How Often To Apply For A New Credit Card (& NEVER Get Denied)

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

🚨 Unlock more credit card rewards with Kudos → joinkudos.com/spencer 👉🏼 Use code "SPENCER" and earn $20.00 after your first eligible purchase!

[@druiz012]

In my 2 player mode once every 6 months each works! Like you said, everyone is different. The most important part is making sure you pay cards in full EVERY time.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I'm super excited to play the 2 player game one day. That introduces a really fun dynamic for sure. But you're 100% right here, it all depends on your personal goals and lifestyle, and as long as you're making your payments on time and in full, you'll be set!

[@youngserg438]

What is a 2 player mode?

[@Texascbass]

Perfect timing for this video. My daughter was asking about this subject last night. She is trying to build her credit. Thank you

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I love it when it works out like that! I hope it helps her understand her credit score a bit better and she can start building that credit history as soon as possible! I appreciate you watching man 🫡

[@flipevent]

6:25 -- Agreed here with my own data points. I had THREE hard inquiries in the span of a month due to applying for multiple CC's (and unfortunately only getting 1 out of 3). This was definitely a mistake, but I was not denied due to my credit score/CS--rather because of Citi's really unforgiving recent inquiry rule. But more to the main point, while my CS took a 15 point swing down at the time, within just about 2-3 months, I've completely recovered that 15-swing tick back--despite making the mistake/not getting the all the intended CCs.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Thank you so much for sharing your data points! That’s what really helps this community win together. And nice work on having that score rise again quickly. That’s awesome to hear!

[@josuegomez3352]

That lender rules section was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@JakeVanderPloeg]

Videos like this are so important. Good stuff Spencer!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Thanks so much brotha! I hope it helps someone out.

[@callmeNeno]

Two cards per year spread over every 6 months, so you don’t appear thirsty & stay under Chase’s 5/24 is my model

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

That's a nice way to do it without having to think too much about it! I love it.

[@stinkinlincoln926]

Is there a reason the 5/24 is like a god rule even if Chase isn't always the #1 choice for some people?

[@callmeNeno]

@@stinkinlincoln926I use to say same thing early in my credit card journey and was locked myself and regretted it but I was a novice. You live and learn

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@stinkinlincoln926 It definitely doesn't have to be a rule you care about, but my short answer is that Chase is one of the most lenient lenders on the number of cards you can get approved for with them (especially with their Ink cards) and folks in the end game generally like to add a TON of Ink cards which you need to be under 5/24 for. There's more to it than that, but that's one of the big reasons imo.

[@VoAccu8]

That’s crazy I do this too it’s effective 💯💯 never been declined I got 6 cards

[@Stayc3]

1-5 setup here but I still watch for the good info (like Kudos which I just signed up using your code) and of course Odin. Great vid, Spencer

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Wow, thank you so much for all the support! I’m honored to have you in our community. You’re the best!

[@justgaming6245]

Closing cards doesnt hurt your average age of accounts until it falls of in 10 years. Theres no point in keeping old cards open even if its your first. Closed cards continue to age.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

That is correct, but while some may say there's no point in keeping your oldest cards open, I'd say there's no reason to close them. That is as long as you started with a good no annual fee card of course.

[@shawn.credit]

I’ve closed a few with crap cl’s that wouldn’t increase. I will not close my oldest or a few of my older ones as they bring value and will carry the long history for years and years. My oldest are excellent cards so I don’t have to worry, I have another on the chopping block it’s semi older but buffered by my other older ones!

[@Northernmike100]

That’s why the Discover Secured is a great First Card. I have a First Premier Card that I really love for excellent customer service. Unfortunately, it’s not a keeper!

[@Northernmike100]

If you have to carry a balance on a card. Paying the Minimum can result in 10-15 years to pay off. However, by doubling that amount you can pay it off in less than three years!

[@nathanielwatson4701]

Spencer... Spencer... Spencer..., what a journey it’s been! I remember when I first stumbled upon your channel and it's amazing to see how far you've come. I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on all your success and the impressive growth you’ve achieved. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@sjg6158]

Timing based upon when you know you have big one-off payments coming (i.e. dues, insurance, etc.) is important to maximize those bonuses. Interesting take on how often to apply. The key is not to lose control with all those cards and do just enough to keep the accounts open in good standing. Thanks again Spencer, as usual.

[@everydaygamer7787]

I would also be careful with applying for too many credit cards, especially in a short amount of time because you could be considered as Credit seeking

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

True! The slower, technically the better, but if you're someone in the welcome offer hunting game, you have to find ways to balance everything while maintaining a quicker rate of applications.

