I recently got approved for the Chase Freedom card with a credit limit of $1500. I was surprised since I usually get approved for higher limits. I would like to apply for Sapphire Preferred soon, but I'm thinking my chances won't be high given the low credit line on my Freedom card.

If I reduce the credit limit on one of my Amex cards (and thus the total amount of credit available to me), would this improve my chances of obtaining a Chase card? Or do banks only care about the amount of credit that they themselves extend to an individual?

Thanks in advance.