If you decide to play the frequent flyer game with any regularity, there will inevitably come a time when you will be denied a credit card.
Even if you have a perfect credit score, low utilization rate, years of history with the card issuer and great standing, eventually you’ll end up with a denial letter or email.
You may be tempted to hang your head and rue a missed opportunity to earn even more miles.
But don’t give up!
As any seasoned veteran will tell you, you haven’t earned your stripes until you’ve made the reconsideration phone call. This is especially true of Chase, who have notoriously strict rules about how many of their credit cards you can have and apply for.
You may be nervous or timid about making the reconsideration phone call, and that’s understandable. But don’t worry. It gets easier each time, and I can happily say that after many of these calls, I’m still batting 100%.
Just like everything else in life, it’s all about confidence; you feeling confident in your answers and reasoning, which in turn makes the credit card companies feel confident in you as a customer.
So follow the rules below, crush the reconsideration phone call, and watch your miles balance go up.
Note: While we’ve used the steps below most frequently for calling the Chase reconsideration line, they also work for other credit card issuers.
1. Chat Up the Credit Card Reps
It seems simple, but these folks put up with a ton of crap each and every day. Just being kind and pleasant already puts you ahead of the curve. And if you treat them like a real human with an actual personality, you’re in the top 10%.
When I call in, it always somehow comes up that I’m location independent. Usually, the reps find this interesting and enjoy asking me further questions about it (how long have you been doing that, do you enjoy it, where do you live now, etc.).
If you’ve read any of this blog, you know I love to talk. So I happily oblige them with some friendly chatter. This makes the call more enjoyable for both of us (especially the rep).
Is this the main reason that my reconsideration calls are successful? Probably not, but the reps are empowered to make decisions, so coming off as friendly and good-natured certainly doesn’t hurt!
2. Have a Plan
If you have a few cards with a company, oftentimes they won’t mind approving you for a new card. But they might not want to give you more total credit.
To remedy this, they might ask you to move some of your credit from an old card to the new card that you are applying for. Or, they might ask you to close an old card and use that credit line for the new card.
Know ahead of time which card(s) you would prefer to move some credit from or which card you’d be willing to close. Don’t offer to do this right away, but also don’t go in blind.
Knowing how you plan to answer these basic questions should they arise will make the rep that much more inclined to approve your request. If you seem confused and flustered, however, you’re not going to inspire any confidence.
3. Know the Key Benefits of Your Existing Cards
If you’re like me and don’t wish to close out any accounts, know the key benefits of each card.
That way, instead of simply saying “I like having all these pretty cards in my wallet” you can say “I really enjoy using all my Chase cards because X card gives me _________, Y card is great for __________, and Z I use for ___________.”
Here’s a real-life example using my Chase cards:
I love my Chase Sapphire Preferred because it has no foreign transaction fees, so I always use it when I travel abroad. I always use my Chase Ink Business Preferred for all my Facebook ads since I get a 3x bonus for online advertising, and the Chase United Explorer is my go-to card when I’m buying tickets on United since I get 2x for every $1 spent. And since I live in New York, a United hub, I’m always flying with them!
4. Never Mention the Signup Bonus
Sure, the real reason you might want the new card is because of the signup bonus (especially considering the hefty sign-up bonuses Chase regularly offers), but never tell the rep that. Credit card companies don’t want people who are in for the quick “wham, bam, thank you credit card man.” They want loyal customers who will spend on their cards.
This is what makes rule #3 so important. Give the representative a reason or two that you need the new card (other than the signup bonus), and you’ll move a lot closer to a successful reconsideration call.
5. Don’t Give Up a Credit Line (Unless You Have To)
In rule #2, I told you to be prepared to move credit or close a different card, but this doesn’t mean you have to bring it up. Oftentimes, a rep will politely steer you towards closing an account (“Are there any accounts that you have with us that you may not use as much or may not need?”).
Instead of getting flustered or panicky and giving up an account right away, hit them with the reasons you outlined in rule #3 and tell the rep why you like each card.
Sometimes, just this little bit of knowledge and confidence will be enough for the rep to grant you the new card without shifting any credit or closing an account. If that happens, great! You’ve really scored on your reconsideration call.
