Getting rejected for a credit card can feel like a low blow, especially if you’ve fallen on hard times. But you still have a lesser-known, last-ditch option available—the reconsideration line, which allows borrowers to appeal their rejection directly with their lender. Here’s how to use it.
First, understand why you were rejected
Your credit card application can be rejected for a number of reasons, like a bad credit history, low income, outstanding debt payments, having too many credit cards, and employment history. By law, card issuers must give you a reason why your application was rejected, so read your rejection notice carefully and know why you were turned down.
Some of these reasons can be obvious: As an example, you wouldn’t expect to qualify for a premium credit card with a high limit if you have a terrible credit score. However, since the initial application is automated, a lot of borderline cases simply don’t qualify for credit. Fortunately, that’s where reconsideration lines kick in: You can call an actual human on the phone and make your case for approval—if you’re lucky, they’ll overturn the rejection.
Prepare for the call
There are no guarantees, but if you plead your case as a responsible potential customer, the lender might be convinced. Prepare for the call by knowing your outstanding debts, income, and credit score. If you’re rejected because of your credit score, you have the right to request a free copy of the credit report used by the lender within 60 days. Review the report and look for errors (they do happen). If you find any, dispute them and mention this in your call. Otherwise, be polite, as the person on the other end of the line is under no obligation to reverse the lender’s initial decision. Hopefully, after pleading your case, your application might be accepted, after all.
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Reconsideration lines for major banks
Below are the phone numbers for dedicated reconsideration lines (if available), although note that they tend to change frequently. If your bank isn’t on the list, call their customer service number and ask if there’s someone you can talk to. Also, make sure you call within 30 days of your rejection, as applications typically expire after 30 days, forcing you to apply again (and incur a hard pull on your credit history, which can lower your credit score).
- American Express has a reconsideration line that can be reached by calling 1-800-567-1083, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – midnight ET, and 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET, on Saturday.
- Bank Of America used to have a dedicated reconsideration line but it looks like calling 1-877-721-9405 during business hours is your best option.
- Barclay’s reconsideration line is 1-866-408-4064 and can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Capital One doesn’t have a dedicated reconsideration line, but you can try general customer service line, 1-800-951-6951, or application services, at 1-800-625-7866, during normal business hours.
- Chase has a reconsideration team can be reached by calling 1-888-270-2127 between 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., ET, on Saturdays.
- Citibank can be reached by calling 1-800-695-5171, between 8:00 a.m. – midnight ET, every day.
- Discover doesn’t have a reconsideration line, and they don’t have a reputation for overturning rejecting credit card applications, but you could try their 24-hour customer service line, 1-800-347-2683.
- US BANK doesn’t seem to have a dedicated reconsideration line anymore, but you can call 1-800-947-1444 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET).
- Wells Fargo has a reconsideration department that can be reached by calling 1-866-412-5956, between 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or by calling 1-800-967-9521, between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET, on Saturdays.
This post was originally published in 2013 and has been updated Jan. 20, 2021 to include updated information.
