The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

If you’re relatively new to the points and miles world, you might be a bit gun shy when it comes to applying for new credit cards. Most of my friends and family members find it hard to believe that I currently have 17 active travel credit cards in my wallet and pay more than $1,000 per year in annual fees.

Just about every week, I hear something along the lines of, “Aren’t you afraid that you’ll wreck your credit score?” While it’s true that card applications will temporarily lower your score as a result of the new hard inquiries on your profile, many other factors go into calculating the credit score.

Still, you want to ensure that any applications you submit have a high probability of being approved. After all, if an application is denied, you’re taking a hard inquiry on your credit report (and the resulting temporary drop in your score) without any upside.

Many top issuers have added additional restrictions over years that make it harder to get approved for a new card and/or earn a welcome offer, so it’s important to know which bank has what rules before you apply.

While you can never guarantee that your application will be approved, you really want to avoid wasting an application when you have absolutely no chance at success.

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Methodology

In this guide, I’ll take you through the restrictions for all of the major issuers on the market today: American Express, Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Barclays, Capital One and Wells Fargo.

For this analysis, I’ll look at three main factors to consider for each issuer as you plan your application strategy:

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Number of cards.

Number and timing of applications.

Welcome bonuses.

One disclaimer before diving in: the majority of these restrictions aren’t considered hard-and-fast rules applicable to every single scenario. I’ve heard stories of exceptions to just about every one of them.

You could completely ignore a restriction and still get approved and earn a welcome bonus, or you could follow every recommendation perfectly yet still get denied for a card. As the saying goes, YMMV (your mileage may vary).

American Express

(Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/Getty Images)

Number of cards

One of the first steps banks take during an economic downturn is to tighten their lending and approval standards to minimize risk. Since the pandemic inflicted heavy damage to nearly every square inch of the U.S. economy, Amex took a decisive step in this direction by implementing a four-credit-card limit for each individual. However, they’ve since upped this to five cards.

In the past, I’ve read isolated reports of readers carrying more than five American Express credit cards at any one time.

We strongly discourage everyone from ever carrying a balance — it actually tops TPG’s 10 commandments for travel rewards credit cards. Carrying a balance and accruing interest will more than negate any points or miles you earn on the card and will negatively impact your credit score.

Number and timing of applications

When it comes to American Express’ rules for how many applications you can have and how frequently you can submit them, again, there aren’t any published, hard-and-fast requirements. However, I did find a number of data points that may help you decide how to apply:

You can apply for two cards in a single day . However, many reports indicate that at least one application will likely be put on hold as a fraud prevention mechanism, especially if you’re applying for two cards. In addition, there’s no guarantee that those applications will be combined into a single hard inquiry on your credit report, although it does happen.

. However, many reports indicate that at least one application will likely be put on hold as a fraud prevention mechanism, especially if you’re applying for two cards. In addition, there’s no guarantee that those applications will be combined into a single hard inquiry on your credit report, although it does happen. You may be able to get approved for more than two cards in a 90-day period. However, most of these reports were a combination of credit cards and pay-in-full cards without spending limits (formerly known as charge cards). As a result, the general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t apply for three or more Amex credit cards within three months.

Welcome offers

Amex restricts cardmembers from earning a welcome offer more than once per lifetime — no matter how long it’s been since you applied. For example, here’s the specific language from the offer terms page for The Platinum Card® from American Express:

“Welcome offer not available to applicants who have or have had this card or previous versions of The Platinum Card®. We may also consider the number of American Express cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your welcome offer eligibility.”

That sentence is crystal clear: if you currently have (or have had) this particular card, you are not eligible to earn the welcome offer (currently 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.).

There’s similar language on the application pages across Amex’s entire portfolio of cards, both business and personal. It even extends to previous versions of cards in certain instances, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card:

“Welcome Offer not available to applicants who have or have had the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card or the Hilton Honors Amex Ascend Card.”

You lose eligibility for future Amex welcome offers by carrying a credit card, not by earning the bonus on it. This is why you should always think twice about upgrading or downgrading an Amex card, especially if there’s no bonus attached.

