How to check on your credit card application

How can I check on my credit card application?

If you haven’t received a response regarding your credit card application, you can contact your provider by following the steps and using the contact details listed in the table below.

Credit card application status numbers

Store card application status numbers

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

On average 1-2 weeks. Although most credit card applications provide instant approval or conditional approval (approved within 2-4 business days), credit card providers can take between one to two weeks to review an application. If you’re an existing member of the bank, the process may be quicker as they’d already have some of your verified information in their systems. The general rule is to provide all of the required information when you apply, as this will generally speed up the approval process.

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 owing 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 mailbox in case the provider is trying to get in touch with you, but know that calling them first is always the quicker option.

What responses can I expect when applying for a card?

Approval can be instant and verified within 60 seconds online, but you could also receive the following responses depending on whether the bank requires more information:

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 can look forward to 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 or via fax. Complete approval only takes effect after that’s done and you’ve 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’s in order or start comparing other cards to apply for in a few months, making sure you’re paying attention to the eligibility requirements.

Common mistakes you need to avoid when awaiting the status of your application

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 was rejected and you’re unsure why, make sure you’ve 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 you’re to expect wait times when you’re contacting the customer service phone line. Before you call, make sure the number you’re dialling is toll-free. If it isn’t, avoid calling early in the morning, at lunch time or after 5pm when they’re 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.

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