After a slow spring of churning, I got more aggressive over the summer. This is when I realized that it is not a good time to apply for Chase business cards. I decided I needed to slow down with Chase in general so I pivoted to some other cards. Here are our credit card applications and results for Summer 2020.
My Applications
Chase Ink Cash
I was thinking now would be a good time to earn some more Chase Ultimate Rewards points to use in the future. However, due to COVID-19, now is not a good time to apply for Chase business cards. After getting automatically denied due to “business structure”, I called the reconsideration line with no success.
Annual fee: No annual fee
Result: Automatic denial
Bonus: 50,000 Chase points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Chase United Explorer
A month after my denial for the Chase Ink Cash business card, I thought maybe I could get a personal card. I opened four Chase cards in the past year, the last of which was in March. I was denied for “too many requests for credit or opened accounts with us.” I’ll definitely be taking a long break from Chase cards.
Annual fee: $95, waived first year
Result: Pending, then denied
Bonus: 60,000 United Airlines miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Citi Premier
Since Chase wasn’t working out, I decided to try Citi. I haven’t opened any Citi cards besides American Airlines cards so this is my first time earning ThankYou points.
Annual fee: $95
Result: Instant approval
Bonus: 60,000 Citi ThankYou points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card
The Alaska Airlines credit card from Bank of America was offering the highest sign-up bonus yet, so I decided to go for it. This is my third time opening this card.
Annual fee: $75
Result: Instant approval
Bonus: 40,000 Alaska Airlines miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months and an additional 25,000 miles after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months
My Husband’s Applications
Chase Ink Cash
Again, not a great time for Chase business card applications. While I was denied for “business structure”, my husband was denied due to “insufficient balance in deposit and investment accounts with us”.
Annual fee: No annual fee
Result: Pending then denied
Bonus: 50,000 Chase points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
My husband only opened one other Chase card this calendar year so we decided to try for the increased sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless. This deal was available previously but had a $5,000 minimum spending requirement.
Annual fee: $95
Result: Instant approval
Bonus: 100,000 Marriott points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Final Thoughts
Getting denied is annoying but it’s part of the game. Once we changed our strategy, we had more success with opening new cards and even got three automatic approvals! From the three credit cards we opened this summer, we’ll earn 225,000 points and miles from Alaska Airlines, Marriott, and Citi for the cost of $265 in annual fees.