Other times, they may say that they just can’t give you any more total credit. If that’s the case, always try to move some credit from one of your other cards to the new card but keep them both open.
If that doesn’t work, only then agree to close one of your accounts to get the new card.
6. If You Get an Unhelpful Rep, Hang Up and Try Again
One of the biggest mistakes people make is panicking and thinking that they have to make a decision instantly. You don’t!
Sometimes, a reconsideration call won’t go the way you want it to. Often, this is because the representative is refusing to listen to you, seems unwilling to give you the card, or simply doesn’t understand your situation. If this happens, just tell them thank you, hang up, and try again.
There are thousands of customer service representatives out there, so it’s not worth your time or aggravation to deal with one that isn’t working for you. Don’t feel compelled to agree to anything at that moment.
Hang up, collect yourself, and call back. I’ve done this multiple times, and every time, I’ve been glad I have.
Go Crush Your Chase Reconsideration Phone Call
Ok, so what are you waiting for? You’ve read the rules, so now it’s time to put them into action. Make your plan, crush your reconsideration phone call, and get the Chase cards you want.
To make things easier, here are the reconsideration phone numbers for all the credit cards we recommend (including Chase and other issuers):
Chase Credit Card Reconsideration
- 1-888-270-2127 (personal cards)
- 1-800-453-9719 (business cards)
American Express Credit Card Reconsideration
- 1-877-399-3083 (new customers)
- 1-866-314-0237 (existing customers)
Capital One Credit Card Reconsideration
Capital One doesn’t have a dedicated reconsideration line. So you’ll need to call either the customer service or credit card application phone number:
- 1-800-227-4825 (existing customers)
- 1-800-695-5500 (application phone number, best for new customers)
Trav, what is the downside of closing a card? We have some that get very light use. I wouldn’t close a card that I have had for several years, but what is the problem with closing one with less than 3 or 4 years?
Appreciate the good advise. I’m pretty new at this and it reeally helps.
@Josie and Larry Hedgpeth – The downside to closing a card is that it will hurt your credit score a little bit because it will bring down your average age of accounts and also lower your total credit limit. So, I’d only recommend closing a card if it had an annual fee that wasn’t worth paying. And in that case, then closing one out of many isn’t a big deal, but always keep open at least half of the cards you have. This post should help you out some too – explains more in depth what I just mentioned.
Hello,
Does Capital One have Recon line? I was denied for too many inquires. I have 680 credit score, I have a current student loan with no missed payments, and Discover card 3 months old with no missed payments. Does you think it’s worth a shot?
@Andre Allen – I would ALWAYS give it at least one shot because it can’t hurt. 680 is on the lower end of scores that they typically approve for the best credit cards, so it might not work, but again, can’t hurt. So give a call and let me know what you hear!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I applied for Visa Aamazon Card, issued by Chase and got the 30 days message for a few days. When it changed to 7-10 days message I called and got the news that it had been denied (no reason given, even when asked), asked for recon and was told that a “recon procedure” was put on file and that I’d receive news by mail sometime during the next couple of weeks.
I asked if there was a way to get an instant response and offered to provide any information they might need to get an approval and was told that the recon procedure goes to a different department and that the rep that was on the phone is not the one deciding. Has any of this happened before? should I try again?
@Morris – Yeah, that has happened before and you do have to make sure you are getting someone from the recon department on the line (as opposed to just some random customer service rep who doesn’t have the power to make a decision like that). I’d ask to be transferred to the recon department, and if they can’t do that, then simply google search and see if you can find the recon number if the one I had listed didn’t work.
But yes, I would 100% try again.
I applied for the chase freedom unlimited card but evidently got declined, I called for a reconsideration and provided even more proof to help my situation but got declined due to having a high balance with my most recent card. I completely paid off 3 cards with a high outstanding balance 2 days later and called for another reconsideration since every card under my name is now completely paid off. The rep said he would have to run another hard inquiry to check my info but I told him I recently checked with credit karma and it still showed my old info and there was a 5 day wait for it to refresh with the new info, so my question is if I call again when my new info and score update and they run another hard inquiry is there going to be 2 separate chase inquiry’s on my report (one inquiry from the first time I called and my report was pulled up and a second from this new call) or will the two reports which were pulled up count as only 1 inquiry from chase since it hasn’t passed the 30 day reconsideration deadline?
