Have you recently considered getting a new credit card? Are you wondering what you need to deal with before filling out an application? There are certain things you should do or ensure before applying for a new card. There are also situations when it’s best not to apply right away because problems could make you ineligible for the credit card you want.

Let’s look at four things you should do (or not do) to increase your chances of being approved for a new card before you apply.

1. Meet Minimum Income Requirements

Credit cards each have their own minimum income requirements. For example, on the low end we have the ANZ First Visa credit card with an annual income requirement of just $15,000. On the other end of the spectrum, premium credit cards have much higher requirements — like the Citi Select credit card and its $120,000 required annual income.

Make sure you meet the requirements for the card you want before you apply. And don’t apply for a new card based on a new raise in your income. You’ll need to show a steady income for a while before a card issuer will consider you worthy of more credit.

2. Keep Existing Bill Payments Up to Date

One of the most obvious, yet most important, things to do to increase your eligibility is to pay your current bills on time. Any current delinquencies will make you look like a bigger credit risk to a new lender. Get bills caught up, and keep them that way.

3. Fix Any Errors on Your Credit File

Check your credit file before applying for any kind of new credit, including credit cards. Make sure all of the information there is accurate. That includes your current employment information, current open accounts, and payment histories. If you find any mistakes that could make your credit history appear worse than it really is, have them corrected right away. You don’t want an error costing you your new credit card.

4. Don’t Apply if You Have Recent Delinquencies

It isn’t enough to make sure your current bills are being paid on time. If you have any recent delinquencies, they can hurt your chances for approval even if you’ve since gotten the payments back on track.

If you have delinquencies from the last few months, hold off on any new credit card applications. To increase your chances of qualifying for a new card, great rates, and the credit limit you want, you’ll want to show a longer history of on-time payments.

Remember that just because you don’t qualify for one credit card, it doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for any options that could meet your needs. You might just need to compromise on a point or two (like working with a lower credit limit). If that option doesn’t work for you, your best bet is probably to wait. Rather than hoping to get by with a so-so credit history that you know might disqualify you, wait until you’re sure you’ll be approved for the kind of deal you really want.