Chase denies a greater number of applicants for credit because their underwriting model is tighter and more multi-layered than nearly all other major issuers. Chase's approach goes beyond merely looking at credit scores - they are analyzing long term profitability indicators, fraud risk and portfolio exposure risk. It is better for Chase to avoid extending credit to a borderline customer than to take on the future risk of loss. The largest hidden factor is their `velocity risk' filters, most notably the infamous 5/24 rule. If you have opened five or more revolving accounts within the last 24 months, the Chase system will flag you as a high calculated churn risk or a bonus chaser, and denial becomes almost automatic. Don't assume that good credit scores matter and they do not. In this situation, having too many recent accounts hurts you because it implies to Chase that you are unlikely to have true loyalty as a long term customer. Chase values their internal bank history very highly as well. If you have ever had an overdraft issue within their ecosystem, if you have every closed an account, or if you had previously charged off then your internal score will trump any risk factors they see with external sources, including FICO. Your internal score can essentially tank an application instantly. If you want to avoid a denial wherever possible the key is disciplined credit behavior: Keep inquiries and new accounts relatively low for a minimum of one year leading up to your application with Chase. Maintain solid existing limits with low utilization. Establish a clean history and/or relationship with Chase within checking(-savings) before applying for any premium card product line. Avoid rapid fire card applications, this cannot be stressed enough. Chase algorithms will penalize you more than any other bank for even marginally perceived velocity speed.