business EIN, at one bank. Should have tried it with more places. Maxed out cards ae showing everywhere on AOR #1, so any more apps will probably have to wait until the 0% is paid down. It's now time to open bank accounts at many places. Everbank said they'd approve if a deposit account was opened with them, and they initially denied. I should find out more info on AOR #2 shortly. 3rd AOR could begin in a few weeks.

Ok got info for AOR #2. What sucks on this one, many denied due to the fact they pulled TU, the lowest, but if we would have waited a few more days, some balances would have updated, and the score would go up about 40+ points. Plan to recon all of those.
Got alot of requests for ID verification. 14 approvals so far, 11 more potential approvals with docs requested, and some more may be in the pipeline. Over 100k already.

6/10/07 Since my last update, the 1st AOR had one last 18k approval come in after a Recon letter sent. It was from Commerce bank.
More denials, including a notable denial for opening a deposit account at an internet bank! Reason: Too many inquiries, and new accounts. No chexsystems. EQ was pulled. They sent back a 10k check, and wouldn't take his money! This is after the CSR stated if he opens an account, they'll aprove a CC as well. Looks like around 325k for this AOR. Not too shabby, but not a record either.
TC Fakos are now in the 630s and 640s. This AOR is pretty much done with. 2nd AOR still in progress, will report back on what approvals came in. Seemingly, it looks like having existing deposit accounts with the banks you do AOR with helps quite a bit.
Also, NO credit unions approved AFAIK on the 1st AOR, or the 2nd, but some small banks approved after seeing many inquiries, and new accounts, and possibly some balances, who pulled late, or repulled on recon. Should have gone for more BIZ credit on both.
3rd AOR still in the planning. Will start on that possibly late next month.

6/28/07 2nd AOR pretty much done. Less apps, and less recons. Got only about 100k in 0% BT money. Was less agressive with CLIs also.
3rd AOR planning taking awhile, and will want to be planned correctly. May not be able to start until August now. Hopefully the last is the best. I hope to have some totally new banks in the cards as well. As I mentioned in the beginning of my post, there are thousands of financial institutions. I'm going to try to find some more not on my list. I found a couple of 0% offers already not listed. I really need some more Biz cards/LOCs - To be listed in the Mega Biz cards thread. Does anyone want to help out?
I'll consider taking some volunteers to mine the lists, and sort it out. It's very time consuming, and it's perhaps 100+ hour of work.

7/3/07 A late approval came in on AOR #1..16k, 0%! Brings the grand total to about 35 NEW cards, and about 350k in total new credit, from one AOR. This came in after initial denial with the issuer. They did do a hard pull more than 2 months after the original AOR, so they DID see at least 30-40 inquiries, and 34+ accounts, even some closed by grantor, HUGE 99% utilization, and 630ish fakos. I guess banks still do approve based on 'good character' rather than just credit scores now.

8/8/07 Time for an update. I have potentially 2 more AoRs in the pipeline, and hopefully get started by the end of this month. I'm concentrating on building up FICOs, and finding more biz apps to do. 1 of the 2 AoRs will be done with subprime credit - Something I haven't seen done before. Will be interesting to see. We're trying to clean it up as much as possible, first, however.

10/12/07 Been trying to update the links below. Some FIA App links don't seem to be working anymore. Some other links don't work either, but using google, you should be able to find a new link. SunTrust bank switched from Fia to InfiBank I believe. Infibank is owned by FNBO I believe, which is stingy. I did notice most of the "phone app" links listed, don't actually take apps over the phone, but must fax, or mail a written application to you. A few may require you to also have an account with them, or apply in person. Some better offers for some of the major's are available in other AOR threads. Elan & US bank offers suck now, but I hear there is a Baylor phone offer that is good. Some of the offers can be outdated now, so be sure to check the links.

10/27/07 Did roughly a 60 AOR recently. Will try report on it soon. Would like to mention that Advanta reported in about a week to EQ Biz for a 2 week old Corp, and must have created a file. No D&B, or EX Biz file yet. Did not bother setting up a DNB #.
Still haven't heard from some banks yet, but notably PNC Denied for "being out of area" I guess when they went independent, they decided they don't need biz from CA. Should have tried for more BIZ LOCs. Totally forgot to try BofA, Cap1, US Bank BLOCs. Cap1 BTW Approved for 20k for their Biz card. 0% on purchases only I believe.

11/14/07 The guy who did the AOR in April is itching for another AOR after 6 months. Should be ready to start next month. The twist will be he'll use 2 corps instead of one. Should be quite interesting! I expect alot of apps as he's pretty crazy when it comes to going all out.

