I am wondering if anyone has a theory to explain my experience of getting denied for cards that have lower sign up bonuses and fewer benefits, but have little trouble getting approved for more premium cards with higher sign up bonuses and better benefits. For example, I have been denied for BBVA Compass NBA card, Fidelity Amex, and BOA Cash Rewards, but have been approved for Ink Plus, Citi Prestige, Citi Premier, and Amex Ameriprise Platinum. Is it that the banks that are offering these particular 'lower tier' cards are more particular?