@Gustavo Flores – Usually, and I stress usually because this isn’t 100% the case, the hard pulls get combined in to 1 if they are done that close. So I would risk it – it should get put in to 1 hard pull.
Got nowhere with 3 CSRs re: “too many new accts” w/ Chase
@me- Is it because you have opened over 5 cards in 24 months? We have a new post coming out about the Chase 5/24 rule. Basically, you can’t open more than 5 credit cards (any card, not just chase) in a 24 month period or Chase will deny you…boo!
Thanks so much for the article. It was really helpful. I have two quick questions.
1) If I am an authorized user for a southwest credit card under my husbands name, should we cancel that card before applying for my own southwest business and plus credit cards?
2) I was planning on applying for the Southwest Plus credit card after I was approved for the business credit card. Is it ok to wait to apply? Or should I apply for them both at the same time? Will this hurt my chances in getting the companion pass points.
@Kellye Statton –
1. No, you don’t need to cancel your card that you’re an authorized user on. You can keep that and still get your own account.
2. It doesn’t really matter what order you do them in. You could wait or you could go for them both at the same time. It’s basically the same as far as your chances of getting approved nowadays.
Hi Trav,
I was denied for the Chase Hyatt card because of too many cards in 30 days (you may remember I was the one who just got approved for the two Southwest cards). I called the Recon Line and they were able to approve me by moving credit around. Chase is amazing. I am hoping to use it on one of your and Heather’s most overrated hotels; the Vendome in Paris.
On a completely unrelated note, I still cannot believe you and Heather have not been to Budapest or Hungary. If you go in shoulder season, the crowds are lighter and it is relatively cheap. You are also within striking distance of several other countries.
Getting back to the original point, the Chase Recon line number for personal cards has changed. It is now: 1-888-270-2127 per Reddit and a few other sites. As well as me just calling them 20 minutes ago. Also on this thread, have you ever considered either you or having someone go through all of the older blog posts and updating them? For instance, one of your posts on best frequent flier miles lists US Airways. It brought me back to the good old days.
Thanks again and please keep coming out with new podcasts. They help me through my day.
Josh
Thanks for this post! This was my guide to calling in and attempting to get the United MileagePlus Card with the 50k bonus miles. Two different reps told me that I was denied due to too many cards being opened. When I asked if they could scoot around some of my existing credit line, the answer was no. They said the decision was final. One nice rep did offer to read me the opened cards that were taken into consideration, and what do you know, there were five cards in the past 24 months. Although neither rep would confirm the new(ish) 5/25 rule, one did specifically tell me that the past two years were what used to determine my application. Conclusion- they are sticking to the 5/24 rule, but not talking about it. Looks like I will have to wait until September if I want to open a new Chase card.
I meant 5/24 rule both times. Typo!
Hello, was recently denied for a t0k businessline line of credit with Wells Fargo Small Business. The three reasons were: delinq, charge off, and account balance all from my personal credit history. The business has an excellent rating 89/100. I wrote a reconsideration using some of your tips. I haven’t read where you recommend your tips for LOC only credit cards, but I am expecting an approval. My letter was 2 pages and I included evidence (excerpts from my personal report and a full copy of my business report). I reinterate my purpose for the LOC business expansion and working capital.
Do you think your tips will be helpful with LOC?
@Anonymous – Not sure what you mean by LOC. If you explain, maybe I can help.
Thanks Trav, I was denied but I just had a 13 dismissed, so I think I will try again next week I have a 704 fico. Thanks for you info.
I applied for a chase southwest card. It was pending approval. I called the recon line spoke to a rep. Went over all my info, and told me I should receive a letter in the mail stating the decision. I thought they made a decision. Instantly. Please assist me on next step
@jakenia – how did this turn out?
