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Denied a Credit Card With Good Credit? Here’s What to Do
Yes—my credit score is 856. And yet, I was still denied a credit card with good credit.
If that surprises you, you’re not alone. Most people assume that having a high credit score means you’ll automatically be approved. But when you’re juggling multiple cards for points and trying to travel more often with a family, denials can still happen. It’s frustrating to be denied a credit card with good credit, but it’s more common than you’d think.
If it happens to you (or has already), here’s what you need to know, and exactly what to do next.
If you’re just starting out, my Beginner’s Guide to Travel Rewards is a great place to begin.
Why You Can Be Denied a Credit Card With Good Credit
It’s not just about the number. When a bank reviews your application, they look at your entire credit profile, including:
- How many cards you’ve opened recently, or how many you currently have (5/24 rule)
- The total amount of credit you’ve been extended
- Your spending habits across cards
- The type of card (personal or business)
- If you’ve applied multiple times under the same business
- If you have frozen your credit because you are scared of identity theft, and forgot to unfreeze it
Even with a near-perfect score, any of these factors can trigger a denial, and it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Also, what income did you put in? You want to make sure that you estimate this correctly or you could be denied. So yes, you can absolutely be denied a credit card with good credit, and that doesn’t mean you’re not responsible.
My Experience Getting Denied a Credit Card With Good Credit
When I was denied, I had opened five business cards under one business name. When I went for a sixth, it was denied, which I expected. But then I applied under a completely different business (with only one card to its name) and still got denied.
So I picked up the phone and called the reconsideration line, and that made all the difference.
Reconsideration Tips After Being Denied a Credit Card With Good Credit
If you aren’t sure what to say when you call, here’s a little script to help you:
“I understand why I was denied under my other business—I’ve opened a lot of cards there. But this business only has one card, and I prefer to keep expenses separated. Can you help me understand how to move forward?”
The rep reviewed my profile and explained that while there wasn’t a hard limit on the number of cards, there was a cap on how much total credit the bank was willing to extend. In the end, he shifted some of my existing credit around, and the new card was approved. Keep in mind that not every rep you get on the line will be super helpful. You may need to call back to get just the right person who is willing to work with you.
Plan of Attack
Start with a Strategy
If you want to be able to have a running list of cards you apply and are accepted for, you have to have a strategy. You HAVE to track your 5/24 and apply for premium cards early. One of my favorite premium cards is this one.
It comes with premium travel perks—lounge access, annual travel credit, and anniversary miles—and the annual fee is easy to justify if you travel even a couple times a year. You can read my full take on why I love this card. However, you have to apply for this card early if you want to be approved, so you have to work that into your strategy.
I highly recommend applying for this card early in your strategy because Capital One tends to be more selective, especially if you’ve opened lots of other cards recently, even from other banks. If your credit profile is still fairly simple, this could be the ideal time to apply.
Stay Organized
One of the best ways to avoid getting denied for a travel credit card is to stay organized with your applications. Banks look at how many cards you’ve opened recently, so applying too often, or forgetting the timing of your last approval, can hurt your chances. That’s why I always recommend using a free tool like Travel Freely to track your cards, welcome offers, and when you’re eligible for a new one. It helps you stay on top of your strategy without spreadsheets or guesswork.
Keeping a clear record of when you applied, how much you’ve spent toward the bonus, and what rules each bank follows can make a big difference, and help you get approved more consistently.
What About Business Cards?
I know my experience being denied might turn you away from applying for a business card, but they are an essential part of the points and miles travel strategy. It can also be confusing wondering if you qualify for business cards without an LLC. But guess what? You can!
You don’t need a registered LLC or huge income. If you:
- Sell on Etsy or Facebook Marketplace
- Freelance, consult, tutor
- Flip furniture
- Rent out a room or property
- Run any kind of side hustle
…you qualify. Banks view these as legitimate businesses. And if you have multiple income streams, you may be eligible for multiple cards under different businesses.
Read my full guide on qualifying for a business card with a side hustle
Final Thoughts
If you’re using points to build a travel lifestyle for your family, denials are just part of the process. Don’t get discouraged:
✅ Call the reconsideration line
✅ Ask why
✅ Adjust your strategy
✅ Keep going
You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re playing the game, and this is just one of the bumps in the road. If you were denied a credit card with good credit, you’re learning the ropes like the rest of us.
Want to start earning free family travel? Grab my free beginner’s guide here.
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