List of 60+ credit unions which offer Credit Cards has been moved HERE

FWF Mega Business Card thread I have added new links to this thread. 1/15/07

Credit card issuer FAQ

New Additions



One thing to note is that a lot of those credit unions (and banks too) issue branded cards that are offered by larger providers. So, applying at 150 different institutions does not mean that you are applying for cards from 150 different institutions.

I would question the sanity/effectiveness/motives of a 150 app MAOR.

--Joe

Edit for spelling


150 apps? You know credit inquiries are instant right? You'll be denied once you hit about 10 inquiries per credit bureau


a very ambitious project. note too that I see some problems with your proposed strategy:

1. there are limits to things. 150 simultaneous apps will SERIOUSLY jeapordize the 20-30 most people can easily pull off without incident. Remember that all issuers do NOT pull instantly...some pull a couple days later. Anyone seeing this many inquiries will think this is UNDOUBTEDLY ID fraud, and its not very efficient to lineup 150 apps if 90% get declined.

2. As mentioned above, many smaller CUs outsource their CC business. So that would also need to be included in such a list.

3. For the CUs that dont outsource, you most often have to also open a SHARE ACCOUNT, which involbes opening a small savings account and sometimes payment of a fee, usually ranging frm $5-50. This could cost thousands in total, from (useless) small balance share accounts youll need to keep open, and initial fees. These could negating much of the AOR's benefit, since most CU CC accounts wont be used for 0% BTS.

4. CUs that issuer their own CCS are typically MUCH stricter about lending, as a HUMAN reviews each app. You dont want human review during an AOR of your contemplated magnitude.


I am hoping for at least 30 approvals, but am expecting maybe as many as 50-100. As stated I know the inquiries are a detriment, but I do disagree that CUs are more strict. I believe CUs are actually more lenient in some cases, as I have noticed people with lower scores getting approved through them, and declined by prime banks. I actually plan on applying for prime banks first, and the CUs, smaller banks last. I think I may be able to talk my way into some approvals. I have not seen an AOR of this feat with results posted here, or elsewhere, and this will be quite interesting. I hope for some better feedback, but appreciate the initial comments. I am aware some CUs want share accts opened, and plan to take this into factor when applying for them. I think having the share acct may also improve chance of getting approval, as they know you are serious about doing business. More research into these requirements will be needed. Banks may use proprietary scoring models where the inquiries may, or may not hurt me. It seems with CCs they seem to hurt more.. Several FWF members are planning AORs also, and this information will be valuable, but once you've done a few, you need new institutions to have accts with once your maxed out with everyone. I plan to use BofA "My portfolio" (Like yodleee I believe) to track my accts, as well as my credit reports. On some of the declines I expect, I may try reconsideration, or retry in 6 months to 1 year. I know doing an AOR, the inquiries are one hit, but the NEW ACCTS that show up hurt you even more, and want this done before they start hitting the reports.


It certainly does not require new banks to do more AORs.

I have done numerous AORs and find that the SIMPLEST and BEST strategy is to accumulate a good base of cards from various major issuers ....then on subsequent AORs, you can target the best promos out there and include maybe 1 card from each major issuer you already have cards with. Then reallocate your existing credit lines to use the new BT promos. This results in max benefit for minimum work.

Im pretty sure you need to open a share account at every CU where you become a member, not just some....and you are correct that CUs can be more lenient in extending credit (to people building/rebuilding credit), but many just flip out about AOR-type activity. They see someone hoping to get a cc with credit issues eevry day. They dont see someone with $500k in existing lines looking for 100 more cards. Its so very different from their typical customer, they often get scared.


PolarDude said: I am helping 2 friends plan an app o rama
I suggest staying out of it unless you are also going to actively help them manage the cash inflow and monthly payments. One miss on their part and you will get blamed when interest rates get jacked up.


Nasty Experience with PNC

what others and SIS have said...I dont think the smaller banks and even CU's would like the activity....I do the smaller banks with interesting offers toward the front end to avoid hassle....

Also, OP, I would give you green if you went through FW and consolidate some info first and then asked for folks to add to it..


"I actually plan on applying for prime banks first, and the CUs, smaller banks last"

I suggest the opposite.

I have applied to numerous CUs (share savings) and then tried to get CCs. Some CUs grant my request, more do not. Many see I've got 8 bajillion dollars of available credit and they smell a rat. They won't budge. Period. End of story. Some will call and discuss, then they may grant credit or not. They are usually really nice people, though!!!