This information is great, I never knew a reconsideration line was an option! I applied for the Chase United Explorer and received the decision pending screen. In my experience this typically means denied. I was one of those kids who really messed up with credit cards in college, but now (almost 10 years later) have a credit score in the high 700s. Pay off balances in full every month. In college I did have a Chase card that went unpaid for a while, finally paid it off, but the account was then closed… My guess is this could be a flag still? Do I call the reconsideration line right away or wait until I receive the letter in the mail? Thank you for your help!
@Sam- You could do either, but I don’t think it hurts to call right away and talk to someone. Always easier to get a real person to understand your situation than some automated system. I’d call and see what they say.
This is very helpful. So glad i found a very recent article. What is your advice on applying for an AMEX? Has anyone ever mentioned anything to you about them?
@Zay – Amex operates the same way. If you don’t get instantly approved, you can call up and try to see if you can get approved by talking to a rep.
I don’t really want the low line BoA Cash Rewards card that I’d be giving up to get Alaska Airlines opened, so I’m inclined to offer it up right away. It’s a useless card to me because I have much better Rewards cards, and I really don’t want two BoA Cards. I only want Alaska, but was denied.
Update and data point from my Dec 15 post on this thread..
Called BofA to see about getting my Secured Card graduated early. Was told it would be a hard pull since I was technically asking for additional credit, but if I waited for it to graduate automatically it would only be a softie. Thanked the CSR and declined. That was in Dec, now here we are in Jan and I get a letter from BofA saying they were graduating my card to unsecured, raising cl from 500 to 2000 and removing annual fee permanently. Cool! This was the 99/500 card and was my very first cc. I opened it in april 2015, so it graduated after 9 mos.
Hey! Thanks for writing this great post! I recently applied for both the Citi Thank You Premier and Chase Sapphire Preferred card and was denied by both for lacking credit history. Is there anyway I can negotiate my way through this? I have a FICO score of around 700 but only 5 months of credit history with 1 open line right now. How long of a credit history do you typically need to get approve for such cards?
@Con – Definitely call them up and explain the situation. I think you have a good shot of getting them. And if they say no, call back one more time. If you still get denied, then I’d try again 3 months later.
Hi Trav,
Love your blog.
Four months ago, I applied for United Explorer Business but was denied due to I had a Marriott business card open. I have closed Marriott’s card about 3 months ago. Do you think I could reapply for United Explorer Business or wait for a couple of months longer? Thanks.
@Tsui – Yeah, you could apply now because enough time has passed.
Recently thought I’d applied for both the Chase Southwest personal & business cards while on a flight. Instant approval for the personal card. Patiently waited 2+ weeks on the business card, finally called in but was told they had no record of the business application. Given the span between applications now would you recommend waiting the 3 month period before applying for the business card again? Thanks!
@colby- if you don’t NEED the companion pass right away, then I’d wait. But…you still might be able to get the business if you apply for it right away. So the call is really yours.
Sometime ago I consolidated some bills and my chase account was one of them. Since then I retired. I still have my card and would like to reactivate it, so I reapplied for credit on line. It has been over a month and I have not heard from them, should I continue to wait or call for their decision.
@Sylvia Greene- I’d definitely call, for sure. Can’t hurt, and will speed the process along.
Late December 2015 applied for a Chase Freedom and an AARP Cash Rewards (Chase) at same time. Got immediate acceptance on the Freedom but the Chase got “pending.”
Called the Recon line that afternoon and was told it was denied because too many cards/apps recently. Asked if they could move some of my credit from another card and rep said no.
Got the denial letter a few days later. Waited a couple of days and then called back again, spoke nicely, and asked if they could move credit from another line.
The nice lady hooked up me up. As this write-up explains, it pays to try and if you fail, try again.
@Marshall- Congrats, and I totally agree. Just keep trying – worst they can say is no.
I just wanted to leave my experience on this here: I tried for a Chase Ink Business card 6 months ago and go rejected. I called, went through the tough recon questions – failed miserably. Admittedly, this was when I was first starting out – so I didn’t really know what to expect yet.
However, I tried for the Southwest business card recently. Got rejected initially. Read elsewhere of other people having success just waiting and not giving them more information to reject you with. Sure enough, 10 days later, I got an email letting me know “Your card is on the way!”
