When’s the Best Time to Apply for a Credit Card? Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether you’re looking to earn a big sign-up bonus, maximize your holiday spending, or just get approved with your best odds — timing your credit card application can make a big difference. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule, there are strategic times of the year (and in your life) that can boost your chances of approval and help you maximize rewards.

Let’s break it down 👇

🗓️ 1. Apply When You Have a Big Spend Coming Up

Many of the best travel cards come with generous welcome bonuses — but you have to meet a minimum spend (usually $1,000–$5,000 in the first 3 months).

Perfect time to apply?

• Before a big trip

• During holiday shopping

• When paying for a wedding or home project

• Back-to-school season

• Or even tax season (if you can pay with a card)

📌 Pro tip: Don’t spend just to hit the bonus. Time your application around planned expenses you were already going to make.

💳 2. If You’re Under 5/24 (Chase Fans, This One’s for You)

If you’re targeting Chase cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred, you need to understand the 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened 5+ personal cards in the past 24 months, you’ll likely be denied.

That’s why many card enthusiasts recommend prioritizing Chase cards early in your credit card journey, before branching out to other issuers.

📈 3. When Your Credit Score Is in a Good Place

Lenders love to see:

• A score of 700+ (though 670+ can work for some cards)

• A solid payment history

• Low credit utilization (<30%)

If your score just ticked up or you paid down some debt, you might be in a prime spot to apply and get approved for top-tier cards.

💼 4. When You’ve Had Stable Income for 3+ Months

Banks want to know you can repay your balances. If you’ve recently changed jobs or are self-employed, waiting until you’ve had at least 3 months of consistent income can help your case.

For business cards, showing steady business activity, even as a side hustle, is helpful.

📉 5. Avoid Applying Right After Other Credit Inquiries

If you’ve recently:

• Applied for a car loan

• Gotten a mortgage

• Applied for another credit card

… it’s smart to wait 90+ days (or more if you’ve had multiple inquiries). Too many applications close together can raise red flags and lower your approval odds.

🛫 6. Apply Before Peak Travel Season

Want to earn points for summer travel or holiday flights? Apply 2–3 months before you book so you can:

• Hit your minimum spend

• Earn the bonus

• Use your new points to pay for flights or hotels

Planning ahead = smarter redemptions.

🏦 Bonus: Strategic Times of the Year

While you can apply year-round, here are a few seasonal sweet spots:

• January–March: Great time to use new cards for tax payments or spring travel planning

• May–July: Good for booking summer trips and hitting bonuses with wedding/travel spend

• October–November: Prep for Black Friday/holiday shopping and Q4 year-end promotions

Final Thoughts

Timing your credit card application isn’t just about getting approved — it’s about maximizing your return. With the right plan, you can align big spending with big bonuses and use those rewards to travel more, for less.

If you’re unsure which card fits your goals, check out my free travel card guide or shoot me a message. I love helping people travel better using points!

Need a hand finding the right card for your travel goals?

📲 DM me on Instagram @milesbymitch or book a 1:1 consultation.

Happy earning!