You finally pull the trigger and apply for a new credit card. The processing icon is spinning and time seems to feel as if it stopped. Thank you for applying but at this time we can not approve you for this offer. Whether this is your first denial or 50th, it’s important to recognize that all is not lost. One credit card approval strategy that is often overlooked and underutilized is the Reconsideration Call. Welcome to the Basic Guide to Reconsideration Calls! 

In this Basic Guide: 

• What is a Reconsideration Call? 
  
• What would make them change their decision? 
  
• How long do I have to make a Reconsideration Call?
  
• What to say (and not to say) 
  
• Options for Reconsideration broken down by Bank 
  
• Reconsideration Approval Examples from Basic Travel Readers 
  

What is a Reconsideration call? 

A Reconsideration Phone Call is a process of reaching out to a bank or credit lender to request a reconsideration of a credit card application that had been denied. Basically, the phone call is meant to serve as a last-ditch effort with the creditor to overturn the original decision to deny credit. You might be surprised to learn that credit card reconsideration phone calls often do lead to a decision reversal. I know that I was back when I had first learned about reconsideration phone calls. 

What would make them change their decision? 

There are many different reasons why a credit lender may reverse a denial. Often there are inaccuracies on a credit report that lead to a denial. For example, missed payments or being an authorized user on an account with a high balance. It’s important to have a copy of one of your credit reports on hand for a reconsideration phone call to speak to any red flags that the bank provides you for the denial. You can access all three Credit Reports for Free at AnnualCreditReport.com thanks to the Fair Credit Report Act. 

How long do I have to make one? 

Typically, it’s possible to reach out to a bank or creditor within 30 days of the application date to request a reconsideration. I’d suggest reaching out as soon as the denial is official. The timing is important for two reasons. First, most banks will require that you reapply after 30 days. Second, the 30-day window will most likely not need another hard pull (Credit Inquiry) of your credit reports. This is helpful as too many inquires can be a red flag for credit lenders. 

What to say when you call (and what not to say)

1) What’s the Status? I like to start by asking for the status of the credit card application. When the representative tells me that I’ve been denied, I will then inquire about why I was denied. At this point, I am hoping to uncover the specific reasons why I was not provided a new line of credit. 

2) Why I want the Card. This is the point where I explain the reasons why I want to open the credit card. I’ll point out the perks that I like about the card and why it’s a good fit for me. These typically include perks like bonus points for specific category spending.  If it’s co-branded, I’ll explain my future plans to be flying the airline or staying at the hotel.

3) Ask for the Application to be Reconsidered.  Now that I’ve explained why I want the card, it’s time to directly ask for my application to be reconsidered. Don’t forget your P’s and Q’s. The customer service representatives are only human. Showing appreciation for their time and support can go a long way. 

4) Suggest Moving Credit. One way to get approved for a new credit card when a bank won’t issue you any more credit is to move credit from another account. Saying something along the lines of “Is it possible to move some of my credit line from x account to open the new credit card?”. This strategy often works as the banks do not have to risk lending any more credit out. 

5) Do Not Talk about the Signup Bonus. It should go without saying that banks do not want to offer new customers bonuses for opening accounts if they don’t plan on keeping them open long term. That’s why many of them have created various internal rules that limit the number of new accounts that can be opened. For a full list of these rules, be sure to check out the Basic Breakdown of Credit Card Rules. 

Options for Reconsideration for Each Bank

Most banks have special departments that handle credit card applications and some even have a dedicated reconsideration phone number. It’s important to note that these phone numbers do happen to change from time-to-time. Please let us know if you come across a phone number that is no longer in service. 

Chase Bank

• 1-888-270-2127 (Personal Applications)
  
• 1-800-453-9719 (Business Applications)
  

American Express 

• No dedicated Reconsideration Number
  
• 1-800-528-4800 (Personal Applications) 
  
• 1-800-492-3344 (Business Applications) 
  

Barclays 

• 1-866-408-4064 (Personal & Business) 

Capital One 

• No dedicated Reconsideration Number
  
• 1-800-625-7866 (Personal) 
  
• 1-800-867-0904 (Business) 
  

Citi

• No dedicated Reconsideration Number
  
• 1-800-763-9795 (Personal)
  
• 1-800-950-5114 (Business) 
  

Wells Fargo

• 1-866-412-5956 (Personal & Business) 

U.S. Bank

• No dedicated Reconsideration Number
• A special customer service number for each U.S Bank Credit Card
  • Click Here for All of the U.S. Bank Phone Numbers

Reconsideration Approval Examples from Basic Travel 

“I called the reconsideration line for a credit card application that I was denied for and was told that they could not open the new card. After talking to Dave, I learned that I might be able to transfer credit from one of my other cards to open the new one. I called back the following day and suggested this to the representative and was instantly approved!” ~ George B

“I was denied for this card a few years ago and still wanted it so I figured I’d try applying again. Denied! I called the reconsideration line and explained that I was already denied for this card a few years ago and then went on to talk about why I wanted the card. The representative put me on the longest hold of my life but to my surprise he came back with an approval!” ~ Ken B

“It took four phone calls to the reconsideration line but I was finally approved! The first few representatives I spoke to said that the balances were too high on my accounts which I had recently paid off. After the new balances reported to the credit bureaus I was able to call back and get approved. There was a lot of pressure as the final call was one day before the 30th day from when I originally applied.” ~ Lisa K

Basic Breakdown

Knowing how to pursue a reconsideration call after being denied for a credit card can often lead to approval. This is another great tool that should be utilized when warranted. Have you had success with reconsideration phone calls? Any interesting stories behind getting approved for a card? I’d love to hear from you down in the comments below or over in the 4,000 + Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!

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