I do have a question Trav – I’m trying to get the Companion Pass. I don’t have the personal card yet. Should I wait to apply for it until I meet the min spend on the business and pay it off (already met min spend, just need it to post), or does that not even come into play when applying for personal cards? I’m anxious to go ahead and get it!
@Ben- Thanks for the data point, and congrats on getting approved.
You don’t HAVE to wait- but if you got any other cards in the last 3 months, I’d wait 91 days after you applied for the business one to go for the personal one. That is, if you don’t need the companion pass right away. If you just applied for the SW biz card and that is all, you may have some luck going for it much quicker than 91 days though, since you didn’t apply for other cards too.
Good luck!
Thanks for the insight! I do need it for a trip in February, so I think I might be rolling the dice on this one. I haven’t gotten anything else in the last 3 months, so I’m hopeful it’ll work.
Hi, I Just applied to Barclay Arrival with very low score, I was denied. I have a Wells Fargo paid well for almost 3 years, I have a Barclay for 6 months and other two stor cards. My Well Fargo showed a very high balance that I just paid in full 5 days ago. I have a Repo in 2011. I called recon and the person super friendly was about to approve me but didn’t because my high balance that I just paid off that he couldn’t verified. I ask if I call back once that shos paid will I have another hard pull. He said yes but shouldn’t affect me because pull is with them too. Should I recon again? I wish they would let me show proof that I paid that! What should I do because I don’t want another hard pull?
@Wilfredo- Yeah, it can’t hurt to try to call back and see if you get approved. But they are right – without another hard pull, they won’t be able to see you paid it off. If you do get denied again, best bet is to wait a few months and apply again.
I will call again and if not I will wait a couple of months and try again. I will keep everyone posted hopefully this can be helpful to others. Thank you!
Hi, Update! Call recon again and got approved for the arrival barclay with CL of $500 woooo hooo… is a low CL but I think is a recordof the lowest score because I’m like 618 fico… at least is a start! I’m so surprised. Hope this helps everyone. Thank you for your advice!
H, Update…. I was approved for the Barclay Arrival with a low CL $500 but I must have a record of the lowest score ever to get approved for this card.. fico TU 618…. wooooo hoooo… it is possible! Thank you for all the advice!
@Wilfredo – Awesome, congratulations. Nicely done!
Hi, Update…. I just got approved for the Barclay Arrival with CL of $500…. woooo hooooo…a low CL but I have a record of approval with the lowest score…. fico about 618 TU. Thank you for all your advice!
@Wilfredo – Awesome, congrats!
Great article! I have my first card a BofA secured card with $500 limit. Coming up to about 9 months with them. In that time got a Credit One unsecured 700 cl (yes sub prime company but wanted unsecured) and a discover it 1000 cl. Question is what is the likelihood of calling BofA and asking to unsecure my secured card and upgrading it to a BofA cash rewards while combining credit limits? Reason I would give, (and its the truth)is the cash rewards would be beneficial to my family. and if they have access to view my savings I have over 10k! and does unsecuring and upgrading change the date of my account as this is my oldest card? Thanks in advance from Seattle, GO HAWKS!
@Daniel- I would definitely ask them to change it from secured to unsecured. I don’t think it would change your date, but I would ask them that. It depends on if they upgrade your account or issue you a brand new account. That’s at the discretion of the company. Good luck!
I just talked to American Express asking that they reconsider my application (I get like 3 offers a week and never would have applied if I wasn’t sure I would be approved.). I used the phone number provided above. The unhelpful rep told me that she would have to send it to a different department who would pull my credit again, and there was nobody I could talk to. Does that sound right? I don’t want to call back if that is what they are going to tell me as well. So far everyone I have seen comment here has been able to get a decision over the phone – but I don’t see any references to AmEx… At this point I only want the card because I now have a hard pull and nothing to show for it. Thanks.
@Sierra- Yeah, I would try again. I know it’s frustrating to have to deal with them again, but…seems like your only option. And no, there is definitely someone that you can talk to, for sure. That’s totally wrong. I’d call again and get a different rep.
