This page was originally published in early 2023 and reflects the author’s advice to a reader during that time. The rest of the article has since been updated.
Key takeaways
- When you’re turned down for the credit card you want, your next step shouldn’t be to immediately apply for it again.
- Instead, take the time to find out why you were denied and focus on making improvements in that area of your finances.
- Using a third-party tool like CardMatch can help you find other cards you might like that have less stringent approval requirements.
One of our readers, Adam, emailed me to ask for some advice. He was declined for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and wants to know if he’s a good candidate for the American Express Green Card®*.
Adam is interested in obtaining a travel credit card that allows him to earn Delta SkyMiles specifically. Let’s explore the details of two potential cards that may suit his needs:
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card vs. American Express Green Card
The SkyMiles Platinum card has a $350 annual fee and offers:
- 3X miles on Delta purchases, including flights and Delta Vacations®
- 3X miles on bookings made directly with hotels
- 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 1X miles on all other purchases
Additional benefits include free checked bags, priority boarding, a domestic main cabin round-trip companion ticket each year, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee waiver and more.
The American Express Green Card has a $150 annual fee and offers:
- 3X Membership Rewards points in eligible travel categories including airfare, hotels, travel purchases on third-party travel websites and travel purchases through the American Express Travel portal
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 3X points on transit, such as for trains, taxis, rideshare services, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- 1X points on all other purchases
Additional benefits include various travel protections, as well as annual statement credits for CLEAR Plus membership and LoungeBuddy. While the Green Card does not directly earn SkyMiles, it earns Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to Delta and converted into SkyMiles.
Adam initially applied for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card with a credit score of 673, which is considered good. However, he was denied primarily due to insufficient income/assets. The Green Card also requires good to excellent credit, so Adam would be a borderline candidate for this card as well.
After being rejected for the Delta card a second time with a credit score of 666, Adam should have taken different steps instead of applying again immediately. It’s advisable to explore other card options with better approval odds, work on improving credit score, or contact the issuer for reconsideration with new relevant information.