Nothing kills the joy of earning miles and points faster than a denial notice. 🫠
You research a card, get super excited about the welcome offer, picture yourself in a lie-flat seat sipping champagne, and then get rejected the second you hit “apply.”
But I’m here to tell you that credit card approval isn’t just about luck. It’s about strategy.
Whether you’re new to the game or trying to level up to a premium travel card like The Platinum Card® from American Express, these tips will help you get approved, build a strong credit score, and start earning miles and points faster.
How to Choose the Right Card
Let’s be real — not every card is within reach when you’re starting out. Student cards and no-annual-fee cards are generally easier to qualify for, while premium travel cards like the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve® generally require a stronger credit file.
Before applying, do your homework:
Check your credit scores through free services like Credit Karma or Experian
Review recommended income requirements, if available
Understand issuer-specific rules, like Chase’s 5/24 rule or Amex’s five-card limit
A little research can help you avoid wasting a hard credit pull on a card you weren’t eligible for in the first place.
Use the Credit Card Ladder Strategy
If you don’t have a long credit history, banks may not trust you with a top-tier travel card right away. And that’s okay! Instead, think of credit cards as a ladder you climb — one smart application at a time.
Here’s how it works:
Start with easier-to-get cards that you may be more likely to be approved for, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Use the card responsibly and always pay on time
Apply for a mid-tier travel card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (our fave!)
Work your way up to premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Amex Platinum
This gradual approach helps build your credit and increases your chances of getting approved for the cards you really want. Be patient — stashing your miles and points bank takes time, but it’s worth it.
Always Make On-Time Payments
One of the fastest ways to wreck your credit is by missing a payment. Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score!
A single late payment can drop your credit score by 50 points or more. To avoid that:
Set up autopay for at least the minimum amount due
Pay your statement balance in full each month to avoid interest
Ignore the myth that carrying a balance helps your score — it doesn’t
Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
Credit utilization is the percentage of your total credit limit that you’re using. Lenders want to see that you’re not relying heavily on credit to cover your expenses.
The general rule of thumb is to try to keep it under 30% at all times — under 10% is even better. For example, if your card has a $10,000 credit limit, avoid carrying more than $3,000 in balances at any given time.
To potentially get even better results, you can pay your balance off before your statement closes. That way, your utilization looks lower when it’s reported to credit bureaus, which should improve your odds of approval.
Space Out Your Card Applications
Banks don’t love seeing a flurry of applications in a short period of time. It can signal desperation (or risk).
To avoid being a red flag:
Wait at least 90 days between credit card applications (longer is better)
Avoid applying for multiple cards from the same issuer in a short window
Keep new cards open for at least 12 months before closing or downgrading
A steady, well-spaced application history shows you’re reliable and not just chasing every welcome offer that comes your way (even though it’s tempting).
Know Bank-Specific Credit Card Rules
Each bank has its own internal rules that can make or break your application, even if your credit score is perfect.
Here are a few of the most important ones:
Chase 5/24 Rule
If you’ve opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny you for most of its cards. However, reports suggest there have been recent exceptions, so it may still be worth a try — if you don’t mind risking the “hard pull.”
American Express 5-Card Limit
Amex typically limits you to five personal cards (not counting charge cards like the American Express® Gold Card or Amex Platinum).
Capital One 2-Card Rule
Most people can only hold two personal Capital One cards at once.
Knowing about these restrictions can help you avoid unnecessary denials… and, you know… heartbreak.
Consider a Secured Credit Card
If you’re building credit from scratch or recovering financially, a secured credit card can be a powerful tool.
These cards require a refundable security deposit (usually $200 to $500), but they report payment activity to credit bureaus just like your traditional credit cards. With responsible use, you can “graduate” to an unsecured card in as little as six months.
While secured cards don’t typically earn rewards, they can be a nice stepping stone toward premium travel cards down the road.
Bonus Tip: Call the Reconsideration Line
Even if you get denied, it’s not always the end of the road. Most banks have reconsideration lines where you can speak with a human and make your case.
Here’s how to approach it:
Be calm, polite, and clear about why you’re applying
Mention your responsible credit use and ties to the bank (like existing accounts)
If you’re denied due to credit limits, ask if you can shift credit from another card
More often than not, we’ve found that these people want to help. I’ve personally been denied three out of the four cards I’ve applied for, called the reconsideration line, pleaded my case, and then have been accepted.
Bottom Line
Getting approved for the best credit cards takes more than just filling out an application. You need to be strategic and patient.
By choosing the right cards, applying at the right times, and keeping your credit healthy, you can set yourself up for approval… and start racking up rewards faster than ever and unlock some sweet travel perks.
And if you’re reading this here at Daily Drop and are subscribed to our newsletter, chances are you're already on the right track. 😉
