How to Check Your Capital One® Application Status + 12 Denial Options
Updated:
Writer: Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer, Credit Analyst
Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
One of the five largest card issuers in the world, Capital One is likely most recognizable by its longtime tagline, “What’s in your wallet?” For those who have recently applied for a Capital One credit card but did not receive an immediate decision, this article will bring you up to speed on how to check your Capital One application status.
Capital One has made its mark on the credit card rewards space with its blackout-free travel rewards program and is changing the way we bank with its Capital One Cafés. Indeed, whether you want to fly without limits or talk money over mochas, there are many reasons to join the millions of Capital One cardholders.
Whatever your motivation, when you apply for a Capital One credit card through the online application, your approval status will often be determined in 60 seconds or less. Whether you are approved or denied, the decision will be displayed right on the screen. However, sometimes the automated algorithms used to quickly analyze applicants can’t reach a decision. In these cases, your application is considered to be “pending” until it can be reviewed by hand. In the following article, we’ll take a look at what you can do when you don’t receive an instant decision, including calling Captial One and visiting the issuer’s website. If you are denied, we’ll also provide a few potential alternative cards worth considering.
Call the Application Status Phone Number: 1-800-903-9177
In the normal scheme of things, it usually takes around 7 to 10 days for your pending application to go through review and a decision to be mailed out, but it could be several weeks depending on the additional documentation needed. And yes, your decision will be mailed. You’ll need to check your mailbox for the results.
In some cases, issuers need to verify your information or collect additional data to come to a decision on a credit card application.
You can potentially speed up the decision timeline by cutting out the postal middleman and going straight to the source at Capital One. Applicants can get a status update at any time by calling the application status line at:
1-800-903-9177
One of the most common reasons for having an application sent to “pending” limbo is the need for verification of some of the information on your application. This can be as simple as clearing up mismatched addresses due to a recent move, or may require sending in additional documentation to verify income or employment status. Those who apply for credit cards frequently may simply need to confirm the application is valid and not fraud.
When you call, be sure to have your application ID number or your Social Security number on hand to make it easier for the representative to find your application. You’ll also want to remember that the person on the other end of the line is a person — treat them as such. Being polite can often go a long way toward hastening the process.
You Can’t Check the Status of Your Application Online
Unfortunately, if you don’t want to wait for a snail-mail response, the phone number above is your only real option. While odd in today’s digital era, Capital One doesn’t actually offer an online option to check the continuing status of a pending application. Furthermore, Capital One doesn’t offer an online contact form or email address for checking your application status, either.
If Your Application is Denied, Try These Alternatives
No matter how you get the news, finding out your Capital One application was denied can be disappointing — and, sometimes, a shock. It isn’t always those with poor credit who are denied a Capital One credit card, either. If your credit history is good but not very long, you may be denied a Capital One card. Some applicants also report being denied for submitting more than three Capital One credit card applications within a 30-day period.
Whatever the case, your best bet may be to try getting credit from another issuer entirely, as each credit card issuer has its own standards for extending credit. If you are concerned about your approval chances and want to avoid a futile hard credit pull, check to see if you pre-qualify before applying. No matter what type of credit you have — or don’t have, for those just starting out — there is likely a credit card designed for you. See our top-rated cards below to start your search.
With a FICO score of 700 or above, you’re considered to have “good” credit by most credit card issuers, and it’s unlikely that your score was the reason for being denied a Capital One card. More likely, your credit history is not long enough, or you have already applied for a Capital One too many times in too short a time period. Either way, you’ll probably have better luck by trying for a different card from another issuer.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for good credit based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for good credit based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for good credit based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for good credit based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for good credit based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for good credit based on:
Reward rates and redemptions
Regular and promotional APRs
Signup bonuses
Annual and other fees
Travel and other credits
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Alternatives for Fair Credit (FICO Score 650 – 699)
If your FICO credit score falls between 650 and 699, your credit is generally considered to be “fair” or “average.” Depending on which Capital One card you applied for, your credit score may have been the reason you were denied, as many of Capital One’s credit cards require good to excellent credit to qualify. When you have fair credit, your best option is likely to apply for a card aimed at those building — or rebuilding — their credit scores.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for fair credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for fair credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for fair credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for fair credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
No credit score required to apply.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.74% - 26.74% applies.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.8/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for fair credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.5/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for fair credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
The lower your credit score, the greater the credit risk you represent. When your FICO score falls below 650, you represent a bad credit risk for many prime credit cards — including most unsecured Capital One cards. To improve your chances of being approved, try applying for a credit card specifically designed for those whose credit is less-than-perfect, like our top-rated picks below.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for bad credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Educational resources offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for bad credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Educational resources offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit
Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
$0 liability* for unauthorized use
Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7
*Fraud protection provided by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection. If approved, you'll receive the Mastercard Guide to Benefits that details the complete terms with your card.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for bad credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Educational resources offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for bad credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Educational resources offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for bad credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Educational resources offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for bad credit based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Educational resources offered
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured deposit account
No interest* or annual fees
Chime Checking Account and qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more required to apply. See official application, terms, and details link below.
The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by The Bankcorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
*Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. ViewThe Bancorp agreement orStride agreementfor details; see back of card for issuer.
Anyone who has tried to start a new career is probably familiar with the common Catch-22 of, “you need experience to get a job, and a job to get experience.” A similar truth exists in finance: you need credit to get credit. To starting building your credit history, you need to establish some kind of credit — and to qualify for most types of credit, you need to have an established credit history. Luckily, issuers are not unsympathetic to the plight of the creditless; a number of options exist for those who are just starting on their credit journey.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured deposit account
No interest* or annual fees
Chime Checking Account and qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more required to apply. See official application, terms, and details link below.
The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by The Bankcorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
*Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. ViewThe Bancorp agreement orStride agreementfor details; see back of card for issuer.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate credit cards for no or limited credit history based on:
The regular APR
Annual and other fees
Ease of approval
Rewards offered
Credit bureau reporting
Issuer reputation
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
From blackout-free travel to super-modern bistro-banks, there are many great reasons to apply for a Capital One credit card. Not to mention the company’s longstanding reputation among credit card issuers and the fact that it is one of the largest issuers in the world. While it can be nerve-wracking to see the message that your application needs further review, a pending application is better than an instant denial.
Many people have reported being approved after calling their issuer to provide missing information or otherwise clarify or verify application data. If you do end up being denied for the Capital One card you were after, changing issuers might be all you need to successfully qualify for a great card. Whichever route you take, always compare your credit options to ensure you get the best terms and options that fit your personal spending habits.
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