Denied a Credit Card? Here’s How to Call the Credit Card Reconsideration Line

There are many reasons you could be denied a credit card you apply for: Maybe your credit score is too low, you have insufficient income, or you have too much outstanding debt. Some issuers, such as Chase, may also deny you if you’ve opened up too many credit cards recently.

No matter the reasons for the rejection, it’s upsetting when you can’t get a card you’re interested in. The good news is that getting told no after applying doesn’t always mean you have to give up hope. Card issuers offer credit card reconsideration lines so you can challenge an application denial.

What are credit card reconsideration lines?

Credit card reconsideration lines allow you to get a second chance on your credit application. You can call a reconsideration line after being denied a card and ask for your application to be reevaluated.

You’ll usually see details in your denial letter about how to request reconsideration, so be sure to follow the deadline specified by your card issuer — which is usually around 30 days. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to submit a whole new application, so don’t let this window close if you want a second chance.

While calling the reconsideration line isn’t a guarantee of success, it does give you the chance to find out more about why you were denied and to provide additional information and answers to questions. It takes just a little bit of time and effort, but it can be worth it if you really want a specific card.

What to do before you call the reconsideration line

If you’re going to ask a creditor to reconsider an application denial, it’s important you have a good reason why. Before calling the Chase reconsideration line, Amex reconsideration line, or others, be as prepared as possible.

Some of the steps you should take before calling include:

• Review the reason you were denied: When you receive a denial letter from a creditor, it should explain why you weren’t approved for the card. Review all of the details carefully so you’re prepared during the phone call to address the problems the card issuer had with your initial application.
• Gather documentation in case you’re asked for information: The card issuer may want to know about your income; your monthly expenses, including your rent or mortgage or other debt payments; and the reason for recent inquiries on your credit report. If you were denied a business card, you may need to provide an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or information about your company’s revenue over the past several months. You want to have all your financial details at the ready so you’re prepared to answer any questions.
• Check your credit score, and get a copy of your credit report: You can use your credit report and score to provide information the creditor may need about inquiries or other debt. You also want to check for any mistakes that could explain why you weren’t approved for the card.
• Create a compelling argument for why you should be approved: It can help your approval chances if the card issuer knows why you’re excited about getting the particular card you applied for. Card companies tend to want long-term customers who will use the card to make purchases for years, rather than just cardholders who will spend enough to earn a sign-up bonus and never use the card again.

Make the call

Once you’re prepared and ready, it’s time to actually contact your card’s reconsideration line. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes on the phone when you call, and be sure to keep some basic tips in mind to maximize your chances of success:

• Be polite: The customer service representative is far more likely to help you out if you’re friendly and kind.
• Don’t go on the defensive: You want to come across as open and willing to answer any questions the card issuer has.
• Be prepared to talk about your cards: You should know some specific cardholder benefits, not just of the card you’re applying for but also other cards in your wallet. That way, you can explain why you want this particular card, even though you may already have others open.
• Don’t mention the sign-up bonus: As mentioned above, card companies want customers who are going to use a card for the long-haul, not people who just sign up to get free miles, points, or cash back for becoming a new customer.

If you’re ready to call, you can find the contact details for your card issuer below.

What to do if you’re denied

Calling the reconsideration line isn’t a guarantee of approval, so you should be prepared to hear the word “no” from the representative. If this happens to you:

• Consider calling back on a different day: Sometimes, one customer service agent may be more receptive than another, so it doesn’t hurt to try again.
• Apply for a different card: You may be able to get approval for a different card from the same issuer or for a similar card from another issuer.
• Look for a card that caters to people with your credit profile: There are many credit cards that are available only to people with good or excellent credit. If your score isn’t high enough for you to qualify, look for alternatives that cater to people without a stellar credit profile. Student cards and secured cards, for example, are typically much easier to get approved for.

FAQs about reconsideration lines

Calling your credit card reconsideration line is worth a try

Policies vary by card issuer, so you may have a different experience calling the Chase reconsideration line versus the Amex reconsideration line or elsewhere. Still, every issuer gives you the chance to try to get an application approved after a denial. It’s worth making a phone call to ask, as the second time may be the charm when it comes to getting approved for the credit card you have your sights set on.