How to check the status of your credit card application

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When you apply for a credit card, you can usually expect an immediate response. However, if you still haven’t heard back from the provider, it might be time to take things into your own hands. It’s not a difficult process, but to make things even easier, we’ve summarised all of the major credit card provider details and offer some tips on how to best approach the situation.

How long does it take for my application to be approved?

Although most credit card applications provide instant approval or conditional approval (approved within 2-4 business days), credit card providers can take between up to 30 days to review an application. If you are an existing member of the bank, the process may be quicker as they already have some of your verified information in their systems.

To help speed up the application process, it’s important to try and provide all the information required by the provider. It’s also a good idea to use an eligibility checker to make sure you meet all eligibility requirements for a specific card before applying.

Credit card application tips

Main reasons why your application is taking longer than expected

If your credit card application is taking longer than usual to process, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

  • The provider thinks that certain information on your application may be insufficient, incorrect or inconsistent, and may require adding or changing.
  • The provider sees marks on your credit file that it wishes to analyse further or discuss with you.
  • The provider has to deal with a large number of applications and hasn’t reached yours yet.
  • The provider has misplaced your application.

Resolving the matter is often simple, and can sometimes take no more than a phone call. Monitor your calls, inbox and post in case the provider is trying to get in touch with you, but know that calling them first is always the quicker option.

How can I check on my application?

If you haven’t received a response regarding your application, you can contact your provider by calling the customer services number listed on its website.

Here are the contact numbers for some of the main providers:

  • American Express: 0800 917 8015
  • Aqua: 0333 220 2691
  • Barclaycard: 0345 734 5345
  • Halifax: 0345 944 4555
  • HSBC: 0800 731 8921
  • Lloyds: 0345 072 5555
  • MBNA: 03456 062 062
  • NatWest: 0345 3030 299
  • Sainsburys: 0800 218 2345
  • Santander: 0800 389 9905
  • Tesco: 0345 300 4278
  • Virgin: 0800 389 2875

List of documents needed for credit card application

What responses can I expect when applying for a credit card?

When it comes to applying for a credit card, there are a number of likely responses you may receive, depending on the quality of your application. These include:

Instant approval

With instant online applications, credit card providers provide a response on your application status almost immediately. While lending criteria varies between providers and cards, common checks include identity verification and credit score checks. By providing all the required information and keeping a good credit history, you’ll be eligible for instant approval.

Referral

If your credit card application is under referral, the card provider basically requires more time to carry out further assessments before giving you a conclusive answer.

Conditional approval

Getting conditional approval essentially means that the credit card provider is buying time to verify your details before granting approval. In such a scenario, you might have to provide personal identification documents or payslips by visiting a branch office. Complete approval only takes effect after that’s done and you have signed the contract.

Application not approved

The reason behind a provider not approving your application could be that you haven’t met the lending criteria. Such factors could include insufficient income, poor creditworthiness or credit history, and unstable employment. If you’ve been rejected, don’t apply for another card straight away. Instead, either request a copy of your credit report to make sure everything is in order or start comparing other cards to apply for in a few months, making sure you are paying attention to the eligibility requirements.

If you’ve got poor or no credit history, you may not be eligible for most credit cards. In this instance, you may have to consider a credit builder card instead.

Compare credit builder credit cards

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some things you should expect or avoid while waiting to hear back about the status of your credit card application:

  • Making multiple applications. You may be tempted to apply for another credit card while you’re waiting for a response, but know that multiple simultaneous applications will have a negative impact on your credit file.
  • Credit report mistakes. If your credit card application was rejected and you’re unsure why, make sure you have met the eligibility requirements and order a copy of your credit score to make sure you haven’t fallen victim to fraud or mistakes on your file. If you find a genuine error on the report, contact the credit card provider and credit reporting body to initiate investigation and correction.
  • Customer service delays. It could take days or weeks for a bank to respond to an email enquiry and wait times are to be expected when you are contacting the customer service phone line. Before you call, make sure the number you dial is toll-free. If it isn’t, avoid calling early in the morning, at lunch time or after 5pm when they are likely to be inundated with calls.

Applying for a credit card is one thing, but receiving it is quite another. You may have to wait a considerable period for it, which is why we recommend you apply in advance and always stay on top of your application by calling your provider.

Frequently asked questions

    fin_accordion title=”What factors can have a negative effect on my credit card application?”]

    Factors that can adversely affect your application include poor creditworthiness, no credit history, mistakes on your credit file, low income, recent change in employment, too much existing debt and too many credit enquiries.

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