Not receiving a quick decision on your credit card application is usually not cause for concern. The time it takes can vary greatly, even if applying seemed to take just a few minutes. An application can be in a pending status for a long time, but there's often a reason. Regardless, any time you spend waiting for a decision can feel like a stressful eternity, especially when applying for your first card.
» More: Starting to build credit? Freedom Rise℠ offers cash back on each purchase.
Can I check my credit card application status online?
Some credit card companies have an option for you to check your credit card application status online. This is common if you applied online to begin with. Check notifications that you received from the card issuer when you completed the application—you might have been given an application portal and personal credentials to log in.
How else can I check my credit card application status?
Major credit card issuers have customer service phone lines that you can usually use to check an application status. The line might quickly lead to a specialist who can provide detailed information about your credit card application, if available. Other times, you may need to navigate brief automated prompts to get a status update.
Whenever you check an application's status by phone, you may have to provide a reference number for your application and verify your identity with information like your Social Security number. Your reference number would be provided after you submit a credit card application. Check any notices or materials you received when you completed your application.
If you apply for a credit card with Chase, we may provide important updates until we make a decision on your application. If you urgently need an update, please refer to any communications we've sent or call us at 1-888-338-2586. You can also call this number to check a Chase business credit card application status.
Does Chase have credit card tracking?
If you're approved for a credit card, we'll send a notice sharing the good news and explaining what to expect next. While you may not have tracking information for your physical credit card, delivery usually takes up to two weeks from the date of your approval.
How long does it take for an application decision to be made?
Generally within 14 days of submitting your credit card application, you should receive a decision or a follow-up on your application. It can also take as little as an hour. There are a few major factors that affect the timing.
More information is needed
One possible follow-up is a request for more information. You'd receive this notice requesting what's needed and indicating that the application status is still pending. That's because the additional information is required to complete the review process.
How you applied makes a difference
The time it takes to get approved for a credit card might just depend on how you applied. When you apply on the phone, at a branch or online, decisions tend to arrive more quickly. Technology can be pretty great. A lengthier process should be expected for applications that use mail-in forms.
You already bank with the credit card company
Existing relationships with a bank can affect the timing of its review process. That's because your bank may already have important information verified for an application you submit, such as your income. For example, if you have a checking account with a financial institution, information about your income might be on record. This often speeds up the application review process.
Is there a reason why my credit card application hasn't been immediately approved?
The simple reason you may not be approved for a credit card right away is usually that the card issuer is taking time to review your application carefully. Issuers verify many pieces of information for each application. Some information can take longer to verify than others, especially if you are not an existing customer with the card issuer or bank.
Information is missing or incomplete
At a minimum, a credit card application will typically require the applicant's:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number
- Physical address
- Gross annual income (or an estimate)
If this information is incomplete or not included, an application could take more than a few minutes to approve.
The approval criteria varies
A good credit history often means you're likely to be approved for a credit card. However, each card issuer has different approval criteria for its cards, and often for each of the cards it offers. Your application could be approved for one card in minutes, but you might wait much longer for a decision on another credit card application.
What can I do if an issuer rejects my credit card application?
Rejection doesn't feel great, regardless of the reason, but it presents some opportunities.
You can focus on your credit
You can learn more about credit, get your credit score for free and learn how to make healthy financial choices using Chase Credit Journey®. Enrollment is free for everyone, even if you don't have a relationship with Chase. This free tool can help you monitor your credit and identity as well as set a score goal with a personalized plan, provided by Experian™, to help improve your credit score..
Credit Journey® can also provide your free Experian credit report. If you prefer, you could also get your credit report for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. Getting a copy of your credit report will give you the same information that lenders review when they process applications for credit. This is a good way to start focusing on building your credit.
You could ask for a reconsideration
Generally speaking, your credit history has to have changed before a credit card application will be reconsidered. Denials normally include the reason your application was declined and information about a reconsideration. If you're interested in this option, you can take action based on the denial letter you receive.
These are just a couple of the steps you can take to improve your chance of being approved for a credit card.
In summary
Most issuers have secure websites and phone lines you can use to check the status of a credit card application. Digital applications tend to yield decisions in the shortest amount of time. However, the main reason you might not receive an instant decision is simply because card issuers take the application review process seriously. They verify many pieces of information. The amount of detail you provide and its accuracy can all affect the timing of your decision.
All in all, not receiving a decision on your credit card application right away may be frustrating, but given the scope of the process, it's actually quite normal.
