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Smart Money

Credit Card Application Tips – Get Approved Fast!

Last updated

Pauline Hatch      

With a few clicks, you can compare credit cards, apply, and potentially have an account set up within minutes. But, it’s easy to make a simple mistake that can cause an application to be declined. Here’s how to improve your chances of approval, and what to avoid.

Getting Prepared

While credit card application is quick and easy, it’s often what you do beforehand that affects your chance of approval. Why? When you apply for a credit card, the credit card provider typically checks your credit worthiness to decide whether to approve your application.

By looking at your income, your credit history and the documents you provide in your application, the credit card provider can determine whether you are low risk or high risk. This allows the provider to decide whether or not you will have the ability to repay the money you borrow.

So, before you apply for a credit card, here is what you should be doing to get prepared.

Step 1. Check your credit rating

While checking out credit cards and their features can be fun, there are a few things to tick off the To Do list before you start your comparison. Number one on that list is checking your credit rating. Why is this important? If your credit rating is not great, it will make applying for a credit card much harder.

Potential credit card providers check your credit file when you apply for a credit card, so you need to make sure it shows you in a good light. You can apply for a copy of your credit file from a credit reporting agency to make sure it does not contain any errors – and so you know where you stand.

If your credit file does contain errors, you can request to have them corrected. If your credit file doesn’t look too good, you may want to improve your credit rating before you go ahead with your credit card application.

Step 2. Decrease your credit utilisation ratio

It’s not just your credit rating that’s under the microscope when you apply for a credit card. Your credit utilisation ratio will also be assessed. What is a credit utilisation ratio? This is basically how much credit you have available to you, in relation to how much credit you have used.

To calculate your ratio, divide the total current balances on your cards by their total limits. So, if you have two credit cards, each with a limit of $5,000, and you have a balance of $4,000 on both, your ratio is $8,000/$10,000 = 80%.

As a healthy ratio is generally thought to be around 30%, your ratio of 80% suggests you are currently struggling to repay your credit card balances. Potential credit card providers could see this as a red flag, and may choose not to approve any new credit applications in your name.

Before applying for a credit card, it can be a good idea to reduce your credit utilisation ratio as much as possible by paying down your balances.

Step 3. Understand your needs

With so many credit cards on the market, finding the right one can be tricky. To help you narrow your search, it helps to know what you need from a card. Then it’s simply a matter of matching a credit card to your needs.

If you want to pay down debt on an existing credit card, a card with a 0% balance transfer offer could be the way to go. Or, if you’re thinking about making a few big purchases and want to save on interest, perhaps a card with a 0% purchase offer would work for you.

If you want a moneysaving card, a low annual fee card or low rate card may be best. Or, if you tend to pay off the balance on your card month-to-month and want something in return for your spending, a rewards credit card or platinum card could give you what you need.

Step 4. Do your homework

Just as each credit card provider checks your background when you apply, doing some digging of your own could help you choose the right card and provider for you. Find out more about the provider, especially if it’s one you don’t know much about.

Check out what the provider has to offer, and whether it’s a good fit for your situation. At creditcard.com.au, we make this easy. For most credit card providers featured on our site, we provide some background info, alongside what cards they have to offer.

Step 5. Start comparing!

If there’s something we know a thing or two about, it’s credit card comparison. Once you’ve done some digging and worked out what you need from your credit card, it’s time to compare your credit card options.

Allowing you to compare features and fees, rewards programs and interest rates, creditcard.com.au makes comparing credit cards simple. Unsure what you should compare? Here is a run-down of the main factors to consider when you compare credit cards.

  • Annual fees: This will tell you how much you pay out on the card each year, giving you an indication of the value of extras the card should offer.
  • Interest: Check out the rates of interest on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers to find out whether this card is an affordable option.
  • Rewards programs: Look at the rewards available, what you can earn for your spending, and what you can get for your points. Balance the value of these rewards against the annual fee you pay.
  • Features: Find out what features are provided, such as insurance cover, airport lounge access, and concierge services. Again, balance the value of these features against what you pay in annual fees.
  • Interest-free periods: Helping you to save on interest day-to-day, many cards offer interest-free periods on purchases.
  • Additional cardholders: If you want to add additional cardholders to the account, check this is possible and how much it costs in annual fees.

