How can I get a new credit card?

[sinophile888]

I have applied for a couple of credit cards recently, looking for sign-up bonuses and have been immediately rejected. I was wondering if anyone knows the critical questions. Some like age and marital status are not so easily adjustable. Others like no. of credit cards and credit card limit can be manipulated. Or is it employment status? Can a contractor, a relief worker (eg teacher, office worker or nurse) or someone who is self-employed easily qualify for a credit card?
Salary
Employment history
Employment industry
Employer
Marital Status
Spouse’s income
Time at current address
Employment Status
Number of other credit cards
Total Limit on current credit cards
Age
Value of property and shares

I assume that telling the truth is always the best policy.

 

[puppysparkes]

I think scoring for these type of applications changes often. I found this thread regarding what's shown in credit files informative:http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/showthread.php?t=49763

Truth is the best policy and I think most applications have some form of declaration in that regard. Besides they will find out anyway.

 

[ashleyn]

I have applied for a couple of credit cards recently, looking for sign-up bonuses and have been immediately rejected. I was wondering if anyone knows the critical questions. Some like age and marital status are not so easily adjustable. Others like no. of credit cards and credit card limit can be manipulated. Or is it employment status? Can a contractor, a relief worker (eg teacher, office worker or nurse) or someone who is self-employed easily qualify for a credit card?
Salary
Employment history
Employment industry
Employer
Marital Status
Spouse’s income
Time at current address
Employment Status
Number of other credit cards
Total Limit on current credit cards
Age
Value of property and shares

I assume that telling the truth is always the best policy.

I always choose the smallest acceptable limit, not sure if that helps.

 

[High Horse]

The banks have a 'point score' based on a number of factors, a big one is how often your credit file has been accessed, so every time you apply it reduces your next point score. Try waiting 6 months until you apply again.

 

[The Rok]

Before you do anything else, pay Veda $85 for your credit file & credit score. See how you go from there.

Anything below 500, stop making credit card applications. Depending on your score, and the number of credit enquiries on your file recently (12 months) you might be able to manipulate a credit score increase, applying for a mortgage is one such way and can increase your credit score by as much as 100 points.

But you can't do anything until you know your score!

 

[blu]

"....qualify for a credit card?"

As referred to above - do you have a credit history (ie: loans, credit cards, store accounts)?
You could also try this simulator:
Estimate your credit score for free - MSN Money

 

[sinophile888]

Thanks, blu. I scored in the 750 - 820 range. So no problems there. I's afraid it is my relief/contractor employment status that is causing all the grief.