If I had it to do over again, I'd get an MBNA card [now BOA ;^( ]. Work up to a nice juicy limit and then expand out into CUs. Get a nice collection of up to 10 or so...

Then, go to the rest of the big issuers. As others have said, they are all computerized and it's basically an anonymous situation. They'll grant or refuse credit on the basis of their computerized selection. Local CU's, in my experience, review each application in person.

This process could take a few years for someone without a lot of credit history (SCM being the exception – kudos to you!)

Most CUs do not do a hard pull for a share savings account. A lot of them do a hard pull if you open a checking or money market account. Excess hard pulls will further hurt your process, so just stick to opening the share savings.

Also, I'll echo the previous advice that you can't expect to get more than 10 or at most 15 apps approved per AOR. So... pick your top 15 and apply. Wait 6 months to let the hard inquiries age, then try again. Doing over 20 at a time is just foolish. It will not work and is likely to incur significant damage.


As I stated, I am planning a Mega AOR and will add links as my time allows. The 2 friends of mine who I am helping plan the Mega AOR have inquiries less than 6mos old, and one has a limited credit history as of now. I plan to add some AUs to help with age. The scores may be lower than what would be ideal (760+ IMO) I will do my best to document the AORs, and may even get an itchy finger and start early. I am based in the southwest US, so I will start looking locally (California, Nevada) and move on to the better national CUs. As I am hoping for reader contributions, starting off in your local area is good as you may already meet the membership requirements, and not have to jump through any hoops to get your foot in the door. I appreciate the comments. Knowing in advance particular lenders that are, and are not stingy with inquiries, is quite useful to know. Depending on how many links I get, I may even try for 200 apps. 2-3 apps at the major banks may be tried.


PolarDude said: I may even try for 200 apps. 2-3 apps at the major banks may be tried.
200? And people say I mock AoR's? You have to be joking


PolarDude said: As I stated, I am planning a Mega AOR and will add links as my time allows. The 2 friends of mine who I am helping...

Are you their boss?


No joke. Unless I get lazy, but the risk/reward ratio IMO is worth it. I have been talking about this for a while with my friends. One has no credit cards at all, all they have is one closed CC. a new Auto loan, and a prosper marketplace loan. I try adding aged CC AU accts to their report, and they should be good to go. The recent NCO inquiry on their report does concern me.


All I can say is good luck with that.


He is not lazy anymore. Green.


By asking people to do for you....I think you are already lazy.

I can't disagree with that! This is the primary reason for me starting this thread.


Preserved for honesty.

PolarDude said: By asking people to do for you....I think you are already lazy.

I can't disagree with that! This is the primary reason for me starting this thread.


As I am doing research, I am finding some CUs don't have Online apps, and actually want you to go down to a branch to open accts. Taking the time to do this will waste a good hour give or take. Some will do a phone application. This too will take time. Maybe POST online AOR This can be done. Online apps can be a quick 3 minutes or less.


PolarDude said: No joke. Unless I get lazy, but the risk/reward ratio IMO is worth it.
What rewards do you get from accumulating small lines from credit unions that cost you $5-50 each? You won't be able to BT for profit, and instead of a sign-up bonus you get hit with a sign-up fee. After your first 30 apps, you would probably make more money per hour flipping burgers at McDonalds than applying for another 150 cards. And it would truly be a shame if all your initial lines were cut later when an account review was done and your issuers spotted 200 inquiries. Even if you are unemployed (which would impact the effectiveness of your AOR anyway), there has got to be a better use of your time that will earn you more money.

And best of luck keeping track of 200 accounts every month. Yodlee won't be able to track them all. The industrial-size paper shredder you will need to buy will eat away all your profits.


No disrespect OP - but I don't think you have read through all the valuable info FWF contains. If you did - you wouldn't be saying the things you say. When I first saw your first post, I thought that this might be an interesting exercise (meaning the list of possible cc applications), but seeing your replies, I'm giving you red and I think you're simply not thinking rationally.

Let me humor you for a second - say you actually do go ahead and submit 100 apps online (take a day off from work because it will definitely take you that long). Optimistically:

10% instant approval
20% deferred decision -> deferred denial
70% instant denial

You now have 10 new lines, 100 new inquiries. If you read the adverse effects thread properly, you'd know you're facing a deep whole - since all your accounts undergo periodic account reviews. And you can bet you're going to start seeing account closings/credit line decreases not only on the new accounts but also on your established accounts for a number of reasons:

- too many recent inquiries
- too many recently opened accounts
- outstanding balances too high

You'll accomplish more bad than good to your credit profile with your proposed plan.