Note: Personal and business versions of the same card are treated as separate, so you should be eligible to earn the welcome offer on each one once during your life.

Check your eligibility

American Express has a site tool that allows you to double-check your eligibility for a welcome offer. This check takes place during the application process. Before you officially apply for a card, Amex allows you to withdraw the application if you’re not eligible for the bonus — before Amex performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This eligibility tool also invokes the second phrase of legalese that’s been added to most Amex credit card applications:

“American Express may also consider the number of American Express Cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your welcome offer eligibility.”

In other words, even if you’ve never held a specific Amex credit card before, the issuer's proprietary, anti-fraud algorithm might determine that you’re not eligible to earn a bonus on it. We don’t know exactly what behaviors this system flags, but things like closing a credit card as soon as you earn the welcome offer (or even closing it exactly one year after you opened it) doesn’t look good.

Given these restrictions, you’ll want to time your applications very well to make sure you’re getting the highest possible welcome offer. Don’t forget to check the CardMatch tool to identify if you qualify for possible improved offers higher than the publicly advertised bonus (offers subject to change at any time).

There is one notable exception to this rule, however. Amex will occasionally target cardholders for a product they’ve already had and allow them to earn another welcome offer. Just be sure to read the fine print of these targeted offers to see if there’s “lifetime language” in the terms.

Related: Choosing the best American Express credit card for you

Chase

(Photo by Wyatt Smith)

Number of cards

From what we can tell, Chase doesn’t formally limit the number of credit cards you can have. I currently have seven Chase-issued cards:

The information for the IHG Rewards Club Select card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Other TPG staffers have even more cards. As a result, it’s relatively safe to assume that Chase doesn’t put a hard ceiling on the number of cards you can have.

However, the issuer will often restrict how much total credit is extended to you across all your Chase cards. For example, let’s say you have four Chase credit cards with $25,000 credit lines on each, and Chase has determined that you should only have a total spending limit of $100,000. It’s doubtful that you’ll be immediately approved for another credit card. This isn’t because it’s your fifth card — it’s simply a function of Chase deciding that you should only have a combined credit line of $100,000 across all of your accounts.

Fortunately, all hope is not lost if this happens. You can call Chase’s reconsideration line (888-245-0625) within a few days of your application and ask to shift around credit lines to get approval. You’ll then have five credit cards with the same $100,000 of total credit. I had to do this a few times when I first built my credit history with Chase, although I haven’t had to on my last two applications.

Number and timing of applications

There isn’t a formal, consistent policy that limits the number or timing of your applications with Chase. The general rule of thumb is to limit applications to no more than one personal and one business card within 90 days. Still, I’ve also read reports of applicants being approved for two personal cards in a single month.

It’s also worth pausing to talk about risk tolerance here. Chase (and Amex) have been known to unilaterally close all accounts of users they deem to be high-risk or potentially fraudulent. Unfortunately, on paper, award travel enthusiasts who apply for multiple cards in a year can be mistaken for risky customers.

You might want to consider taking things slower and not rushing through your applications with Chase, even if there’s a chance you can get approved for more cards in a shorter period of time. One common thread I’ve heard among Chase shutdown stories was a barrage of recent credit inquiries (with Chase and other issuers) in the months leading up to the shutdown.

Chase 5/24 rule

Chase’s one hard-and-fast application rule is commonly known as the 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more credit cards with any issuer over the previous 24 months, you will likely be denied for most Chase-issued credit cards with little to no chance at reconsideration.

A few notes about this policy:

Chase will look at all accounts across all issuers (not just their own).

(not just their own). You may be able to get approved if you’re just an authorized user . While success isn’t guaranteed, you may be able to get around the 5/24 rule if you’re just an authorized user on any of your “new” accounts from the previous two years. A few years back, TPG's Nick Ewen was immediately getting denied for a United Explorer Card

. While success isn’t guaranteed, you may be able to get around the 5/24 rule if you’re just an authorized user on any of your “new” accounts from the previous two years. A few years back, TPG's Nick Ewen was immediately getting denied for a Business cards generally don’t count. Even though you list your Social Security number when you apply for business cards, the accounts themselves sit on a separate business credit report and, as such, usually do not count against your 5/24 status.

