Applying for a credit card has never been easier than it is in the digital age. Thanks to the rise of online credit card application processes and easy-to-access mobile banking platforms, you can now compare offers, fill out forms, and submit your application without even leaving your home. Many financial services providers even offer instant approval and grant you access to virtual cards almost immediately. All these conveniences have made credit cards more accessible than ever to those who might need them.
However, while it may be quick and straightforward to complete a credit card online application, you’re not always guaranteed approval—especially if your finances aren’t in the best shape. It’s always a good idea to prepare your financial profile beforehand to improve your chances of approval. Plus, doing so can also set you up for better terms, such as a higher credit limit or lower interest rate. A proactive approach ensures you’ll be ready to manage your new card responsibly and avoid unnecessary debt along the way.
At Maya, we believe that good financial health starts with the right tools and habits. Our services help you track your expenses, pay bills, and even streamline credit card applications directly through our app. If you’re thinking about adding a new credit card to your roster of financial tools, we’ve got you covered with advice to get your finances in order beforehand. Below are some practical steps to set yourself up for success.
Research the Right Credit Card for Your Needs
Finding the perfect credit card goes beyond chasing flashy sign-up bonuses or high cashback offers. The key is to align the card with your financial lifestyle. Start by evaluating where you spend the most—whether it’s groceries, dining, travel, or online shopping. A rewards structure that matches your habits will help you maximize benefits without changing your spending patterns. In addition, think about features like low interest rates, balance transfer options, or no annual fees if those align with your financial goals. The better the card fits your routine, the more useful it becomes in the long run.
If you often shop at Landers, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya could be ideal, as it offers up to 5% cashback on purchases at Landers when you reach a minimum total credit card spend of PHP 50,000, plus additional perks for dining and a host of other qualified everyday transactions.* The card is also fully integrated with the Maya app, which means that regular Maya users can apply, view their statements, and pay off their balances all on the same secure platform they already use for everyday financial management.
Review Your Current Cards and Usage
Before applying for a new card, take some time to evaluate how you’re using your existing ones. Are you carrying balances or only paying the minimum amount? Are some cards sitting unused? You’ll want to reduce balances on your current cards to improve your credit utilization ratio—a key factor in credit scoring. It’s also helpful to identify which credit cards you use regularly and which ones have become redundant.
You might also find yourself considering closing credit cards you no longer need, at which point it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks. Closing a card could simplify your finances and eliminate unnecessary fees, but it might also shorten your credit history and increase your credit utilization ratio by reducing your total available credit. On the other hand, keeping a card open—even if you use it only occasionally for small purchases—can maintain account longevity and help your score, provided there are no high fees or risks of overspending. Balance these factors thoughtfully to keep your credit profile as strong as possible ahead of your upcoming application.
Build the Habit of Paying Your Dues on Time
Paying your bills on time is one of the most effective habits to develop before applying for a credit card. It helps you avoid late fees, penalties, and high-interest charges while also boosting your credit score—an essential factor lenders consider. Start by organizing your monthly obligations and setting up reminders or automatic payments to ensure consistency. This habit not only strengthens your financial discipline but also demonstrates responsibility to lenders, improving your chances of qualifying for better credit card terms and limits.
If you’re looking at getting the Landers Everywhere Cashback Credit Card, you should take note that Maya will notify you when your bill is due via mobile notifications, notices sent to your registered email address, or a combination of both You can also view your full billing statement in the Maya app anytime in addition to these reminders.
Take advantage of whatever features your provider makes available and use them to build timely bills-paying habits—it will make you look like a much more reliable borrower to any lenders you apply to in the future.
Pay Off Existing Credit Debt Strategically
High balances on your existing credit cards can drag down your credit score, even if you’re diligent about making minimum payments. To better your chances of improving your credit score and qualifying for a new credit card, consider strategies that will allow you to settle your debt obligations more effectively. Consider strategies like the avalanche method, where you focus on paying off the highest-interest debt first, or the snowball method, where you tackle smaller debts to build momentum. Whichever approach you choose, reducing your overall debt improves your credit utilization ratio and makes you look like a more trustworthy borrower to potential lenders.
Check Your Cash Flow and Emergency Fund
You might be excited to add a new credit card to your financial toolkit, but make sure first that your budget can accommodate any new spending. Review your cash flow to confirm that you’ll be able to make full payments each month to avoid incurring interest charges and accumulating debt. It’s also good to have an emergency fund in place—typically three to six months' worth of essential expenses—so you won’t have to rely on credit during unexpected financial hardships.
Beyond improving your odds of approval in the short term, preparing well for a new credit card application is also a step toward building habits that support long-term financial well-being. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card could be just the card you need to make your spending work harder for you. If you're ready to take the next step, consider applying through the Maya app today to unlock rewards, savings, and more.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
