What's the best way to get a Signature Visa ? apply or CLI ?

Question

I have a 2012 Bank America Cash Rewards Visa Platinum Card that i've successfully removed the $39 annual fee and had it changed to Better Balance Rewards as of last year because i was only earning $50 cash back on my Cash Rewards and figured i could be earning $125 a year having the Better Balance Rewards nstead so i made the switch. Better Balance Rewards usually comes in a Mastercard but they kept it Visa when they changed it from Cash Rewards to BBR. The only thing i did not like was because it was the first credit card it sits at a low $500.   When i hand it to the cashier at starbucks (because of their BankAmeriDeals 10% Cash Back using your BankAmerica Card)  I am embarrass  because it's not ''Signature Visa'' makes me feel and look like i may have ''bad'' credit or just carrying a secured card.   When i tried asking if i can be upgrded to a signature visa they said my card does not qualify and need to hard pull my credit report.for a credit limit increas to $5,000. The problem is would i be better off applying for Bank America Signature Visa (preqalified on their site) then i get $100 cash back when i spend $500 in 90 days. Then could they roll over my cash rewards credit line to Better Balance Rewards and close 2015 Cash Rewards ?  or would i be better using my ''hard inquiry'' for either US bank cash+ or Chase Sapphire Preferred ? because i know US Bank may be inquiry sensitive and i was planning applying either those 2 in the fall but did not want my inquir from Bank Ameroca get in the way. BTW, my Freedom is signature Visa. Capital One EO would not convert my Capital One Quicksilver Mastercard to Signature visa either. Said i need apply for a Signature Visa and then close the Mastercard which would be stupid since its also one of the longest accounts opened with Bank America. Capital One was $500 but they now allow you combine your cards which was how i got it from $500 to $5,000 without a hard inquiry though unlike Bank America trying to do. So my question is what's the best way getting your cards upgraded to a Signature Visa when its costing you a hard inquiry ? apply it or increase it ? or would you rather use your hard inquiry somewhre else and just not use your non signature visa useless $500 limit card ?  What i want ? i want my Bank America $500 limit up with my rest of my portfolio cards and upgraded to signature visa WITHOUT a hard inquiry but  they won't do it without a hard inquiry which i wanted to save for adding chase sapphire signature visa and or US bank Cash+ signature visa to my portfolio in the fall so it seems if i want to do this its going to cost me 2 if not 3 hard inquires instead of just 1,     i currently have 24 inquiries but 0 in the last 6 months.  I been a good boy  until next black friday  thank you   

Answer 1

SebastianZzzzz wrote:
I have a 2012 Bank America Cash Rewards Visa Platinum Card that i've successfully removed the $39 annual fee and had it changed to Better Balance Rewards as of last year because i was only earning $50 cash back on my Cash Rewards and figured i could be earning $125 a year having the Better Balance Rewards nstead so i made the switch. Better Balance Rewards usually comes in a Mastercard but they kept it Visa when they changed it from Cash Rewards to BBR. The only thing i did not like was because it was the first credit card it sits at a low $500.   When i hand it to the cashier at starbucks (because of their BankAmeriDeals 10% Cash Back using your BankAmerica Card)  I am embarrass  because it's not ''Signature Visa'' makes me feel and look like i may have ''bad'' credit or just carrying a secured card.   When i tried asking if i can be upgrded to a signature visa they said my card does not qualify and need to hard pull my credit report.for a credit limit increas to $5,000. The problem is would i be better off applying for Bank America Signature Visa (preqalified on their site) then i get $100 cash back when i spend $500 in 90 days. Then could they roll over my cash rewards credit line to Better Balance Rewards and close 2015 Cash Rewards ?  or would i be better using my ''hard inquiry'' for either US bank cash+ or Chase Sapphire Preferred ? because i know US Bank may be inquiry sensitive and i was planning applying either those 2 in the fall but did not want my inquir from Bank Ameroca get in the way. BTW, my Freedom is signature Visa. Capital One EO would not convert my Capital One Quicksilver Mastercard to Signature visa either. Said i need apply for a Signature Visa and then close the Mastercard which would be stupid since its also one of the longest accounts opened with Bank America. Capital One was $500 but they now allow you combine your cards which was how i got it from $500 to $5,000 without a hard inquiry though unlike Bank America trying to do. So my question is what's the best way getting your cards upgraded to a Signature Visa when its costing you a hard inquiry ? apply it or increase it ? or would you rather use your hard inquiry somewhre else and just not use your non signature visa useless $500 limit card ?  What i want ? i want my Bank America $500 limit up with my rest of my portfolio cards and upgraded to signature visa WITHOUT a hard inquiry but  they won't do it without a hard inquiry which i wanted to save for adding chase sapphire signature visa and or US bank Cash+ signature visa to my portfolio in the fall so it seems if i want to do this its going to cost me 2 if not 3 hard inquires instead of just 1,     i currently have 24 inquiries but 0 in the last 6 months.  I been a good boy  until next black friday  thank you   Good work on removing the annual fee and a successful product change/conversion! I understand your frustration with low limits. AMEX started me off at $1,000 a few years ago and it's slowly grown since then.  No need to be ashamed about not having a VISA Signature. Most cashiers aren't looking that closely and most people outside of this forum don't obsess over credit cards. If you're trying to protect your AAoA, then by all means call BOA and ask to talk with a credit analyst (or call the backdoor directy). Request a CLI to your desired amount ($5000 or more). In my experience BOA has been great with CLIs. Good luck!  If you're not concerned about your AAoA, then consider which card fits your needs and spending habits: CSP or Cash+. From what I understand, the Cash+ is a difficult card to obtain (often involving manual review). I love my CSP (it's more a travel card), but Chase is stingy with CLIs. I've read here that Chase tends to give bigger limits on second cards. So, since you already have a Freedom Signature, perhaps you'll get a decent CL if you apply for the CSP.  Good luck!