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Credit Cards

How to Contact a Credit Card Issuer When You’re Rejected or Waiting

Updated Jun 13, 2023   |   4-min read

Applying online for a new credit card is a relatively quick and easy process. You simply provide your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information. Then, you wait to get an answer on your application.

New credit card applications can be processed in just a few minutes. Other times, it can take a few days to get a response. If your application is pending or you get rejected, you can contact the credit card company to get your application reconsidered.

Looking for a credit card reconsideration line? (Click a company below to see the number):

Apply for the Cards You’re Most Likely to be Approved for

Credit card companies usually offer a variety of card options, and the requirements for approval are different for each type of card. So you might want to do some research before deciding to apply for a card.

Elite cards with the most rewards and benefits are generally only available to people with the highest income and the best credit score. Just because you cannot get approved for one of those cards doesn’t mean that you can’t get one of the company’s basic cards.

If you get rejected, the issuer must send you a notice giving the reason for the credit denial. You can work on improving those areas of your credit and apply again.

How Credit Card Application and Reconsideration Lines Work

Sometimes a credit card application gets rejected or put into a pending review status because the information in the application cannot be verified. As part of your reconsideration request, you might need to verify your current address and identity or provide documentation about your income.

You can also request that the credit card company consider you for a different type of card or a lower credit limit.

American Express Application and Reconsideration Line

American Express does not have a dedicated line for application consideration. But you can call its application line at (800) 243-3888.

Bank of America Application and Reconsideration Line

The dedicated line for Bank of America’s reconsideration requests is (866) 224-8555. You can also direct your call to the general application status hotline at (866) 422-8089.

Barclays Application and Reconsideration Line

Barclays representatives are available 24/7 to assist customers. To reach a representative with general questions about your application status, you can call the general card services line at (888) 232-0780. The Barclays dedicated reconsideration line is (866) 408-4064.

Capital One Application and Reconsideration Line

If you are waiting for a response about your Capital One credit card application, you can call their application status hotline at (800) 933-5182. If you have already received a response about your application status but want to request a reconsideration of your application, you can call the application services line at (800) 625-7866 or the general customer service line at (800) 227-4825.

Citibank Application and Reconsideration Line

To check the status of a Citibank application, you can call the dedicated application status line at 800-695-5171. You can also check the status of your application online.

To discuss a credit application decision or request a consideration of the decision, you can direct your call to the application inquiries line at (800) 763-9795 or through the general customer service line at (800) 950-5114.

Some applicants have mentioned that they had more success getting their decision reconsidered when they wrote directly to the Citibank Executive Review Department. Send your letter by mail to: Citibank Executive Review Department, P.O. Box 6000, Sioux Falls, SD, 57117.

U.S. Bank Application and Reconsideration Line

U.S. Bank does not have a dedicated phone number for reconsideration requests. For an update on an application status or a reconsideration request, you can direct your call to the card services department at (800) 685-7680. If you want to get an update on your application status, you can call the underwriting department line at (800) 947-1444.