How to Check Your Capital One® Application Status + 12 Denial Options
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 experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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 cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)0% 18 months on Balance Transfers
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
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; 18.49% - 28.49% 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 experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and you can use your cash back for any amount–get gift cards, cover purchases or redeem for cash. Plus, rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card usage
Enjoy unlimited access to your credit score and tools to help you monitor your credit profile with CreditWise from Capital One
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases with your SavorOne Card and enjoy exclusive access and cardholder perks
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Capital One SavorOne cardholders can pay with their rewards via PayPal Pay with Rewards and at Amazon.com
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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 $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
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 cash back for any amount
No credit score required to apply.
No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
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 experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
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 experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card* requires no credit check or minimum score.
Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus to establish and build credit, with free access to your credit score.
Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit as low as $100.**
Deposits are returned upon account closure after settling outstanding balances.
*The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
**Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria subject to change.
Intro (Purchases)N/A
Intro (Transfers)N/A
Regular APRVariable APR of 27.49%
Annual Fee$0 annual fee for the first year only, $25 annual fee thereafter
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
2% cash back on category of choice with direct deposit***
The perks of credit building meet the best of banking****
Chime Checking Account required to apply for the Chime Visa® Credit Card
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.
*Money added to Chime CardTM will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Chime Card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
**Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply.
***With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 2% cash back on category of choice on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases.
****On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Results may vary.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
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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