A credit card rejection can feel like a blow, especially when you’ve gotten into tough times. However, you still have a lesser-known last ditch option – the line of verification, which borrowers can use to appeal their rejection directly with their lender. Here’s how to use it.
First, understand why you were rejected
Your credit card application could be declined for a number of reasons, including: B. Because of bad credit, low income, outstanding debt payments, too many credit cards, and an employment history. The law requires card issuers to give you a reason why your application was rejected. So read your rejection letter carefully and know why you were rejected.
Some of these reasons can be obvious: For example, you wouldn’t expect to qualify for a high-limit premium credit card if your credit score is terrible. However, since the initial application is automated, many borderline cases are simply not creditworthy. Fortunately, this is where the lines of thought come in: you can call an actual person on the phone and lobby for approval – if you’re lucky, the denial will be lifted.
Prepare for the call
There are no guarantees, but if you are making your case as a responsible prospect, the lender can be confident. Prepare for the call by knowing your outstanding debt, income, and credit score. If you get declined based on your creditworthiness, you have the right to be Request a free copy of the credit report used by the lender within 60 days. Review the report and look for errors (they do occur). If you find any deny them and mention this in your call. Otherwise, be courteous as the person on the other end of the line is under no obligation to reverse the lender’s original decision. Hopefully after filing your case, your application will eventually be accepted.
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Lines of thought for major banks
Below are the phone numbers for dedicated verification lines (if available). However, be aware that they change frequently. If your bank isn’t on the list, call their customer service number and ask if there’s someone you can speak to. Also, be sure to call within 30 days of your rejection, as applications typically expire after 30 days and will force you to reapply (and put a heavy toll on your credit score which can affect your credit score).
- American Express has a review line that can be reached by a phone call 1-800-567-1083Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight and from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. on Saturday.
- Bank of America There used to be a dedicated verification line but it looks like calling 1-877-721-9405 during business hours is your best option.
- Barclays Line of thought is 1-866-408-4064 and can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Capital One There is no specific review line, but you can try the general customer service line. 1-800-951-6951or application services 1-800-625-7866during normal business hours.
- chase A renewed review team can be reached by phone 1-888-270-2127 Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET and Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ET.
- Citibank can be reached by phone 1-800-695-5171every day between 8:00 am and midnight ET.
- Discover There’s no line of verification, and they don’t have a reputation for bringing down declined credit card applications. However, you can try the 24 hour customer support line. 1-800-347-2683.
- US BANK Not Doesn’t seem to have its own line of verification anymore, but you can call 1-800-947-1444 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET).
- Wells Fargo has a review department that can be reached by phone 1-866-412-5956, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or by phone 1-800-967-9521Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET.
This post was originally published in 2013 and updated on January 20, 2021 to include updated information.
