We previously published a series of articles on credit card application tips, along with several beginner guides to applying for credit cards. This article mainly ties those related posts together so readers can more easily find the right article for their specific questions. The article is divided into three sections: before applying, during the application, and after applying. It covers key issues to watch for and important knowledge you should understand in order to improve your odds of approval. This post will be updated continuously with new links and related content.
Before Applying
- What are the benefits of credit cards?
- Understanding Credit Cards from Scratch: An introduction to the main advantages and perks of using credit cards
- Which credit card should I apply for?
- Which Credit Card Should I Apply For? — Long-Term Keeper Edition: Explains how to evaluate which credit cards are worth keeping for the long term
- Introduction to Commonly Used Credit Cards: Lists the benefits and strengths of some common credit cards; for cards with annual fees, it also analyzes the costs and returns of keeping them long term vs. short term (you’ll need to click through to each specific card link to view details)
- Which welcome bonuses are the best?
- Credit Card Application Talk — Welcome Bonuses: Discusses how to find strong welcome offers and how to evaluate them
- Can I get approved for this credit card?
- Overview of Credit Scores and Credit Reports: First, make sure you understand your own credit report and score.
- Credit Card Application Talk — Bank-Specific Traits: Summarizes some major banks’ credit card policies and application considerations
- Are there any good application strategies?
- Credit Card Application Talk — AOR: Introduces strategies for applying for multiple credit cards at once
- Credit Card Application Talk — Churn: Explains how to apply repeatedly for the same credit card to earn the welcome bonus multiple times
During the Application
- What documents do I need to prepare for an online application? What does the process look like?
- Standard Credit Card Application: Introduces the normal credit card application process and key things to watch for
- Credit Card Application Talk — Applying Without an SSN: Explains how to apply for a credit card if you do not have an SSN
After Applying
- What should I do if my application is pending or denied?
- Credit Card Application Talk — Reconsider: Explains how to turn things around through reconsideration after a pending decision or denial
- Credit Card Application Talk — Bank-Specific Traits: Based on each bank’s tendencies, you may be able to guess possible reasons for denial, which can help with reconsideration or your next application
- What if I find a better welcome bonus? When does the spending requirement clock start?
- Credit Card Application Talk — Welcome Bonuses: Explains how to match to a better welcome offer and discusses the timing limits for earning a welcome bonus