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In general, if your online credit card application is not approved instantly—whether it is directly denied, goes pending, or requires additional verification—the first thing you should do is call the reconsideration line to either check on the application or request reconsideration. For some banks, the manual underwriting standard can be lower than the automatic approval standard, so reconsideration calls can be very useful. With Chase, for example, approvals sometimes come after nothing more than a bit of hold music. Other banks have a much stricter recon process. Barclays, for instance, may ask many detailed questions and could even result in an additional HP. I have summarized some key points for making recon calls, along with recon phone numbers for various banks, for reference.

Reconsideration Line Q&A

When should you call the reconsideration line?

A: If your application is denied or goes pending, it is generally recommended to call the reconsideration line right away. If you are asked to upload additional documents, then after submitting them, you should call immediately as well. One important thing to note is that reconsideration lines are generally only useful within 30 days of the application. After 30 days, you may have to submit a new application instead. Also, before calling Barclays recon, you should check your credit report so you are not caught off guard by detailed questions. (Barclays usually pulls TU, and during recon it may pull EX again.)

What is the reconsideration call process like?

A: After you call, the representative will first verify your identity and pull up your application. With Chase, they often review your credit report and give you a decision without asking any questions. Banks like Barclays, on the other hand, may have a much more detailed conversation with the applicant. I have even had a long talk with AMEX myself.

What kinds of questions might they ask?

A: Why do you need this card? (Do not answer: for the welcome bonus!) If you have opened too many new accounts recently or have too many HPs, can you give a reasonable explanation? Are you able to manage multiple accounts responsibly?

Tips?

A: Some banks limit your total credit limit across all cards. In that case, you can consider asking the representative to move part of the credit line from an existing card to open the new card.

Reconsideration Phone Numbers

The information below is reposted from travelsort and myfico:

Chase Credit Cards

  • 888-270-2127 (personal cards)
  • 800-278-8830 (this number may help bypass address verification and SSN verification.)
  • 800-453-9719 (business cards, 8am-10pm ET M-F)
  • 888-245-0625  (personal cards, 7am-10pm ET M-F; 8am-10pm ET Sat. and 9am-9pm Sun.)

American Express Credit Cards/Charge Cards

  • 877-399-3083 (recon) 8am-Midnight ET M-F, 10am-6:30pm Saturday

Citi Credit Cards

  • 800-695-5171 or 888-201-4523 7am-Midnight ET (6am-11pm CT)

Bank of America / Bank of Hawaii Credit Cards

Barclays Credit Cards

Capital One Credit Cards

  • 800-625-7866, 800-889-9939 or 800-625-7866

Discover Credit Cards

HSBC Credit Cards

  • 866-551-0258

US Bank Credit Cards

  • 800-947-1444 or 800-685-7680

Wells Fargo Credit Cards

  • 800-967-9521

Do you have any experience with reconsideration lines? Feel free to leave a reply and share it with us.