It’s no secret that I’ve earned millions of miles from credit card signup bonuses over the years. That said, it has never been harder for me than it is right now. Here’s where I stand with the major banks:
Chase
Considering the fact that I always open more than 5 cards in any 24-month period…I’m pretty screwed here. Basically just able to get IHG, Hyatt, British, Marriott business, and Ritz every couple years. There’s not a hell of a lot going on for me anymore with Chase cards.
Ease Rating: 2 out of 10
Bank of America
It’s not smart for me to get too specific with how hard I was hitting these cards. But, man, it was fun. For example, let’s just say that I’ve had well over a dozen Alaska cards over the years. Sadly, times have drastically changed. It looks like I’m getting automatically declined right now for personal cards. From what I’ve been told, I probably won’t be able to get more than 4 Bank of America personal cards in a 2-year window going forward. I will say that I’m still having a little fun with their business cards.
Ease Rating: 5 out of 10
Citibank
It’s very important for me to read the terms with their cards and see when I can collect bonuses again. Even though I’m not applying as wildly with as I did for years, I’m still getting approved pretty easily on both the personal and business side. This one used to be a total free-for-all. I’d use different browsers and was getting approved for multiple cards at once. That party has ended.
Ease Rating: 6 out of 10
American Express
Current status? Treading carefully. Still applying for a few cards a year, but I’m looking carefully at terms for once-in-a-lifetime wording. When I do apply, it’s still with a lot of success on both sides (personal and business). When I’m targeted for a mail or email offer without bonus limitation, I’m getting approved consistently. Amex is watching for people who close cards within a year, so I’m trying to play it cool.
Ease Rating: 7 out of 10
Barclays
They’ve always been moody with me. For years, I’ve gone on hot and cold streaks. But I’ve collected bonuses on the good options multiple times (Arrival, Wyndham, JetBlue). Maybe a little more resistance. Not as obvious a problem as Chase,, that’s for sure.
Ease Rating: 7 out of 10
Others
It’s a mixed bag with US Bank, Wells Fargo, Comenity, Bank of Hawaii, etc. Wells Fargo was credit card heaven for a while and US Bank is going pretty well right now. It’s harder to give a score because there aren’t as many good options with these banks.
No rating.
**Obviously, this “report card” is only one experience. For me, it’s more challenging than ever. I find myself having to pick and choose way more now than I did in the past. Many people who apply for fewer cards are having an easier time. Personally, I’m not doing as many mass applications and it’s kind of a bummer. Creative strategies are more necessary now (authorized users, couples taking turns going on runs, finding options from smaller banks, waiting for new cards, etc). The game is far from over, but the new reality is a challenge.**
Bitter Old Guy Rating: 10 out of 10
