The Leverage Letter
Smarter Tools. Better Credit. Optimal Living.
Your weekly roadmap to funding smarter, flying further, and building a financially fit business.
🚦 YOUR LIFE NOW
You need funding.
You spot solid business card offers.
You apply—one this week, another next month, maybe another later.
It feels cautious and logical.
🚧 YOUR LIFE WITHOUT CHANGE
But each random application racks up hard inquiries, trips issuer rules, and increases your chances of denial.
You start getting rejected for the cards you really want.
Worse—you reduce your credit score and approval odds without even knowing it.
🚀 YOUR LIFE AFTER CHANGE
You batch applications with precision.
You get approved for 3–4 powerful cards in one go.
You spread inquiries across bureaus, stay under 5/24, and maximize your total approved funding.
That’s leverage.
🛑 Why Random Card Applications Cost You
Too Many Hard Inquiries
Every application triggers a credit pull.
One or two? No problem.
Spread out over months? You rack up red flags.
Each pull might only cost a few points—but together, they compound.
Triggering Issuer Rules
Chase 5/24: 5+ cards in 24 months = likely auto-denied, even with great credit.
Amex & CapOne: Too many inquiries/accounts in a short window? They’ll hit the brakes.
Missed Opportunity for Combined Pulls
Some issuers combine hard pulls if you apply for two cards the same day.
Space them out? Multiple pulls.
Batch them? Fewer hits.
Poor Targeting
Each lender typically pulls from a different reporting agency (TransUnion, Experian, Equifax)—but it varies by state.
Strategic batching lets you spread inquiries smartly.
Random apps? You might hit the same bureau 3x in a row.
Less Total Credit
Denials = lost credit lines.
You could’ve had $60K across 3 cards… but ended up with $20K on one.
That’s missed leverage.
🎯 The Strategic Solution: App-O-Rama Done Right
Step 1: Know Your Profile
FICO scores (all 3 agencies)
Chase 5/24 status
Recent inquiries
Utilization (<10%)
Any reporting business cards
Step 2: Choose 2–4 Cards
Align with your goals (0% APR, rewards, points)
Sequence: Start with issuers most likely to deny (e.g., Chase), save Amex/CapOne for later
Step 3: Research Likely Credit Pulls
Use Doctor of Credit or MyFICO Forums to map which bureau each issuer pulls in your state
Step 4: Apply in a Short Window
Same day is best, 1–2 days max
Step 5: Understand What Reports Where
Chase Biz & Amex Biz typically don’t report (unless you default)
Others (like CapOne) might—so time carefully
Step 6: Be Ready for Reconsideration
If denied/pending: call recon line, be polite, explain your business use
Step 7: Garden for 3–6 Months
After your batch: STOP applying
Let new accounts age, inquiries fade, limits increase
📊 Case Study: Stack vs. Spree
Chris applied randomly:
Chase Ink in Jan (Approved)
Amex Biz Gold in March (Approved)
CapOne Spark in April (Denied)
Another Chase in May (Denied—now over 5/24)
Result: 2 approvals, 2 denials, 4+ inquiries, locked out of Chase.
Priya batched her apps:
Under 5/24, wanted Chase + Amex
Applied same day (Chase pulled Experian, Amex pulled TransUnion)
Approved for both
No card reported to personal
Still under 5/24
Now gardening
Result: Maximum approvals. Minimum impact. Clean path to next funding round.
✅ Action Step This Weekend
🧾 Check your current hard inquiries using Credit Karma or CreditWise.
How many in the last 6 months? Last 24 months?
Are you under 5/24?
This is your baseline. Never apply again without knowing it.
→ Hit reply: Do you usually batch your applications, or apply as offers show up?
→ What’s your biggest credit card win or mistake? Share your story!
✈️ Award Booking Spotlight
San Francisco (SFO) → Taipei (TPE) in United Polaris Class
Cash Price: $3,574
Paid: $5.60 in taxes
Strategy: Strategic spend + Chase Ink Card bonus
How you book matters; learn to book your flights with points.
Booking with Cash
Thinking about applying soon?
Make sure your business credit foundation is solid first.
To smarter funding and better approvals,
Ade O.
Chief Leverage Officer
Helping entrepreneurs unlock credit, fly free, and live on their terms.