[@beaunoonan510]

Great video and insights. Glad to see how awesome you are doing! Keep it up, Spencer!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I'm glad you enjoyed it man! Thanks so much for your support as always. It really means a lot.

[@navyvet05]

Unless you carry a huge balance, then paying the minimum during the intro offer with 0% interest for 12-15 months is fine. Just as long as you pay it off before the promo period is over. They give you 0% interest, might as well take advantage of it.

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the info + video!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Of course my man! I appreciate you as always.

[@justinguarino201]

3:50 This messed me up when I first got my credit card. I thought, if you make the minimum payment, that is all that was needed to avoid interest. Should have my card paid off in full by EOY though. I’ve been building my credit back up to a 740. Trying to get to a 800 score. Not exactly sure how, or once the card is paid off in full, if that will get me there, but progress nonetheless. The only thing I don’t have is a credit mix. I just have a few credit cards and that’s it.

[@samdockery06]

Auto pay is clutch in 99% case of scenarios unless you literally cannot afford to pay the card off.. (you shouldn't accrue a balance or have the card if you know you cannot pay it off). I just turned 18 and am getting into the credit game starting off with CHASE and later down the road AMEX. W vid and also another vid that goes into further detail would be by Brian Jung's roadmap on cards!

[@MichaelMangin]

8:01 which credit cards, or banks, don’t report if north of 800, with a good credit mix.

[@DyleoDeals]

Got approved for 4 credit cards yesterday lol. Puts me at 10 credit cards

[@jordan23ww]

Great video and great tips! Thanks for the info!

[@kevinfinancetips]

Great video Spencer! I wonder what's your opinion on when you enter into the beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages of the credit card game. Is it based on how many cards you have, how long you have had your cards, your credit score, or something else?

[@SOXGATORS]

First Thanks!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

You’re too kind. Thank you brotha!! 🥇

[@laurapaugh3640]

Awesome, Thank you!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Granted777]

Most cards offer a sign up bonus that includes 12-15 months 0% apr. I just wait until this period is over before applying for my next card. It gives you a little extra flexibility and insurance in case you are running behind on bills. If you keep doing this each year, you essentially never have interest

[@chrisparker7860]

Great video as always!! Thanks Spencer

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed man.

[@fuentes38]

Man, the real factor here is how much you have to make yearly to apply for individual credit cards. From $0k to $30k XX credit cards from $30k to $60k XX credit cards from $60K to $100K XX credit cards from $100k to $200k XX credit cards do I have to make it more simple for everyone.

[@soapa4279]

I don’t know if that first part about utilization is accurate. I had 0% utilization for years and my FICO climbed to 820. I also have about 220K total CL.

[@justgaming6245]

Utilization doesn't build your credit. The point was that your score will actually drop if you go form 1% to 0%. It's not significant probably less than 10 points but 1% is better than 0%.

[@soapa4279]

@@justgaming6245 I think it’s more of a myth and not proven that 1-2% is “better” is my point. Nobody should sweat about having 0%. As I am proof your credit can still be very excellent even if you pay off every $ of your statement balances before the monthly report. This is true for all the people who pay their cards weekly or often, truly treating their cards like debit. I couldn’t care less if 1% utilization bumps my 820 to 825 or 830 lol

[@mrbrazil1911]

You probably left some points on the table, because you incur a penalty for all zeros. The best optimization is AZEO, all zeros except one. That one balance should be under 6% or lower.

[@soapa4279]

@@mrbrazil1911 I'm open to the idea maybe a tiny utilization "could" add a few points. But my overall point that it won't hurt to have 0%. I have the habit of paying all my cards early because I treat it like cash.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

It seems like y'all have had a great discussion about this already below, but my only point in saying the 1-2% utilization statement is that it's been proven to give you just a small boost over 0% utilization. Overall, if you have a low utilization that's all that matters, so we're in agreeance there.

[@gray_man76]

Nice video and good info. Thanks!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you watching!

[@Landofalcon007]

That's a cool shirt dude, where'd you get it?

[@leeanglum1352]

RE- Credit Utilization: If you want or need to circumvent this, use a "charge card" like Amex green, Gold, or Platinum cards. A 'charge card' should be included in your portfolio of cards, IMO. Unlike a credit card, there's NO preset spending limit. Therefor it doesn't count towards your CU.

[@KingNeu]

I appreciate this very informative video! 🔥 Question, if I applied and got approved for a Chase Business Preferred (completed the SUB) back in Nov. 2023 and would like to apply now for the same card to get the 120k SUB, would I eligible for that new SUB or not?