Related: Want to open a new Chase card? Here’s how to calculate your 5/24 standing

Welcome bonuses

(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)

Chase also imposes restrictions on earning welcome bonuses, though these aren’t as strict as those of American Express. In general, you won’t be able to earn a bonus on a Chase card if you currently hold that card in your wallet or if you earned a sign-up bonus on that exact card in the last 24 to 48 months.

Here’s the specific language on most Chase cards’ application pages (this was copied from the Chase Freedom Unlimited‘s page):

“This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months.”

In other words, you must cancel or downgrade a card before reapplying for it, but you don’t need to wait two years to apply after canceling. The 24-month waiting period starts when you receive the bonus, not when you cancel the card.

It’s also worth noting that there are some slight variations to this policy that apply to specific cards:

Related: The best Chase credit cards of February 2022

Citi

Like the other two major issuers, Citi imposes its own set of credit card application restrictions. (Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

Number of cards

Citi typically doesn’t limit your overall number of credit cards. They use an approach of limiting your overall credit across all Citi cards. Once you’ve reached that tipping point, you’ll likely be given the “application pending” notice when you apply for a new card.

A quick call to Citi’s reconsideration line (800-695-5171) should help you get approved by moving some credit from another card to the new one.

That said, one of my colleagues was actually immediately denied a Citi card with the reason given that he had reached the “maximum number of Citi credit cards.” It’s unclear if that was based on the number of Citi cards he had open at the time of his application (seven) or if it was based on the number of cards he had opened with the issuer across his entire lifetime.

Citi is also known to be incredibly sensitive to recent inquiries, so after you’ve used up your 5/24 slots with Chase, you might want to consider applying for Citi cards next before your credit report gets too cluttered.

Number and timing of applications

Citi has precise rules for how frequently you can apply for credit cards. There are slightly different rules for personal and business cards:

You can only apply for one card (personal or business) every eight days and no more than two cards in a 65-day window.

You can only apply for one business card every 90 days.

Yes, there are exceptions. Follow these guidelines for the best results, though.

Citi 24-month rule

Citi is another issuer that allows you to earn a welcome bonus multiple times on a given credit card.

However, there’s a mandatory waiting period between canceling and re-applying that you must follow: 24 months from either opening or closing for most Citi cards. Here’s a sample of the language pulled from the application page of the Citi Premier® Card:

“Bonus ThankYou® Points are not available if you received a new cardmember bonus for Citi Rewards+®, Citi ThankYou® Preferred, Citi ThankYou® Premier/Citi Premier® or Citi Prestige®, or if you have closed any of these accounts, in the past 24 months."

Citi appears to have given themselves some wiggle room to deny you the bonus if you’ve earned it before — but all the data points I’ve heard have been successful with re-earning the intro offer.

Citi focuses on when you closed the account in addition to when you opened it or received a sign-up bonus. In essence, this means that your 24-month clock starts ticking the moment you’re approved for a card. If you later close that card, the clock resets.

You then need to wait 24 months from the date you closed your account to be eligible for a sign-up bonus on the card again. One massive note is that downgrading cards does not reset the 24-month clock. TPG's Juan Ruiz has confirmed this firsthand.

Citi 48-month rule

Unfortunately, Citi is stricter with some of its cobranded credit cards than its core ThankYou-earning cards. While cards like the Citi Premier follow the 24-month rule mentioned above, Citi’s portfolio of American Airlines cards requires you to wait 48 months in order to be eligible to earn the bonus again. For example, here’s the language found on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®:

“American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles are not available if you have received a new account bonus for a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive account in the past 48 months.”

This means that you can only earn a bonus on a specific American credit card once within a 48-month period.

With all these rules in mind, let’s take a look at a couple of examples:

You opened the Citi Premier in July 2020 and earned the sign-up bonus shortly thereafter. You now want to open the Citi Rewards+® Card You opened the Citi / AAdvantage Executive card in June 2019, earning the sign-up bonus shortly thereafter. You later canceled the card in May 2020. If you’re then interested in reapplying for the card, you must wait until June 2024 if you also want the sign-up bonus, since that will be more than 48 months since you earned your previous bonus.