Thanks for the info. I applied for the southwest personal and business card just yesterday. Neither gave me instant approval, however I called the Chase reconsideration line for the personal card and was immediately approved after following your advice. However, I’m not sure what to do with the business card (it is a legitimate business with an EIN and revenue for over 2 years). I’ve recently read other blog posts saying Chase has made it much harder to get approval over the phone when you call the business reconsideration line as they hammer you with many questions regarding the business and sometimes require detailed information sent in. The other blogs recommendation was to not call and just wait to see if they mail you an approval letter or call you with more questions. What are your thoughts on what I should do? Thanks in advance for the help.
@Marcus- You can definitely wait if you’d like. The only reason I don’t wait is because I’m impatient and want to get stuff figured out right away. As far as them hammering you for details, if it’s a legit business anyway, those details shouldn’t be hard to provide. But it can’t hurt to wait, see if they approve you, and if they don’t, then call in.
Has anyone been asked to provide a copy of their social security card for the chase business card? Seems a little weird to me! Said something about my credit being mixed with my wife?
@Bill- I never have, but have heard of people being asked for proof, and sometimes that is social security card or something similar. So not too weird, I don’t think.
I was wondering if anyone got Chase to reconsider an initial credit limit. Just got the CSP but only 5k limit. I have another Chase card w a 18k limit. Was hoping for better. Can I call the reconsideration for that?
Thanks!
@LC- Yeah, you can call and ask for a higher limit. I’ve never personally done it because I haven’t needed to, but no harm in trying. All they can say is no.
I used the Citi pre-qualify on website. It said I qualified for 5 cards total. I applied for the card and was denied. I contacted the executive office and spoke with someone. He advised me that it was due to inquiries within the last 6 months. I explained the reason for duplicate inquiries and he said he would discuss it and call me within the next few days. I checked my email the next day and saw that I was approved!!! Citi EO Rocks!!!
@Kat – Nicely done…and congrats!
Whohoo! Finally landed the sapphire card!! After getting more courage with more research, I had already called the recon line and told me no after my score with equifax is euther 699 or 702, TU like 708, so neway, been on job 15 yrs … a bank at that lol .. home 10 yrs or more, 6 figure income, last month landed my first amex for 7500 so figured id go for a few cards since im climbing the ladder, got the review message online then went to reading, got the 30 day email felt hopeful, called regular cust svc and the lending line was closed, call back today after more reading got bold n went for recon line, nope, he said 4med collection, I said but there old and disputed, he said no 2 this yr n 2last and sont see a dispute so ok, said can I open dispute n call back, he said yes within first 30 days, so I immediately got online with EX cuz I read that’s who they use and seen 4 old from 2012 and one 2013, it had in comments that I disputed a while back but I did iy again in case it wasn’t active, went and did TU as well that only showed 3 open just in case, btw it had last updated dates as of recent those tricky people! Original open dates were 2012 .. so read so more n decided to gather more courage n call recon line again phew not even waiting cuz feel like he was wrong and I had a good argument, got a nice guy again, I talked really fast n told him I just called explained it all that the dates were wrong and disputes were old so I did it all over again…a little longer hold this time, 20min in all but he kept coming back to check on me ..last time he said sorry im trying to get this one approved I said ohhh no problem take ur time then I felt better phew finally came back 5000 cl approved yeah 1-2wks he said for delivering but oh well wanted bigger limit but ill work for it yeah thank u all for the motivation
@Jacquelene – Woohoo! Well done, and perseverance pays off!
I was asking for $1,000 increase. Maybe I should have asked for $500 increase. Should I wait for the denial letter before I call the recon line again?
@Sean- Yeah, I’d call them up again. No reason to wait.
I called the Chase recon line today after being denied of a CLI. I asked all the questions including my occupation and on why I would like a CLI. I’ve been declined again! This is the end of the world for me. :(
@Sean- What do you mean by CLI?
credit line increase
@Sean- All you were asking for was an increase, not trying to open a new card? How much were you asking for? Seems odd they would deny it unless you were already really high.