[@shawn.credit]

Man I’ve had another busy year apps frequently some denials but quite a few approvals. You have to know which banks will approve you and which are strict I’ve used data points from all over and gamble. I will say Citi underwriting is way more laxed on their co branded cards than their prime cards I’ve grabbed a lot of co branded Citi cards. Also Synchrony likes to grant approvals they are not too sensitive with the right profile. It all depends if you wanna play by the big banks rules or acquire an approval elsewhere. I think I’ve reached a point where I have f u applications and will age my accounts until 2026 really no reason for more. ✊💳

[@ryanmartin7033]

Ink Business don't factor in for 5/24 only personal cards. Im on my 3rd Ink since January along with Flex and 3 Amex cards (2 personal, 1 Business).

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Correct. As I mentioned, they don't add to your 5/24 count, but they are impacted by the 5/24 rule in most cases.

[@shawn.credit]

I wish the Chase business cards had a loop hole at LMAO/24 they wouldn’t touch me ha. Maybe in 2026 I will stand a chance but do I need them no but a Chase card or two would be nice.

[@DaysenSouth-z5p]

Ty for the capital one tip lol ill apply before my credit gets high

[@Tonys_Finance]

Hi Spencer! What’s your strategy for managing credit utilization across multiple cards? Any tips for keeping it low without sacrificing spending flexibility?

[@Plague_GG]

1-5 card gang. Bilt, Apple, United Quest, WoH, & AAA Daily.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Nice man! If you find that setup works well for you, that's all that matters 👊🏼

[@FabioFerreira-df1xu]

If you don’t pay the full statement but you have a 18 month 0%intro , will harm your credit score?

[@supremaazurea5191]

Well yes your credit score would be affected, but there won’t be any accrued interest from the carried balance.

[@ArcadeJackpotMaster]

I usealy apply for a card every 6 months but I am 19 and have 4 cards. I think I am going to garden till summer 2025 prob have 2 chase cards and at 4/24. or if I can find a easy to get Welcome bonus.

[@makemoney6411]

11:24 there’s no such thing as the 1 in 5 rule. I just got approved for the blue business plus on Friday and Delta gold business on Sunday.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Thank you for your data point! As always, your mileage may vary and these rules vary frequently.

[@LuisRodriguez-ef8vg]

Credit utilization at 11%…venture x has 4k in 3 months for 75k sub and Amex gold 100k sub for 6k in 6 months..should I target the venture x first since it’s the shortest period of the two?

[@joshuajap]

Great video but my only complaint is you dont talk about how a hard inquiry negatively effects your credit score so the 3 month rule might not b the best

[@CardHunter-u2t]

Great video sir, bravo! Question. I got the Hilton Honors card about 5 months ago for the SUB with the FNC. then 3 weeks ago I picked up the Amex Gold card card for 100K points with 6K spend, which i hit 6K alreadythis weekend. I'm now looking to get the Delta Gold card because of the elevated SUB and Delta is my airline of choice when I travel. My question is, how long should I wait to apply? I want to apply 31 days after getting my Gold card, but I don't want to freak Amex out by applying for 3 cards within 6 months and get on their bad side.TIA.

[@DaysenSouth-z5p]

Now my question is! Since each card has different limits but they all report your utilization. Does that mean if im using my 1% on every card. Would they all add up together in the credit eye or be seen separately?

[@Tristin471]

I got my first credit card in March. Does the 3 month rule apply for your 2nd card, as well? I always heard 6 months.

[@kennethmartin6349]

So for the freedom card if it’s been 2 years I can just apply for another freedom I don’t have to swap out my current Chase freedom?

[@Jzygdkjsks]

exactly you just apply for another one while keeping the current one

[@edbailey9677]

Hey Spencer! Been a while bud. Hope all is well

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Hey Ed!! It's a pleasure seeing you here again. I'm doing great over here and I hope you can say the same!

[@sensai3988]

I did the amex approval thingy that doesn't run my credit, i got approved, however i applied for a different chase card on the same day as well. Should I accept the amex approval.

[@itzrlymeman]

Have four credit cards and remembering close dates and payment dates is annoying. I can’t imagine managing 14 cards.. much less percentages that must report

[@yoddy0]

You can always change your close dates to sync up and it makes things so much easier.