Related: The best Citi credit cards of 2022

Bank of America

(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)

Number of cards

Bank of America doesn’t have hard-and-fast rules regarding how many total cards you’re allowed to have.

Given that it was previously possible to get approved for multiples of the same card in a very short period of time (which has since changed, as we’ll discuss), there are plenty of customers with Bank of America cards numbering into the double digits.

Number and timing of applications

Bank of America used to be one of the most flexible issuers when it came to approving applications. This began to change in 2017 and has since become known as the 2/3/4 rule:

You can only get approved for 2 new cards in a 30-day period.

You can only get approved for 3 new cards in a 12-month period.

You can only get approved for 4 new cards in a 24-month period.

As a result, you could get approved for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card if you apply for both of them on the same day or within the same month. But if you then apply for another Bank of America card within two months of these applications, you’ll likely be denied. Data points indicate that this does not extend to business credit cards issued by the bank.

Bank of America’s 2/3/4 rule has been formally communicated by the issuer’s customer service reps to applicants, though it’s worth noting that it is not posted online. It also only applies to cards issued by Bank of America (they don’t consider cards opened from other issuers). That said, the bank may still consider the total number of cards and hard inquiries you’ve had when it runs your credit, so you may get denied even if you fall below these thresholds.

Anecdotally, we’re seeing data points of further restrictions. Customers with a Bank of America deposit account may not be approved for new cards if they’ve opened seven cards (across all issuers) in the last 12 months, while customers without a deposit account will be rejected if they’ve opened three or more cards in the last 12 months.

Last but not least, Bank of America will restrict cardholders from opening a card if you currently carry the card or have opened the card in a 24-month time period. Here's the language found on the terms of the Alaska Airlines card:

"This card may not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period. This does not apply to the business credit card product.

Related: The best Bank of America credit cards

Welcome bonuses

Once you make it through these restrictions and actually get approved, the bank doesn’t have any published language restricting your sign-up bonuses.

You can earn a sign-up bonus on the same card multiple times, as long as your applications are timed given the above rules and you’re actually approved for the card.

Barclays

(Photo by Isabelle Raphael/The Points Guy)

Number of cards

Barclays typically doesn’t limit the number of cards you have open with them at any one time. The bank will, however, consider your overall credit profile before approving you, as noted by the following language on most of its card application pages:

“If at the time of your application you do not meet the credit or income criteria previously established for this offer, or the income you report is insufficient based on your current obligations, we will not be able to open an account for you.”

Given this information, it seems that a large number of cards, a high number of hard inquiries or large balances may still impact your chances of successfully opening a new card.

Number and timing of applications

Barclays isn’t known to have any specific rules or policies like 5/24 when applying for new cards. However, there are a few general rules of thumb to follow if you’re looking to apply for multiple cards issued by the bank in a short period of time:

You likely won’t get approved for multiple applications on the same day, even if you call reconsideration.

You need to cancel an existing card and then wait for a period of time before re-applying for that card (the recommendation is six months).

Barclays has been known to look at prior spending on existing cards to determine approval for a new card. If you’re looking at a new one and currently have a card or two with the issuer and haven’t spent much (or anything), take it out of your desk drawer and use it for a few months before applying.

Again, these aren’t concrete rules but general guidelines to follow.

Welcome bonuses

When it comes to bonuses, Barclays typically hasn’t prevented you from earning the sign-up bonus on a card multiple times, as long as you close the card first and then wait to apply (generally six months). However, the issuer does have a couple of notable items in the terms and conditions of popular cards, such as the JetBlue Plus Card:

“You may not be eligible for this offer if you currently have or previously had an account with us in this program. In addition, you may not be eligible for this offer if, at any time during our relationship with you, we have cause, as determined by us in our sole discretion, to suspect that the account is being obtained or will be used for abusive or gaming activity (such as, but not limited to, obtaining or using the account to maximize rewards earned in a manner that is not consistent with typical consumer activity and/or multiple credit card account applications/openings).”

