How to Check Your Credit Card Application Status

How to Check Your Credit Card Application Status

You can check your credit card application status by calling the customer service number for the issuer. Most credit card issuers also let you check your application status online. (In some cases, this is an option only if you applied for the card online.)

To check your application status either online or by phone, you'll generally need to provide personal information, such as:

• Your name
• Your birthdate
• The last four digits of your Social Security number
• Your ZIP code
• An application ID or reference number

See the chart below for links to popular credit card issuers' application status pages and customer service numbers. You can also refer to any emails or communications you received from the credit card company for information on how to check your application status.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card Application Decision?

You'll often get an answer about your credit card application immediately if you apply online and meet the card issuer's criteria. However, it could take longer to receive an answer if:

• You applied for a credit card by mail or over the phone
• The credit card company needs more time to check some information in your application
• The card issuer is experiencing delays due to a high volume of new applications
• The card issuer needs additional information from you before making a decision

If your credit card application isn't approved right away, you'll generally receive a message that your application is pending or under review. In this case, it may take seven to 30 days before you get an answer.

What to Do if Your Credit Card Application Is Denied

When your credit card application is rejected, you have several options, depending on the reason for the denial.

• Become an authorized user on someone else's credit card. Ask a parent or other family member with good credit to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. You can use their account to make purchases; as long as the authorized user account is reported to credit bureaus, your credit score will benefit from the primary cardholder's good credit history.
• Apply for a secured credit card. Secured credit cards work like any other credit card, but require putting down a security deposit, which typically becomes your credit limit. Using a secured credit card to make small purchases and pay your bill on time can help you build credit, making them a good alternative if you're new to credit.
• Pay down existing credit card debt. You may be denied a credit card if a card issuer determines your debt-to-income ratio is too high. Paying down high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, could make it easier to qualify for a credit card in the future.
• Apply for a student credit card. Young adults ages 18 to 21 may be denied credit cards if they don't have sufficient income to make the payments. If you're attending school, consider applying for a student credit card. Used responsibly, it can help you build credit.
• Apply for a credit card designed for lower credit scores. A fair or even poor credit score doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting credit—if you apply for the right credit card. Cards targeting people with lower credit scores typically charge higher interest rates and fees. You can avoid those costs by paying your bill in full and on time each month, which can also help improve your credit score.

Keep in mind that too many credit card applications in a short period of time can negatively affect your credit because each application generates a hard inquiry that appears on your credit report. To minimize any damage to your credit score, it's best to see if you prequalify before applying and wait six months between credit card applications.

The Bottom Line

Frustrated by playing the waiting game after applying for a credit card? Contact the credit card issuer to check the progress of your application. Before applying for any credit card, check your credit report and credit score, and take steps to improve your credit if necessary.