[@zelloszn]

does the pnc cash unlimited make sense to have in your setup

[@Omega_thehusky]

............... 2 on the same day holy shiiiiiiiiiiiii and i was worried about 2 credit cards in the same month

[@jeffreyplatt7703]

Meanwhile I’m not applying for my next card for another year or 2 lol. Looking to get a new car in 2026 so I’m on cool off period.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

That's a fair approach! Better safe than sorry, especially when you're trying to squeeze every point out of your credit score as possible.

[@Northernmike100]

I really feel an application every 7-8 months for a card is very conservative and won’t affect you. I would be surprised if any longer wait would affect you much better, by waiting more. If you know when your going to apply for something special, usually six months gap is fine, however a Nine Month Gap should guarantee you approval! Good luck.

[@shawn.credit]

Do we see an Amex Platinum or Business Platinum in your plans soon? ✊💳

[@princemillion50]

SPENCER!!!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Prince!!

[@chop5590]

As far as applying cards, we have seen people apply business cards with SSN. Can we apply for personal cards using EIN?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Unfortunately not. Even every business card application requires an SSN or ITIN to get approved, so you'll need one no matter what.

[@chop5590]

AA Executive and Amex Gold cards are great cards for their niche categories that no business cards come close. No way to apply those as a business?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@chop5590 They have business versions of those cards, but no, to my knowledge you can't apply for those without using your EIN or ITIN.

[@heatherhenry3058]

My Strategy included a lot of business cards lately. So more hard pulls with overall credit limit not going up to balance them out. trying to stay way under 5/24 but do you suggest a new personal card cadence just to up overall credit limit?

[@heatherhenry3058]

@spencerjohnsonofficial

[@chrissan6015]

amex 2/90 rule apply towards charge cards as well?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

From what I’ve seen, no, it only applies to credit cards and not charge cards, so you can apply for as many charge cards as you like in that 90 day window. Of course, these rules change and your mileage may vary, but that’s what I’ve seen.

[@cooperraleigh]

I’ve been thinking about getting the citi Custom cash but I’ve heard that citi is pretty inquiry sensitive. I don’t want to apply if I won’t get approved because of the hard inquiries and don’t need an extra inquiry if I’m not getting anything out of it. Just curious if you remember how many inquiries did you have when you applied? Thanks for all the info!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Citi is definitely more inquiry sensitive than most, but not necessarily as bad as people think. I made watch me apply videos for both of my Citi card applications which will have that info in it for you! I don’t remember off the top of my head though.

[@shawn.credit]

Do you have other Citi cards? If you don’t care about the bonus and don’t want the inquiry you can product change any Citi card to the Custom Cash that’s what I did. Citi is picky and a loop hole is just pc to the card you want.

[@cooperraleigh]

@@SpencerJohnsonOfficial ok cool I watched that video like a year ago wanting to apply but at the time I felt like I had to many recent hard inquiries. But now all my inquiries are over a year old.I will watch it again and see what was said. Thanks

[@cooperraleigh]

@@shawn.credit No I do not have any citi products in my lineup yet. Hoping to get the custom cash to make that my gas card and start with Citi there.

[@justgaming6245]

You dont need to keep a good utilization. Utilization has no memory, so you dont need to worry about utilization if youre not applying for cards

[@crismejeli2082]

You do need a good utilization.

[@justgaming6245]

@@crismejeli2082 No you do not need a good utilization all the time. I can purposely go to 90% utilization and then 1% the next month and I will be exactly where I was

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I see what you're trying to get at, but if you're someone looking to maximize your credit score, credit utilization is a massive factor. Even though it has no memory, if you're someone looking to constantly maintain a good credit score, you constantly need to maintain a good utilization.

[@shawn.credit]

Utilization is important even with no memory too high banks will scare away and your score won’t max out. Also too low due to too much available credit will tank a score as you need to utilize so much to report usage. A sweet middle ground 1%-5% is perfect, aim for that before statements close on your cards. If you have a lot of credit available then you really have no issues but never report more than 30% on a single card or across all lines of credit the lower the better.

[@justgaming6245]

@@shawn.credit Not how it works. You can lower your utilization the month before you plan to apply for a card or loan. I could go to 70% utilization this month , go back to 1% utilization 3 months later and my score will return. There is no history so they can't tell you were at 70%...

[@daniel.sparks]

Love your channel man, you were a big part of me starting my own. Do you still do paid calls with people? I would love your KZbin advice!

[@derektrejo5641]

If i make a minimum payment on my 0apr card will that affect my credit score ?

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

As long as you're in the 0% intro APR period, your score shouldn't be impacted as long as you make the minimum payment. That's the case even without being in the 0% intro APR period, but that's only as it applies to your payment history. Carrying a high balance will still negatively impact your score because your utilization will be higher than if you were paying that card off in full every month.