The vague wording here means, in a worst-case scenario, you could be approved for a new card as a previous cardholder, meet the minimum spending threshold and still miss out on a sign-up bonus if Barclays decides you’re ineligible for any of the above reasons.

While you may have a legitimate reason for getting a second iteration of a card (e.g., a new job with extensive travel on JetBlue), just be aware that a sign-up bonus may not be part of the package.

The information for the JetBlue Plus card and has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Capital One

(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)

Number of cards

Unlike most of the others on this list, Capital One does restrict the number of personal cards you have in your wallet to two.

As a result, if you have the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, you won’t be able to open the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to take advantage of that card’s Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit (up to $100).

Note that this typically only applies to personal cards managed by Capital One — cobranded cards and small-business cards (such as the Capital One Spark Miles for Business) are generally excluded.

Number and timing of applications

Capital One is also known to have a hard-and-fast rule when it comes to timing your applications. You’re only able to get approved for one card every six months.

This lumps personal and small business cards together. While this is the most stringent rule of the issuers on this list, the two-card limit noted above means that you aren’t truly missing out on much by being forced to wait at least six months between applications. Capital One is also incredibly sensitive to recent inquiries, and many people (myself included) have received multiple rejection letters for the Capital One Venture Rewards Card despite a nearly perfect credit score.

Welcome bonuses

The issuer has been known to award sign-up bonuses multiple times on the same card if you follow the above rules and are approved. However, like Barclays, I see some language on the website for most Capital One cards that gives the issuer the right not to award the bonus. Here’s the specific verbiage from the Capital One Venture card application page:

“Existing or previous accountholders may not be eligible for this one-time bonus.”

Once again, the use of the vague term “may not be available” seems to imply that you might be rolling the dice on applying for a new card and earning a bonus if you’re a current or past holder of that card.

Related: The best Capital One credit cards

Wells Fargo

(Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket for Getty Images)

Number of cards

Wells Fargo generally doesn’t limit the number of cards you can have, but the normal recommendations apply regarding your overall credit profile. They reserve the right, however, per the credit card application pages:

“We may also limit the total number of open Wells Fargo credit card accounts you have.”

Number and timing of applications

We don’t have much data around the number of applications you can have with the bank. However, you can find this statement on the terms and conditions page for most Wells Fargo-issued cards that’s worth repeating here:

“You may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card if you have opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the last six months.”

Once again, we run into that vague “may not” language, indicating that you could be denied a new Wells Fargo card if you have one with the bank that’s less than six months old.

Bottom line

Travel credit cards are a great way to quickly add points and miles to your various loyalty account balances, and many carry a wealth of valuable perks in addition to an initial bonus.

Unfortunately, if you misunderstand the nuances of each issuer’s application restrictions, you could be left with a hard inquiry plus a missed welcome bonus — or, even worse, a hard inquiry with a flat-out denial. While the policies above are a mix of “rules” and “guidelines,” I’d strongly encourage you to pay close attention to them as you plan out your next set of applications.

Additional reporting by Stella Shon, Joseph Hostetler and Chris Dong.

5 Things You Need to Get Your Credit Card Application Approved

Getting a credit card is a financial milestone for young professionals who are eager to start building their credit profile, improve their cash flow, and manage their finances more efficiently. The process of applying for one, however, can be tricky and tedious for newcomers to navigate, as banks and credit card companies tend to be cautious when it comes to issuing credit cards to new customers. Applicants must pass extensive background checks and fulfill a long list of stringent eligibility requirements.

It can be intimidating to apply for a credit card, but knowing what to expect and doing your homework can help you navigate the process with ease. Read on for five essential things you should do to secure a quick and painless approval on your credit card applications.

Check Your Qualifications

A credit card application, similar to a job application, will require you to meet certain criteria before you’re allowed to apply. Most credit card providers impose minimum requirements on age, employment status, income, and others.

Though specific eligibility requirements will vary between providers, it may help you to be familiar with the most common requirements for credit card applications. These are the following:

Applicant must be between 21 and 65-70 years of age.