I applied for the new Bank of America World Rewards Amtrak master card last evening. I was denied and said a letter would be coming. Chase used to issue this card. I have a 722 Eperian score. I have a 2009 discharged bankruptcy on my CR. I do have several cards and about a 28k limits all with low or zero balances. Using 3% of my cl. I do have quite a few inquiries as well. Should I call the recon of BOA? Or is the bankruptcy auto denial with BOA
@Dale- I would always call, no matter what. It really can’t hurt. The bankruptcy might be an auto denial, but since it was 6 years ago, you might be able to talk them in to issuing the card based on all the good things you have going for you now. Definitely call, and use the steps above to help!
Hi,
I just wantred to say THANK YOU for the great article. I did not even know that I could call for reconsideration! I founf out by googling “credit card denial” or something like that! After trying 2 times for the NFL extra points card, I called the reconcile line because of your advice and it was approved! I was really happy. Thanks a lot!
@Larissa- Congratulations, and glad I could help! It never hurts to ask…and if you know what to say, even better!
Just thought I would share my experience on my reconsideration call.
When I got through to the rep he detailed for me the reasons for the rejection ans said that the case would be forwarded to an “underwriting team” as he could not make a decision. He was extremely friendly and we had a good bit of friendly banter during the call. So I think if could have done something on the spot he would have. No mention was made reducing credit on other cards. He asked me if I could add some context to the reasons for rejection and he would add that to the file that was being sent to the underwriting team.
Now all I can do is wait for 3-5 days and see if they come back with a different answer. He seemed to be very optimistic when I told him my debt to credit ration should be greatly improved since I applied for the card as I have made a large pay down of my outstanding balances.
Hoping for the best…
@Greg- How’d it go? Surprised he sent it to an underwriter…what credit card company was it?
Hi Trav,
Love your blog! Glad I found this. 3 weeks ago I applied for and was accepted for an Amex Everday Preferred, last night I applied for and was rejected for the SPG Amex card. I really want this card as I am planning on having an event at a Starwood property in BKK and (aside from the nice sign up bonus) I would really like the 5X category pts on this. I will use the reconsideration line to escalate. Is there a way to go through SPG to escalate and insinuate that getting the card will be a factor in choosing the hotel for the event? (even though it’s a done deal that we are having the event there) or is going through Amex the only escalation route?… your thoughts and advice on this would be helpful (although the tips above are already very helpful). One question on the calling back strategy. Do they keep a record that you already called in to the reconsideration line and will this affect your chances of success?
@Greg- I would always tell you that it can’t hurt to throw out the fact you are hosting something at their property, or plan on it. However, Amex is the company giving you the card while Starwoods is the property, so there is a bit of a disconnect there. Still, definitely mention it.
As far as the call back, I’ve never had them tell me “we saw you just called in earlier”, so while they might have a record, I don’t think they will use it to throw it in your face or anything like that.
Spk with recon dept for Barclay-She was really nice-asked a few questions about balances-placed me on hold for couple of mins-approved application. Advised in 6 mos of pay history can be considered for increase. 1000 CL to start-I’m happy with this opportunity. Thanks for the info on this site!
@st616- Glad you got approved, congrats!
Hi Trav, I was declined for a Citi Diamond, July 3, 2015. I came across your blog which has been very informative. I apologize if the following is too much information. Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of my credit cards.
1) First National Bank of Omaha – May 2015 – $1000 CL – Equifax 630
2) Chase Slate – May 2015 – $1000 CL – Experian 683
Citi has probably given me much more because they asked for transcript of enrollment in Summer courses. Citi cards are:
3) Citi Double Cash – June 21, 2015 – $3600 CL – Experian 683 – 22.99% after promotional APR
4) Citi Simplicity – June 24, 2015 – $5400 CL – Experian 745 – 18.99% after promotional APR
5) Citi Thank You Preferred – June 30, 2015 – $5400 CL – Experian 752 – 15.99$ after promotional APR
My credit score jumped after the third card. Apparently because I had zero credit card usage in nine years. As of 8/2/15 my Equifax is at 683 and Experian at 750. Citi told me I was declined for the Diamond card because of too many inquiries, but that the application did not do a hard pull from my credit score, and I checked – it did not. I called Customer Service a few times. One person told me to wait 90 days, another 30 days, another 60 days. It has been 30 days, and I was going to apply to either Citi Diamond or Discover (they have done soft pulls on my report every 1-2 weeks from May to July 27, 2015. Citi Diamond is my first choice because they gave me $14400 for three cards. With Discover I don’t know what I would get. Maybe Discover would be good because I have 4 pulls from Experian and Discover usually pulls from Equifax (my Equifax has only one pull). I would like to get about $5000 more in credit. What should I do?