Anyway, good luck with it.


No disrespect OP - but I don't think you have read through all the valuable info FWF contains. If you did - you wouldn't be saying the things you say. When I first saw your first post, I thought that this might be an interesting exercise (meaning the list of possible cc applications), but seeing your replies, I'm giving you red and I think you're simply not thinking rationally.

I am not too concerned on Adverse action. One of the credit profiles is quite thin, so anything new is a plus. Inquiries can only hurt you so much. I am aware of the score hit. The worst that will happen is I only get a few approvals. The fact that I have not seen an AOR done on this magnitude makes me want to do it just to see what happens. I have over 90k in BTs showing for over 6 months on my reports, and not 1 adverse action yet. The BTs will take quite some time to show up on the reports, unless the issuer reports quicker than normal (Discover sometimes does this) Some banks such as juniper report the new acct quickly, so I need to beat those too. One issue I need to deal with is where to transfer all the BT money to.. I have read of adverse actions regarding large credit balances, and while I personally moved tons of cash thru BofA, I have been a long time customer, and they didn't flinch. It wasy easy pushing the credit balance to checking. I am thinking transferring to a brokerage acct, but some banks want a CC#. One of my friends doesn't even have an open CC, am I don't think using AU accts is a good idea.


It's so boring during the long dark nights in Alaska... (if I got right the signification of PolarDude handle)


Uh, yeah, make sure to keep us posted on how this all goes for you.

-Bill-


As I am adding links and checking out different banks.. I am noticing quite a few are serviced by larger financial institutions. I am curious if anyone has experience as to how this will affect max line per issuer? I am also seeing some banks offering personal lines of credit or loans, but not CCs. I am not including those, along with the ones what require you to apply in branch. My list is growing!! Some seasoned professionals can test out some of the links I put up, and let us know feedback. I have heard of people with many chase/citi/bofa CCs. I think 30 apps for one card servicer may cause a redflag. CUs are more work, so I will work on them later, banks are easy. I saw alot of 0% promos, and some interesting fees. One bank had an annual fee if you don't spend $1200 in a year! I am finding these banks off FDIC siteFYI.


PolarDude said: As I am adding links and checking out different banks.. I am noticing quite a few are serviced by larger financial institutions.

I have heard of people with many chase/citi/bofa CCs. I think 30 apps for one card servicer may cause a redflag. CUs are more work.. .


thats what I tried to tell you earlier. And 30 apps per issuer is far beyond what you can pull off in an AOR. Re-read the AOR FAQ. For most issuers, 2-3 apps per issuer is what they will allow before declining due to multiple apps. There are some exceptions and ways around this, but thats a general guideline. 30 approvals per issuer just isnt going to happen.

Of course, I am interested to see where this leads and you have been working to add links to the OP/quicksummary, so you get green for doing the research and sharing.


just off the top of my head....key bank is one serviced by citibank and pnc is serviced by elan.

I believe that national city and wells fargo are 2 midwest banks that have their own credit card divisions....


PolarDude said: No joke. Unless I get lazy, but the risk/reward ratio IMO is worth it. I have been talking about this for a while with my friends. One has no credit cards at all, all they have is one closed CC. a new Auto loan, and a prosper marketplace loan. I try adding aged CC AU accts to their report, and they should be good to go. The recent NCO inquiry on their report does concern me.


Seriously, you need to think of the negative consequences. If it triggers a financial review etc. Credit could get pulled back, lines cancelled and you increase the risk of your of default rates being triggered. If you miss any of those, the costs is very expensive. I believe Suckisstaples and Scott1961 are all for you getting a much credit as you can reasonablly get and investing and making money, but even drinking too much water can be bad for a person.

In other words, think it over. You have some pretty experienced people waiving repeated big caution flags at you.

Remember, you can be a Bull or Bear on Wall Street, but Pigs always get slaughtered!


I gave you green for the effort you put in to link all the CC offers. I am use it will be a very useful resource for FWers who are planning their AORs. Though I don't agree with your ideas on doing an AOR with 100 accounts.


I believe Suckisstaples and Scott1961 are all for you getting a much credit as you can reasonablly get and investing

I believe you are either getting your "Fathers of AoR" confused or you are greatly misrepresenting people's views.

Scott is a great member of FWF. However, he has historically been incredibly skeptical of AoR and only reluctantly and accidently has done 1 minor (in terms of applications) AoR in his history.

I'd consider SIS as a leader, in terminology/help/standardization and kind of a "moderate" in terms of aggressiveness.