Applicant must be a Philippine citizen, or a foreigner residing in the Philippines for the past two years.

or a For basic credit cards, the applicant’s gross annual income must range from PHP 120,000-PHP 252,000 .

. Applicant must have proof of regular employment for at least one year or 1-2 years of profitable professional practice or business operations.

or Applicant must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Applicant must have an active business or landline number and an active mobile number.

If you’re too young to apply as a primary cardholder, you may still qualify for a supplementary credit card. Individuals 13 years or older can be enrolled for a supplementary card by older family members holding primary credit cards.

Research Available Cards

Rather than just applying for the first credit card that comes to mind, spend some time doing your research and shopping around. Before anything else, your first credit card should be something you can afford to own and maintain given your current financial situation. The following qualities are especially important factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right credit card:

Eligibility qualifications – As outlined above, these are the minimum age, income, employment, and other requirements you must meet before you can apply for a credit card.

As outlined above, these are the minimum age, income, employment, and other requirements you must meet before you can apply for a credit card. Annual fee – In exchange for the convenience of using a credit card, you’ll have to pay an annual membership fee. Many starter cards now waive this fee for the first year of use, allowing new cardholders to save money.

In exchange for the convenience of using a credit card, you’ll have to pay an annual membership fee. Many starter cards now waive this fee for the first year of use, allowing new cardholders to save money. Penalty fees – Your bank will levy a late payment fee when you fail to pay at least the minimum balance on your credit card bill by the due date. You’ll also be charged a penalty fee when you spend over your monthly credit limit.

Your bank will levy a late payment fee when you fail to pay at least the minimum balance on your credit card bill by the due date. You’ll also be charged a penalty fee when you spend over your monthly credit limit. Finance charge or interest rate – This refers to the amount of interest that your provider will be entitled to charge when you carry a balance over from the previous month.

This refers to the amount of interest that your provider will be entitled to charge when you carry a balance over from the previous month. Rewards programs – Some cards will grant you redeemable points with every purchase you make, which you can then use on privileges like discounts, cash rebates, and freebies. Do note, however, that credit cards with especially low-interest rates or annual fees probably won’t offer rewards.

It’s generally recommended for new credit card applicants to look for a card with a low-income requirement, interest rate, annual fee, and penalty fee. It may also be worthwhile to look into starter cards with favorable rewards programs.

Choosing between the different types of cards will come down to your particular monetary needs, lifestyle, and budget range. Some of the most common types you can choose from are the following:

Basic Credit Card – Also known as standard or classic credit cards, basic credit cards are among the easiest cards to qualify for because their minimum income requirement tends to be low. They’re also among the most inexpensive cards to own, as the annual fees they come with tend to be lower than those of premium cards. As a tradeoff for this affordability, basic cards don’t tend to offer rewards or any other perks.

Also known as standard or classic credit cards, basic credit cards are among the easiest cards to qualify for because their minimum income requirement tends to be low. They’re also among the most inexpensive cards to own, as the annual fees they come with tend to be lower than those of premium cards. As a tradeoff for this affordability, basic cards don’t tend to offer rewards or any other perks. No Annual Fee Credit Card – As its name suggests, this credit card waives its customary annual fee for life. Credit cards without annual fees allow cardholders to make greater savings and make good first cards for beginners.

As its name suggests, this credit card waives its customary annual fee for life. Credit cards without annual fees allow cardholders to make greater savings and make good first cards for beginners. Rewards Credit Card – Rewards credit cards are at the center of banks’ credit rewards programs. As stated above, purchases made using the card earn you a certain number of redeemable points. You can then exchange these points for any of the perks included in your credit card provider’s rewards catalog, which may include annual fee waivers, cash rebates, airline miles, gift vouchers, and more.

Rewards credit cards are at the center of banks’ credit rewards programs. As stated above, purchases made using the card earn you a certain number of redeemable points. You can then exchange these points for any of the perks included in your credit card provider’s rewards catalog, which may include annual fee waivers, cash rebates, airline miles, gift vouchers, and more. Cashback Credit Card – A cashback credit card earns a certain amount of rebates on eligible purchases per month, which can then be credited toward your bill for the next month. These rebates will lower your total amount due and allow you to save as much as PHP 1000 monthly.

