@Abe.... Will definitely keep that suggestion in the brain when applying around. I'm not really on a hunt for additional credit, guess I just wanted to A) Test the waters, and B) See how XYZ would react towards an application to their promo offer they SPAMMED me on. I guess the bank holding a chunk of my investments felt safe, hence why they approved me for a decent promo within 5min of online app - where as XYZ holds no securities and burned once, opted to decline me this round.
Also fair to say that in one wk, the last of my credit blemishes will fall from my T/U and Equifax reports. I betting that'll help the cause, too.. Baby steps - so be it - I'm in no rush.