All Credit Cards

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m New to Rewards Credit Cards, Which Card Should I Open First?

Welcome to the wonderful world of travel reward credit cards! If you haven’t already, you should work through our free course. This will give you the foundational knowledge you need to choose the best first card for you.

Most people find that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great first card, and we often recommend it as a good card for beginners.

Ultimately, we can’t pick the first card for you. Take the information you learned in the course to guide you in the right direction. What’s your 5/24 status? Are you looking for a personal or small business card? What points fit your immediate needs?

What Credit Score Do I Need To Get A Travel Rewards Card?

Your credit score should be at least 700 or higher before applying for travel rewards cards. If your credit score is below 700, you will likely find yourself frequently rejected for new cards.

Don’t worry if you’re starting off with a less than ideal credit score. Work through our credit repair course and repair your credit the right way.

Do I Need To Register For A Frequent Flyer Account Before Opening A Co-Branded Card?

Technically no… but you should.

If you don’t register for a frequent flyer account before opening a co-branded card, the bank will create one for you. As you get more cards, if you only let the bank open for you you may end up with 2 or more accounts at the same airline or hotel. It is much more challenging to get the airline or hotel to combine your points than it is to create your own frequent flyer number from the start.

I’m A College Student, Am I Still Eligible To Get A Travel Rewards Card?

College students are able to get travel rewards cards, however they tend to have lower credit and lower income. This can make it challenging to be approved for some of the more premium cards available.

If you’re being rejected too much, try starting off slowly. Build your credit history with a student credit card. Eventually you’ll be able to move to travel rewards cards.

I Don’t Work, But My Partner Does. Can I Use Their Income On The Application?

It depends. Most banks ask for your household income when applying for credit cards. If they do, then you can include your partner’s income on your credit card application.

I Wasn’t Automatically Approved, But I Also Wasn’t Denied. What Should I Do?

For now, wait. Some banks won’t automatically approve people 99% of the time. The best thing to do is wait 5-7 days. If you haven’t heard anything by then, call in and get an update on the status. They may just need a bit more information to finalize your application.

When Applying My Computer Froze After Clicking Submit. Do I Need To Re-Apply?

No! Before reapplying call the bank and see if the application went through. If the application did go through, and you reapply, the bank may automatically deny you for duplicate applications.

After calling the bank, if they tell you there is no application on file, then you can come back and start the process over again.

I Have A Big Expense Coming Up. How Many Cards Can I Apply For At Once?

Like most things in life, the answer to how many cards can you apply for at once is “it depends.” Typically, you can apply for 2-3 cards at a time. However, you’ll need to be sure that you’re complying with the application rules for each bank you’re applying to.

I’m Buying A House! When Is The Best Time To Open A New Card?

First of all, congratulations! Buying a house is often the biggest financial decision any of us make.

Because it is the biggest financial decision, you’ll want to be sure you’re getting the best rate and not risking the deal falling apart. For that reason, if you’re buying a house wait until after you close. Ideally, wait at least 2 weeks after you close.

If you’re under contract, do NOT open a credit card whatsoever.

If you’re planning on buying within the next 0-6 months, I’d hold off on applying for any cards.

If you’re just starting to think about it with no plans to buy in the next 6 months, you should be in the clear. Just be sure that you have time for your credit to recover before applying for a mortgage.

You Provide Great Advice For Beginners, But I Don’t Want To Open The Card You Recommend Because I Think This Card Is Better. What Should I Do?

We can’t force you to open the cards we recommend. The advice we at 10xTravel provide is general advice. We can’t cover every single individual situation.

However, most situations aren’t unique. For the vast majority of people, the same advice applies. Many people think another card is better because of good marketing rather than good advice.

If you think you are an exception, feel free to email one of us on the team. We will gladly talk through your situation and offer our feedback.

If I’m Applying For A Business Card But I Don’t Have A Tax EIN, What Should I Put?

Most sole proprietorships don’t have a Tax EIN. If you’re applying as a sole proprietor, you can use your social security number instead.