A cashback credit card earns a certain amount of rebates on eligible purchases per month, which can then be credited toward your bill for the next month. These rebates will lower your total amount due and allow you to save as much as PHP 1000 monthly. Co-Branded Credit Card – Co-branded credit cards are linked to particular brands or stores and offer regular clients of these brands opportunities to maximize their savings. Cardholders also enjoy freebies, rewards, discounts, and other privileges when using this card to pay for goods and services from the partner brand.

Co-branded credit cards are linked to particular brands or stores and offer regular clients of these brands opportunities to maximize their savings. Cardholders also enjoy freebies, rewards, discounts, and other privileges when using this card to pay for goods and services from the partner brand. Secured Credit Card – A secured credit card is a viable option for applicants whose gross annual income falls below the required minimum for regular cards. This type of card requires you to open a savings or time deposit account at your desired bank and provide a pledged deposit as collateral. This deposit will be held by the bank for one year and will define your credit limit (which you can expect to be around 80-100% of the deposit amount depending on the bank).

If you find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed by the range of options out there, it’s always worthwhile to ask friends and family members about their credit card experiences and possible recommendations.

Secure a Stable Source of Income

Credit card providers want to be sure that their clients will be able to pay their bills on time, which is why the vast majority of applications they approve, if not all of them, will be from people with full-time jobs. Thus, if you’d like to improve your chances of being approved for a credit card, it’s best to avoid short-term employment or job-hopping. Look for an employer you feel good about staying with for at least one year, though some providers may also require a longer stay depending on your position.

For self-employed or freelance applicants, getting approval will come down to how well you can demonstrate the activity and profitability of your business or professional practice. Documents you may need to provide for this purpose include business permits, income tax returns (ITR), bank endorsements, and others.

Build Your Credit Record with a Savings Account

The quality of your credit history is one of the most important factors your credit card provider will consider when determining whether to approve your application. One of the simplest ways to build a favorable credit record is to open a savings account for all your income and deposits. Once you have an active account, you’ll want to keep your running balance as high as possible—say above PHP 20,000 for the next six months or longer.

For the smoothest possible application experience, consider applying for a credit card at the bank where you already have an active savings account. They’ll be in the best position to validate your credit history and will therefore probably be more likely to approve your application.

Provide Complete and Accurate Documents

Be prepared to file a large amount of paperwork in support of your application when the time finally comes to submit it. Some of the most common documents credit card providers will require you to supply include the following:

Fully accomplished and signed credit card application form

A valid government-issued ID with applicant’s recent photo and signature

Certificate of Employment

Latest income tax return (ITR)

Official payslips for the last 2-3 months

Latest financial statements (for self-employed applicants)

Certificates of registration and work permits (for foreign residents)

Your credit card application may be delayed or even denied because of inconsistencies in the documents you provide, so make sure you go over all your files carefully before submitting them. Double-check the details you write on your application form, as well as the information printed on your payslips and employment-related certificates.

Lastly, though this may seem like common sense, be honest every step of the way during the application process. Some credit card applicants falsify parts of their application or forge particular important documents like payslips or employment certificates. However, credit card providers have tried and tested ways of determining the authenticity of submitted documents and may report you to the authorities if they discover you’ve submitted counterfeit documents or false details.

Applying for a credit card, especially for the first time, can be a long and laborious process, but the requirements are so strict for a good reason. Above all else, banks and credit card companies want to make sure that their clients can shoulder the responsibility of credit card debt and manage their cash flow reliably. If you’re still working on qualifying for a credit card, use the time to assess your spending and develop good financial habits. This will not only help expedite your application but serve you well in your daily life going forward.

When & how to apply for a student credit card

Student credit cards could help young adults establish credit and build good financial habits for the future. Credit cards for college students are offered at many banks and financial institutions. You may want to work with a parent or guardian to find out which student card is best for you and what types of perks and features benefit your current lifestyle.

Before applying and using a student credit card, it's important to understand how the application process works (you may need a co-signer) and how you plan on keeping up with payments to avoid debt. When used responsibly, a credit card can help college students establish and build their credit scores while benefiting from reward programs and cardmember perks.

