4 little-known ways to get your credit card application approved

I’ve applied for dozens of credit cards over the years. Although filling out applications is no longer a new task for me, getting approved is still exciting. And it’s still very disappointing to get rejected.

Your credit score is usually the most important factor when applying for a credit card. It would be a huge help if your credit score falls within the range desired by the card issuer. But that’s not the only factor that matters, and you may be rejected even if you have a good credit score for the card you want.

Fortunately, there are a few lesser-known methods you can use to get approved. If you’re about to apply for a credit card or have recently had a credit card application rejected, here’s what you can do:

1. Pay off your credit card debt before applying.

If you currently have a balance on your credit card, it may be helpful to pay it off first for a few reasons.

This is a quick way to improve your credit rating. One of the main factors that determine your score is your card balance relative to your credit limit. This is called your credit utilization ratio. Paying off your card balance lowers your active credit ratio, which is good for your credit score.

Additionally, card issuers take your current debt situation into consideration when you apply for one of their cards. If you already have a lot of credit card debt, your application may be rejected for that reason.

2. Call and request a reconsideration

Many people think that once their credit card application is rejected, that’s it. Game over. There is nothing you can do.

This isn’t always the case. You can call your card issuer and ask them to reconsider your credit card application. In some cases, the representative will overturn the denial and authorize card issuance. I have done this successfully several times.

Card issuers usually provide a phone number to contact you in their denial letter. You can also look up your card issuer’s appeal line number online. Call that number and let the representative know that you really want to get a card and see what they can do for you.

3. Open a bank account with a credit card company

Some card issuers like it when applicants already have a banking relationship. According to online reports, it seems to help with using Chase credit cards. Chase advertises that you can increase your chances of approval if you have at least $250 in either a checking or savings account before you apply for one of its starter credit cards. Bank of America also seems to value the applicants who use the bank.

You do not need to do this to get approved for a credit card. However, it may help some card issuers, and it certainly can’t hurt. So if there’s a card you like and you want to do everything you can to get it, consider opening a bank account with the card issuer and depositing money there.

4. If you have another card from that credit card company, use that card regularly.

Credit card companies make money every time people use their cards. They take a cut of the transaction processing fees paid by the seller. However, if you don’t use your card at all, it costs the card issuer to keep your account open.

If your card issuer has other cards, see how you use them before deciding whether to accept other cards. If you receive a welcome offer and immediately stop using your other cards, you may be hesitant to get approved for a new card. After all, you haven’t been a profitable customer until now.

I have tried most methods to get my credit card application approved. It’s not all necessary, but it can be helpful if you want to do everything you can to get approved for your card.

NOTE: Our top-tier cashback cards now offer a 0% introductory APR through 2025.

This credit card isn’t just good. A truly outstanding card that our experts use personally. Features a long 0% intro APR period, cash back rates of up to 5%, and no annual fee! Click here to read the full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.