Frequent Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for more than one credit card?
A: Yes, you can apply for more than one credit card. Many people have multiple credit cards. Only card issuers can decide whether they want to approve your application for a card or not. However, if you have more credit cards, at some point issuers may decide that your total available credit is already high relative to your income, and they may decide not to issue you more credit cards.
Q: Can I apply for a credit card with any major U.S. bank?
A: Yes, you may do this in most cases. Any U.S. resident who is at least 18 years old (in some states this age limit may be different) has the right to apply for a credit card with an issuer of his or her choice. The issuer does not have to be your regular bank. Some credit card issuers, however, may not issue cards to residents of certain states (please see the tables on our website for any credit cards that may be limited to residents of only certain states). You can also review the card issuer's disclosure statements for any limitations of applicants of specific states. The disclosure statements are available for you to see on the issuers' websites.
Q: Is an open checking account or any other account required in the bank where I want to apply for a credit card?
A: No. None of the credit card issuers listed on this website requires you to have any bank account open with their bank in order to be approved for their credit card. It is common to have a credit card issued by a bank, or another issuer, that you do not have any other ties with.
Q: Are the online credit card applications secure?
A: Yes, All Credit Card Applications linked to on this site feature Secure SSL Technology.
Q: I was turned down for a credit card. How can I find out why?
A: A credit card issuer is obligated to provide you reasons for a decline of your application. Contact the credit card issuer directly for the specific reason and to see whether you can make any changes to increase your chances of obtaining a card.
Q: What are some of the reasons I can be declined for a card?
- A: You might not meet the required annual income - If your annual income
is $20,000 or less, do not apply for a card that requires a minimum annual
income of $35,000. Apply for a card that requires lower annual income to
qualify. This may prevent unnecessary application rejections.
- A: Already have several credit card applications declined
- A: Your credit report contains mistakes or unapproved activity
- A: Poor credit rating or unestablished credit history
- A: Card issuer feels that the total available credit to you is already high enough relative to your income - In this case, you may want to close any account that you are not using before applying for another credit card.
Q: I recently applied for a credit card, but my application was declined. If I apply for another credit card what are the chances that I will be approved?
A: Every credit card issuer has different standards for evaluating and approving applications. If you are rejected for a certain card, it is possible that you can still be approved for a different card, or by another issuer whose approval standards may be different.