I was previously unable to get any cards due to little credit. I had taken out student loans 18 years ago, but that was it. In November 2017, I applied for and got a Capital One Platinum with a $300 limit. I have used that, and got my credit score up to a 679 (experian/FICO).
From there, with 3 months in with 100% on time payments, I was offered the upgrade to a Quicksilver card from CO, which I accepted. I also have a pending CLI on this card.
Because my goal card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred, after significant research, I applied for the Chase Freedom card, and was approved today with a $2000 limit!
My plan, going forward, is to maximize my spends to get rewards and make multiple payments each month, and due to my high (for me!) amount of credit, keep combined utilization to 10%. In 6 months or so, when I am ready to make a big purchase, I will apply for the Sapphire Preferred.
Small steps, but big jumps!
