What is the 7/12 rule?

The 7/12 Rule: Understanding Bank of America’s Credit Card Approval Process

Bank of America has implemented a stringent credit card application process that involves a close examination of applicants’ recent account openings. The “7/12 rule” is a key aspect of this process, which aims to assess an applicant’s creditworthiness and manage risk.

What is the 7/12 Rule?

The 7/12 rule dictates that applicants who have opened seven or more new credit accounts within the past 12 months are automatically denied for Bank of America credit cards. This rule is based on the information reflected on an applicant’s credit report.

Reasoning Behind the 7/12 Rule

Bank of America believes that applicants with excessive recent account openings pose a higher risk of default. This is because:

• Increased Credit Utilization: Opening multiple credit accounts can lead to a higher overall credit utilization ratio, which indicates the percentage of available credit that is being used. A high utilization ratio can raise concerns about an applicant’s ability to manage debt responsibly.
• Potential for Fraud: Opening multiple accounts in a short period can be a red flag for identity theft or credit fraud.
• Lack of Established Credit History: Applicants with several new accounts may not have had sufficient time to establish a solid credit history, making it difficult to assess their creditworthiness.

Exceptions to the Rule

While the 7/12 rule is a general guideline, there may be exceptions in certain cases:

• Student Accounts: Bank of America may consider student loan accounts separately from other credit accounts.
• Authorized Users: Accounts where the applicant is only an authorized user may not count towards the 7/12 limit.
• Business Accounts: Business credit accounts may not be subject to the same restrictions as personal credit accounts.

Importance for Applicants

Applicants who are considering applying for a Bank of America credit card should be aware of the 7/12 rule. If they have recently opened multiple credit accounts, they may want to wait until they fall outside of the 12-month window before applying.

Conclusion

Bank of America’s 7/12 rule is an important factor in its credit card approval process. By limiting access for applicants with excessive recent account openings, the bank aims to mitigate risk and ensure that credit is extended to those who are most likely to fulfill their financial obligations.