If I Just Got a New Credit Card, Can I Apply for Another?
TPG reader Luis tweeted me to ask:
"@thepointsguy- I just got approved for a credit card. When can I apply for another one?"
I've said it time and time again, but credit card bonuses are probably the most lucrative and easiest way to bring in tons of points and miles. A 60 second application online (and meeting spending requirements) can score you a free ticket to Europe. Some people have to fly all over the world multiple times to get that many miles, but you can do it in seconds in the comfort of your own home. If you pay your bills on time you'll have more available credit, you can get more cards, and your credit score can actually go up. So, if you play this game right, you can travel well, earn lots of points and miles, and maintain the integrity of your credit score. Just make sure to pay your bills on time so you don't accrue any interest or debt.
The trick is knowing when to apply for a card if you've recently been approved for one, and this really depends on the card issuer. If you've applied for a card from one issuer and would like to apply for another with that same issuer, I would recommend waiting about three months before doing so. Some banks are more strict than others, so that three months is an approximation. There are no real steadfast rules for this; knowing when to apply is really all about trial and error.
You may even get declined, but you can always call and speak with a credit analyst about why you think you should be approved. If you understand the perks of the card, you can better explain why you might need it sooner rather than later. For example, you might bring up that the card you applied for has no foreign transaction fees if you're a frequent international traveler, or you could talk up a category spending bonus if you spend a lot on, say, dining or office supplies. You can also talk with the analyst about how you might shift spending away from another bank/card to their card, or an amount of money you plan to spend on the card to hit a bonus or perk. Have them look at your credit report as well, assuming you've been paying your bills on time. Basically, you want to illustrate that you'll be a valuable customer, and the more ways you can find to do that, the better your chances of being approved.
I understand the desire to apply for many cards at once to reap the rewards, but don't overdo it. Only apply if you know you can pay the bills off and manage all your payments. I know--I've got 25 different cards and coordinating payments can often be tricky. Make sure you have a system in place; start off small, and then you can slowly scale it up.
In conclusion, I suggest doing a couple applications for different banks every few months or so. I've been using that strategy for years now and I continue to get approved.
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook, or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
[card card-name='Barclaycard Arrival™ World MasterCard®' card-id='22089566' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees