Card Application Results
The past few months of our credit card applications involved an eclectic mix – in terms of the cards we pursued and the results. This isn’t necessarily unique to this timeframe. I enjoy exploring wacky cards, sometimes getting denied for them, and finding alternative niche values. The last few months definitely didn’t disappoint, regardless. Here are our recent credit card application results since last time.
Manchester United Card
Cardless offers some sneaky-good products for hobbyists. The Manchester United card is just one of them, and it optimally fits our needs. The card earns 5x on dining on Man U game days and on rideshare. Points are worth 1 cent each. I liked the prospect of earning 5% cash back on dining and rideshare from this no annual fee card. The easy 20k point welcome offer and referral bonus opportunities were nice features, too.
Application Outcome: Immediately Approved
Boston Celtics Card
Feeling the mojo from my Man U card approval, we considered Cardless options for my wife. The 7x rideshare earning, among the other bonus categories, popped out most for us with this no annual fee card. I was attracted to the opportunity to earn a 10k point referral bonus while she could pick up an easy 20k point welcome offer.
Application Outcome: Immediately Approved
Citi Shop Your Way Card
Like Shawn, I understand why the Shop Your Way card is one of the best niche cards out there. I’ve just never gotten around to it myself. In my view, the generous spend offers are enough of a reason to pursue this card. But the card’s elevated $225 welcome offer was the push I needed to apply.
Application Outcome: Pending, Then Denied (Too Many Accounts)
After my denial, we didn’t want to give up hope. My wife held the Shop Your Way card years ago, but we subsequently closed it (it’s a long story). We wanted to get back in the game with the card and take advantage of the elevated welcome offer and future spending offers.
Application Outcome: Immediately Approved
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex
I knew the 100k Bonvoy points plus free night certificate welcome offer wasn’t the best ever offer for the Bonvoy Brilliant Amex. But based on our upcoming travel goals, I was interested in pursuing this card sooner rather than later. Also, I couldn’t assume a superior offer would be forthcoming any time soon, if ever.
Also, I felt an immediate denial was highly probable for both the wife and I. We each hold five Amex credit card accounts, generally known as the current limit. Nonetheless, I wanted to have the option for reconsideration with the previous welcome offer in the next 60 days after we close a few of our other Amex cards.
Application Outcomes: Immediately Denied x2, Reconsiderations Pending
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
I’m a longtime Capital One customer thanks to my 360 checking account. That goes back to the old ING Direct days. Despite this, I’ve never been approved for a Capital One credit card – not that I’ve applied much. After a bit of digging, the Spark Cash Plus caught my eye. Sure, some may consider it “just another” 2% cash back card. A few elements drew me in, though. First, it’s a 2% cash back card from a different bank. I like my Citi Double Cash and PenFed Power Cash cards, but I can always use more 2% cash back capacity from another bank. And speaking of capacity, the Spark Cash Plus has no preset spend limit. Finally, based on my research, I was more likely to get approved this time.
Oh, and the welcome offer was solid.
Application Outcome: Immediately Approved
Conclusion
Our recent credit card application results turned out about how we expected. The one anomaly was my Shop Your Way card denial followed by an immediate approval for my wife. After all, she has about the same number accounts as I do, so how was she approved? But I don’t need to understand in this case, since the application worked out in her favor. We shrugged and accepted the win. Nonetheless, this application cycle was a fun one, and we look forward to the next.
How have your recent credit card application outcomes turned out?
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Thank you for sharing.
Love the comments and tidbits.
Just a data point: Tried to apply for the IHG Business card.
The application page was very wonky, it sends you round and round back to the personal IHG card section when you try to sign in to apply.
I have several Chase Business cards.
Never heard back, when I called the automated line, sometimes it would say there was no application pending, then, it would say that there would be a reply within 30 days, one month later the automated system says I would receive an answer within one week. Waited 10 days, asked to speak to a human.
I was informed the application was rejected “because they were unable to verify my identity.” (???)
I was encouraged to apply again online or at a local Chase branch. No Chase branch in my town.
Just surprised, because Chase has usually been dependable, perhaps seen as draconian by some in this universe.
Docntx,
I’m sorry this happened to you! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Question. The non approvals. Too many inquiries?
Paulie,
Not specifically. SYW decline was based on too many accounts, and Amex declines were based on Amex’s five credit card limit.
I applied and was approved for Amex Brilliant card and right away put $9000 + on the card. After 8 weeks I enquirer about my SUB and was told I was approved for card But Not the SUB because 4 yrs ago I had the SUB. I was pissed at the outcome and cancelled the card immediately and got $450 fee back. It would have been better for me if I was told up front that the SUB is not available to me. Good luck with your application.
Nid,
Did you get the pop-up during the application process? It seems like something is missing here…
I like that the card images are above the relevant sections. It’s really nice that way.
Put the card image below the relevant section header… it’s super annoying that it’s above it.
That is the way we have always done it and the proper way to do it. Sorry you prefer it the other way.