What is a student credit card?

A student credit card is a type of credit card designed and marketed towards students and recent graduates by banks and financial institutions. Student credit cards typically have a lower credit limit and sometimes have higher credit approval rates for students with little to no credit history and limited incomes. Student credit cards may require a co-signer if you are under the age of 21.

How do you apply for a student credit card?

The process for applying for a student credit card may vary depending on your age and current financial standing.

How do I apply for a student credit card if I am under the age of 21?

Research the best type of student credit card for your needs. Learn about the application requirements. Obtain relevant proof that you are enrolled in school. Some banks or credit card companies may confirm your enrollment in an eligible school through the National Clearing House. Gather co-signer information (co-signer is responsible for making missed or defaulted payments on the account) and proof of income. Submit your application with all the necessary documents.

How do I apply for a student credit card if I am over the age of 21?

Research the best type of student credit card for your needs. Learn about the application requirements. Obtain relevant proof of your personal income or assets. Obtain relevant proof that you are enrolled in school. Some banks or credit card companies may confirm your enrollment in an eligible school through the National Clearing House. Submit your application with all the necessary documents.

To apply for a student credit card, you may need to show proof of a steady income from a part-time or full-time job or have a co-signer (a person over the age of 21 with a steady income who takes responsibility for your late or missed payments) join you in the application process. You may also have to provide proof that you are enrolled either part-time or full-time at a college or university. Some credit card companies have specific requirements on what constitutes a two or four-year college or university, so be sure to clarify these requirements before applying for a student credit card.

The best student credit card for college students:

Some student credit cards may waive annual fees and may offer reward programs that allow you to earn points and cash back on certain purchases. When researching a student credit card, the best student credit cards may have some of the following features and benefits:

0% intro APR: A student credit card may have higher interest rates than regular credit cards but you may benefit from a lengthy 0% APR introductory offer. During this 0% APR introductory period, interest is not applied on purchases made until your regular interest periods begins. Be sure to read your cardmember agreement and monthly statements so you can keep track of when your zero or low-interest period ends as you'll start paying interest on your credit card balance once this promotion ends.

A student credit card may have higher interest rates than regular credit cards but you may benefit from a lengthy 0% APR introductory offer. During this 0% APR introductory period, interest is not applied on purchases made until your regular interest periods begins. Be sure to read your cardmember agreement and monthly statements so you can keep track of when your zero or low-interest period ends as you'll start paying interest on your credit card balance once this promotion ends. Low fees: Student credit cards will typically have low service fees. You may find that maintenance or annual fees will also be minimized or not charged altogether.

Student credit cards will typically have low service fees. You may find that maintenance or annual fees will also be minimized or not charged altogether. Reward programs: Students may enjoy reward program perks that allow them to earn cash back or reward points from purchases. For example, you may earn between 1-5% cash back by making purchases at select groceries, gas stations and retailers. These cash back points could score you gift cards or cash back for purchasing textbooks, laptops, and clothes for the upcoming semester.

Students may enjoy reward program perks that allow them to earn cash back or reward points from purchases. For example, you may earn between 1-5% cash back by making purchases at select groceries, gas stations and retailers. These cash back points could score you gift cards or cash back for purchasing textbooks, laptops, and clothes for the upcoming semester. Student benefits and resources: As a student cardholder, you may be able to participate in special perks for college students, such as exclusive cash back reward programs that reward high GPAs or positive payment habits.

As a student cardholder, you may be able to participate in special perks for college students, such as exclusive cash back reward programs that reward high GPAs or positive payment habits. Security features: Student credit cards may also be equipped with useful protections and features, such as fraud protection or overdraft protection when you set up automatic payments from your debit card or checking account.

What are the benefits of a student credit card?

A student credit card could help college students make convenient purchases and establish credit. Before using your credit card for purchases, it's important to understand how interest works and how long it may take you to pay down your balances. You may also have the opportunity to participate in a rewards program through which you can earn cash back or reward points. Additionally, many student credit cards offer rewards geared toward students.