[@teelyttle2480]

I get dinged every time I report 0% utilization on all of my cards… I now report a small amount on 2 of my cards… then pay them off in full afterwards.

[@GENIUSA1A]

Also keeping a small balance prevents them getting closed

[@mdavis3610]

Dinged a few points. So what? Never pay interest. Your score will be fantastic. Don't fall for their game.

[@teelyttle2480]

@@mdavis3610 no one said anything about paying interest… I said I pay my bill in full every month… but I report a small amount… I don’t carry over the balance from one month to the next…

[@leeanglum1352]

RE: Credit History- That 30 year mortgage you refinanced to 15 years, & paid of in 7 years, is irrelevant if you did so 35 years ago. Your criminal history stays on your record for life. Your credit history drops off after 10 years, go figure.

[@TheNiceCreamSundae]

Am I misunderstanding credit utilization saying that the bureaus penalize you for using the credit that your card issuer has given you? Like if I have a $30k limit, and I use $25k but always pay it off, and never pay a penny in interest, the bureas still penalize me for having “high usage” even though I’m using what the lender has entrusted to me 😂

[@naparqalria]

lucky for us, credit utilization has short term memory. maybe set up an auto pay to pay maybe half of any balance on your card if the utilization report bothers a lot. that way the balance is lower when it’s statement day.

[@TheNiceCreamSundae]

⁠ I just find it ironic that we get penalized for using the very thing they entrust us with… don’t get me wrong, my limits are insane and my score is amazing, but still, don’t penalize me for using what you approved me for LOL

[@justgaming6245]

You aren't penalized in the long term. utilization has no memory so you can do 70% utilization one month and then drop it back down to 1% the month before whenever you plan on applying for card. You don't need to micromanage utilization when you're not applying for anything

[@mrbrazil1911]

It's not personal. It's just that you appear more risky versus someone with a low utilization. You have to remember that the person who maxed out a card and then defaulted afterwards was also entrusted with the available credit. Once you pay it down, you no longer look like a potential risk and you get the points right back. That's why you get more credit than you actually need. $150k in available credit and you can be utilizing $10-15k and still be reporting utilization under 10% hence looking less risky than the person using $15k on a $20k card.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

It's good to see y'all have had a conversation about this below already, but to answer your question from my perspective, it all just comes down to how risky the lenders see you. If you're constantly using 90% of your utilization, they worry you may not pay it off as compared to someone maintaining a 10% utilization. A lot of the credit card game is a bit counterintuitive at times, but if you know how to play the game well, that's all that matters.

[@trustmebrobro]

All charges get reported. I wish people actually read their credit report. All charges show up on there. You dont need to leave a balance.

[@SeansGodwins]

Interesting video to come out now! Got my first card 4+ years ago. Waited till January this year to apply for chase flex. Then in May really started getting into the credit card game. Got both custom cash and sapphire preferred and already hit the welcome bonuses and was looking to open a chase business card for the welcome bonus and office store rewards. But have been trying to decide if 1 1/2-2 month has been long enough to wait since my business app will be as a sole propitiator. But also have some spending coming up. And game planning cause after that I would like to get one of the US bank cards.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I felt like it was a good time to update my thoughts on this topic with all of the new people we have in the community now! It sounds like you're prepping to increase that velocity and that can definitely be beneficial. There's nothing wrong with going for a business card now even though you haven't waited very long between your last application and this one. Technically you have lower approval odds with a higher velocity, but that doesn't mean you won't get easily approved. As long as you're roadmapping out your setup and realizing how your impacting approval odds with other lenders, that's what matters!

[@SOXGATORS]

😊

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

I appreciate you brotha! 🥈

[@AhmadKhwajazada]

First

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Back lack he never left 🫡👑

[@manfa]

Chase cards are fore a niche of people. 5/24 rule cut out lots of folks

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

5/24 definitely makes their cards harder to get if you didn't plan for them off the bat. That's why I care so much about my roadmaps!

[@shawn.credit]

Chase be Chase, Amex is my jam and is the Cadillac of credit cards imo I hold 10 Amex cards while Chase shakes at 5/24 LOL.

[@plazali]

Bro’s been mewing

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

🗿

[@ItsMeCJ]

First…

[@AhmadKhwajazada]

Sorry CJ…

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

Wellllllll it was close 🤷🏼‍♂️🥉

[@victuringan1429]

I applied 8 this year. Got denied on my 9th application 🤣

[@nfaoussoukouyate1963]

I'm not interested