Step 6. Check your eligibility

While some credit cards have fairly relaxed eligibility requirements, others are far more strict. Before you apply for a credit card, check the eligibility requirements for that card and make sure you meet every single one.

If you don’t meet a card’s eligibility requirements, your application may be declined. Is that really so bad? Quite simply, yes. Declined credit card applications are noted in your credit file for future credit providers to see. If you have a number of declined applications, potential credit providers could deem you a risk, to then decline your application and make your situation even worse.

In terms of credit card eligibility requirements, these usually include age, income, residential status and credit history.

Applying

Now you know what you need to do, what to look for in a card and how to compare your options. It’s more than likely you’ve found the credit card for you, so it’s time to apply.

Step 7. Organise your documents

When you apply for a credit card, most credit card providers will ask for certain documentation to back up your application. While the credit card application may only take 15 minutes, organising the required documentation can take longer.

So, to make the process go as smoothly as possible, find out what documents you will need and organise them in advance. Documents may include your driver’s license, proof of your residential status, and recent tax returns and payslips.

Step 8. Proof-read your application

With so much information required, credit card applications ask a lot of you. Be sure to read over your answers to ensure they are correct before completing your application. Incorrect info could delay your application, or in some cases, could result in your application being declined.

At this point, it’s also worth pointing out that you should always be truthful when applying for a credit card. For example, if you were to lie about your income, saying it is higher than it is, you would be committing fraud, which is punishable by law.

Step 9. Don’t make multiple credit card applications at once

If you find a number of credit cards that seem to suit your needs, it can be tempting to apply for all of them ‘just in case’. Bad idea. Each credit card application is noted on your credit file, so if potential providers see multiple applications at once, they may wonder why.

Applying for several credit cards at once may make it seem like you are desperate for credit and are in trouble financially. This makes you high risk, and more likely to have your application declined. With multiple declined credit card applications on your credit file, it will be even harder to get approved in the future.

Time to get started? Check out what’s on offer at creditcard.com.au and find the best credit card for you today.

Photo source: Pexels
Pauline

Pauline Hatch

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger.

Recently Asked Questions

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Ask Pauline a Question

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10 comments (showing the latest 10 Q&As)

Paul

Paul

27 May 2023
I stupidly applied for several cards at once because I wanted the best deal and have put a massive dent in my score. This countries rules with credit are confusing…and now I’m probably ruined from applying for a card for at least a year. Americans can apply for as many as they like, if we choose to get the credit, we should be allowed to have it. How long do you think I should wait before applying again?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    30 May 2023
    Hi Paul, thanks for your message and we’re glad that you understand the errors you’ve made. There’s no hard and fast rule on the time frame of applications, but as you’ve done - keep an eye on your credit file. You’ll need to work on improving your credit score, and ensuring you don’t submit any more applications for credit. The most important thing is to stay positive.
Sean Coffey

Sean Coffey

3 March 2022
Due to covid, I had to cancel the credit card I used for my business. I came to an agreement with NAB and I am paying them back. I actually do not require credit but my business can spend up to $500k a year with no penalties or charges from my supplier. I am missing out on huge Qantas points. I just need a reward card with $100 credit no more to take advantage of.
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    4 March 2022
    Hi Sean, thanks for the information! If you’re looking for a credit card for your business, there are a few that have rewards attached, letting you earn Qantas points. These include the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card. You can also use our business credit cards comparison tools to see the different cards available. Let us know how you go!
Tracey

Tracey

3 January 2022
when applying for a credit card; do i list just my income; and split expenses. or do i list both our incomes (even though application in my name) and have full expenses listed.
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    6 January 2022
    Hi Tracey, you should list your share of any expenses on the application. For example, if you pay 50% of all expenses your application details should reflect this.
Spyros

Spyros

8 May 2021
Ive justed finished a full time job in December 2020 and i am now self employed. which financial institutions would i consider. Note i was just declined by coles
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    10 May 2021
    Hi Spyros, thanks for your question. The recent application you made at Coles will be sitting on your credit file and it is advisable to not make subsequent applications in a short period of time. You could consider holding off for a few months and showing a regular pattern of saving, but there is no guarantee as banks don't publicise their approval criteria.
Karen

Karen

27 January 2021
How do l apply for a TJ MXX credit card ?
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    27 January 2021
    Hi Karen, you should check out the https://www.tkmaxx.com.au/ site. I am not familiar myself with the process.

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