I'd consider MBaker as the leader of the ultra agressive group.

I'd consider DaveHanson as a leader in the conservative group and risk analysis.

Please don't take offense if I didn't describe you right and apologies to EugeneV and others who have done incredibly creative things.

Once again no offense to Scott I think you are misrepresenting him by saying he represents going for all the credit you could posssibly ever get.


asdf9876 said: However, he has historically been incredibly skeptical of AoR and only reluctantly and accidently has done 1 minor (in terms of applications) AoR in his history.

Once again no offense to Scott I think you are misrepresenting him by saying he represents going for all the credit you could posssibly ever get.

My goal is as much credit with as few applications and open accounts as possible. Have finished re-allocating and closing some of my new accounts and now only have 10 open accounts but my AoR brought me from under $50k CL to over $400k. I think this leaves me in the best position to do a future AoR. The OP here is pretty much dooming any future chances with how many open accounts he will have and most likely most of them going to have small lines. I just can't imagine what will happen to his score as all new accounts get added. I just got an alert from MyFico that my score dropped from 781 to 766 due to my AMEX account showing up. I thought with it's $50k CL it would help my score with lower utilization. Many of the things I did go against the conventional wisdom here but since it was pretty successful I think it shows there are many ways to do one, By that logic maybe OP's will work. Will at least make for fun reading


I think what would be more useful would be this list...but broken down by credit card issuers. That would help target your apps so no issuers gets more than 2 or 3 apps.

Here is a list of the major card issuers. There are several that are not on the list Wells Fargo, Juniper Bank, and I think PenFed issues its own card.

Credit Card Issuer FAQ

I'm sure others could add to the list.


xpguy said: 150 apps? You know credit inquiries are instant right? You'll be denied once you hit about 10 inquiries per credit bureau

That is true, the denials will start. But it also depends on which credit bureaus the issuer pulls, credit history, income level etc. I have had more than 15 and still got approvals.
But there is no way somebody will get a 150 cards approved in one AOR.
You can apply for 150 cards, that does not equal approval. IMHO

But the biggest issue as others have said is this is asking for a review, and closures of accts. This is a crash and burn strategy.


Geez...I thought I pushed it with 39 apps on my Nov. AOR. I was only denied once. Chase said that I had to many inquiries in 30 days. Funny thing though, I had applied over the phone for a Chase Cash Plus Rewards card and had not heard anything back from them in a month....low and behold yeaterday the card shows up with a 10k limit. This was well after I got the rejection letter about the Chase Flexible Rewards Card. Anyway my AOR netted me $290k in new credit with $1700 in cardoffers bonus and sign up bonuses. Currently have have $130k sitting in various high yield savings accounts for between 10-18 months depending on the individual BT terms. Score dropped 40 points in the last thirty days since I did my AOR. Still around 730 though. Once all new balances show up I am sure it will make a dent though.

One card you might want to add even though Cap One is scum is the TJX Visa Platinum. I found an app waiting in return line with my wife at Marshall's Clothes store. It was Cap One branded and it offered 0% for 6 months with no fees. Up until then I could not seem to find any no fee 0% offers from them.

Anyway green for your efforts putting together that list. I may be a newbie to FW but listen to what these people say. It takes a lot of effort to manage 38 new accounts that you are moving money around to and from as well as tracking all the sign up bonuses. I can not even imagine 100, never mind 150.


I am trying to sort the links by servicing institution. Lots of elan cards. Now one thing I wonder, does the bank branded on the card have liability if one defaults? How much interest do they have in the card, or does the servicer bear all? If they are simply outsourcing the labor, but still cover if the cardholder defaults, this could mean more approvals, as the servicer is just doing labor (ie cust service, mfr. the cards, pack. and mail, etc) Do the banks underwrite on their own, or outsource that? I noticed some actually state Elan issues the credit, but is that true for all of the cobranded cards? Anyone want to make a few phone calls and find out?


what cra did the tjx pull


After checking it looks like they pulled from all three CRA's.


Polardude,

Good luck! Plan the logistics over and over to optimize on time. For example, turn off call waiting on your phone to avoid unnecessary distractions during your AOR.

If you get rejection letters, you could write to them saying you are trying to beat Walter Cavanagh's record. It might work.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/WaterCooler/story?id=411883&page=1

MaMo


g10ny said: It's so boring during the long dark nights in Alaska... (if I got right the signification of PolarDude handle)

Maybe he's just cool.


davidaexp1 said:
Remember, you can be a Bull or Bear on Wall Street, but Pigs always get slaughtered!


Spoken like a true Cramerican


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