How To Apply for a Credit Card
After you’ve decided which card is best for you, you can start your application(s). Follow these steps to make the application process as easy as possible.
Applying for a business card? Head to this article and scroll down.
Before You Apply
Step 1
This is important: Are you in the process of applying for a mortgage or car loan? If so, delay your credit card applications until 30 days after the loan is finalized.
Step 2
Gather the information needed to apply:
- Social security number
- Current address
- Current employer
- Total annual gross income – the amount of money you earn in a year before taxes
- Length of employment at current job
- Frequent Flyer information, if you are applying for a card and have an account associated with the miles program.
Step 3
Most credit cards can be applied for online or by calling the number on the offer — whichever you prefer. I find it easiest to apply directly through the link in your Travel Freely App recommendations.
Quick reminder before you apply: this will trigger a hard credit inquiry, meaning one of the three major credit bureaus will pull your credit. The inquiry will appear on your credit report for 2 years, though some banks only check one or two bureaus, so it may not show up everywhere.
The good news is that hard inquiries typically only drop your score by a few points, and on average it bounces back the following month — so nothing to stress about.
When You Apply
Now that you’re ready to apply for all recommended cards. Let’s do it! Most of the application info is straightforward.
One important note: the gross annual income is your total household income. So, if you are married or if you make money on rental property or investments every year, you want to include all possible sources of income. It only helps to have that number as high as possible.
After filling out the application, there are three possible scenarios:
1. Instant Approval: there’s a good chance you’ll get instant approval, with your card arriving in the mail within 7-10 days. It’s always worth a little celebration. Getting approved never gets old!
2. Pending: this second scenario is usually a good sign. Often, the credit card company will tell you that they need more time to process the information. This could simply be a matter of having a customer service rep double-check the application before approval. They may say that you will receive an email or a letter in the mail. This can come in a few hours or a few days.
In this case, here’s my recommendation: if you’re applying for a personal card, call customer service immediately. If you are applying for a business card, it’s best to wait. But, there’s a good chance you can push the approval through by making a call. If your application is pending, make sure you read Strategy for Denied or Pending Applications.
3. Denial: If you’re not instantly approved, a decision will come by email or mail. A denial isn’t necessarily the end…most banks have a reconsideration line, and it’s absolutely worth a call. When you reach someone, try something like: “Hi, I was surprised and disappointed to be denied. I’d love to ask for a reconsideration. Is there any additional information I can provide to get this approved?” The rep will often put you on hold to review your application.
A calm, friendly tone goes a long way here. A few things to keep in mind during the call:
- Offering to lower a credit limit on an existing card with the same bank is an easy concession that often does the trick.
- Closing or downgrading another card may be an option too. Just make sure you’ve already received your bonus on that card before agreeing to anything.
- If they suggest moving your credit limit from another card, that’s a simple yes. If closing an account comes up, just confirm there are no unredeemed points tied to it first.
If reconsideration doesn’t work out, take note of the specific reasons you were denied. Many of these are temporary credit factors that can improve in just a few months. For example, if you have too many recent inquiries, check your Credit Karma app to see when one is set to drop off your report. Or if your credit utilization is flagged, focus on increasing the limits on your current cards. Once those factors shift, you’ll likely be in a strong position to reapply.
If your application is denied, read Strategy for Pending or Denied Applications.
Troubleshooting
If for some reason, your browser is giving you a hard time when applying for a second or third card, try a different browser, or clear your history, and try again. If you are still having trouble, just call the number attached to the offer and apply over the phone.
After You Apply
Once approved, add your card to the Travel Freely App. You’ll get email reminders when your bonus spending deadline is approaching and when your annual fee is due.
When your card arrives, don’t be alarmed if the welcome packet doesn’t mention your bonus offer. It’s a generic mailer, and not everyone signs up with the same offer. The bonus is tied to the link you used and will post automatically once you hit your spending requirement. If you want peace of mind, just call the Customer Service number on the back of your card to confirm.
When You Receive Your Card
Setting up your account online is straightforward. The card issuer will walk you through it via email or mail. Have your bank account information handy so you can link it for payments. If this is a card you’ll mostly shelve after hitting your spending bonus, consider turning on auto-pay so you never miss a payment.
When your card arrives, I recommend calling the Customer Service number on the back to activate it. While you have them on the line, do two things:
- Set your payment due date to match your other cards so everything is due at the same time.
- Set your Cash Advance limit to $0. Cash advances come with steep fees — this one small step protects you from ever accidentally using it that way.
Finally, add your card to your Travel Freely Dashboard to keep everything current and start receiving automated reminders for bonus deadlines and annual fees. Don’t have an account yet? Sign up for free!
Final Tips
1. Always call Customer Service if you have a question.
2. Add your card to your Travel Freely Dashboard.
3. Use a different browser or clear your browser history if having trouble applying for a second card on the same day.
