Can you have a credit card with a different bank

Most major credit card issuers have several credit card options, often with different types of perks. A single credit card issuer may have low-interest-rate credit cards, balance transfer credit cards, credit cards with miles rewards, credit cards with cash rewards, or credit cards that reward with points.

You may want to get a new credit card from a bank that you already have a credit card with, especially if you're interested in churning for credit card rewards. But will your card issuer approve your application for another credit card even though you already have one with them?

You’re in luck. Many credit card issuers will indeed approve you for another one of their credit cards as long as you meet the qualification criteria. If you’ve always managed your current credit card well, that may make it easier for you to get approved for the new credit card.

Getting Another Credit Card From the Same Credit Card Issuer

Don’t assume that you’ll get approved for the exact same terms as your current credit card. The credit card issuer will approve your application based on your current income, credit standing, and the current economy. You could get approved for a higher interest rate and lower credit limit, or you could also get approved for a lower interest rate and a higher credit limit.

Note

If you're worried about the impact on your credit, call the credit card issuer to ask whether they'll do a hard or soft credit pull. The hard pull results in an additional inquiry, which will have a temporary effect on your credit score.

Two credit cards from the same bank may have different payment due dates, so it’s important that you pay attention to both of those. You'll need to submit payment for each credit card separately, making sure to include the account number on your check and payment coupon from your statement in the envelope if you’re mailing your payment.

If you make your credit card payments online, you’ll have to select each account separately to make a payment.

The minimum payment amounts may be different for both of your credit cards, especially if you have different balances and different interest rates. Pay close attention to the payments you’re making for each account, and be sure you’re paying the right amount for the right account.

What You Should Watch Out For

No Balance Transfer Options

Unfortunately, you generally won’t be able to transfer balances between credit cards from the same bank. Banks typically offer balance-transfer promotions, because they’re trying to get you to move your balances from another bank.

If it’s a great balance transfer deal you’re looking for, you’ll want to apply for a credit card with another bank

Limited Ability to Earn Signup Bonuses

If you're interested in another credit card from your credit card issuer because you want to earn the signup bonus, read the terms of the credit card rewards program before applying for the credit card. You may potentially not be able to earn a signup bonus on a new credit card, especially if you've already earned one from that credit card issuer.

Some credit card issuers may only allow cardholders to earn a signup bonus once every two years. Others may only allow cardholders to earn a single signup bonus ever.

Tip

If you're considering a second credit card from a current credit card issuer, look for a card with rewards or perks that complement those you're missing in your current credit card. You can pair the two credit cards for all of your spending to boost the rewards you earn.

Managing Multiple Credit Cards

Of course, whether you’re getting multiple credit cards from the same credit card issuer or multiple credit cards from different credit card issuers, it’s important to be sure you’re not taking on more credit cards than you can handle.

If you’re struggling with your current credit card payments, or all of your current credit cards are maxed out, it might not be a good idea to put in another credit card application with any credit card issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many credit cards should I have at once?

It's a good idea to have at least two credit cards. That way, if there's an issue with one of them, you still have access to credit if you need to buy food or other necessities. There isn't a downside to having more credit cards, but getting multiple cards in a short time could hurt your credit score.

How do you avoid paying interest on credit card balances?

If you want to avoid interest costs, then you just need to pay your credit card statement in full every month. Interest charges are added when a balance is carried over from one statement to the next. If you pay off your entire statement balance before the new statement period begins, then you won't face any interest charges.

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Sources

The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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