Thank you,
Matt
@Matt- I’m wondering what it is you particularly like about the Citi Diamond and the Discover cards? They aren’t bad cards, but certainly not the best for getting travel points. Can you fill me in?
Hi,
This are very helpful tips. I have very low scores because of losing two jobs in 2011 and again 2013, (3 baddies) with scores of 655tu 651eq 616ex, and been applying to cards that are way above my league but the one I wanted the most to reestablish credit was the Barclaycard. I was denied when I applied online when that card was coming up with good chance of approval.
I figured I should wait and bring my score up to point that I would get instant approval. Then I saw that they had a recon number about a month later after I had applied. I called and without even knowing your tips did most of the things that you’re pointing out. It was another hard pull but totally worth it because I was approved! From this point on I will fallow your tips and always call recon number. I want to bat 100% too. Thank you!
@Freddy Bueiz- Awesome, and congrats on getting approved. Bringing up your score isn’t always easy, but it’s well, well worth it.
I applied for the Chase Freedom two weeks ago and was declined yesterday via mail.
I just don’t have much credit..my score is 640
I have one other card that i co-signed with my fiancé (April 2015) to pay off my engagement ring, and an auto loan (September 2013) that was paid off two weeks ago.
The reasons they have listed for me being declined were
Length of time since oldest credit card opened too short
Balances of credit cards are high compared to credit lines
Too many recently opened revolving accounts compared to all revolving accounts (i don’t know what a revolving account is)
Total available credit on credit cards is too low
Any advice? Would calling the recon line be a good idea?
Im new to credit so I’m unsure of how to plea my case over the phone
Thanks!
@kamryn- Calling the reconsideration line is ALWAYS a good idea. Try using the strategies above when you call in and good luck!
Data Point / Success Story:
Hi,
I am posting a small success story. Recently I applied for two Southwest personal credit cards (Premier and Plus) at the same time in order to get the 50K signup bonus towards the companion pass and received the pass recently. I got pending on both of them and called up the Chase recon desk after reading here. The first card was approved easily after giving some income details and such. The second card was not approved however, I called up recon and the rep was very unhelpful. After speaking for a few mins, I asked to transfer to a supervisor and she was very tough as well. She said she cannot approve this since there are too many new applications (got the Sapphire Preferred earlier in March). I suggested to move credit and she wouldn’t approve even after a lot of talking. I did a HUCA afternoon and got another agent. This rep was very fair and understanding, asked for income details and asked me to hold the line. He came back and said that he would have to move credit from an older Freedom card and approved it finally.
Let that be an advice for people who are getting denials, HUCA a few times. Its worth the effort.
This place has been a lot help with regards to the useful info without which this would not have been possible. Thank you all for that !
In anyone is interested, I met the min spends using Simon mall vgc -> Redbird.
Now, would appreciate any advice on how to make most of the Comp Pass :) !
I have many CCs and have never received a declined appl. I applied yesterday for the Citi Thank you premier card online and the response was to call them because they “need more information” Should I call the number they provided or the Citi reconsideration tel #
thank you,
Mindi
@mindi f- I’d call the number they provided first, and see what they say. Then, if you need to, call the recon.
UPDATE: After reading your comments about not waiting to call recon, even though I had already spoken to them and they told me to wait two weeks before calling them back, I felt I should call back sooner rather than later. So I did and spoke with someone in their security department who was very nice. I explained that I wanted to be sure my very sensitive personal documents they had requested had indeed arrived. The nice gentleman I spoke with assured me it was perfectly fine for me to call again. He didn’t know, however, if the docs had arrived and so he said he would verify my identity another way, by asking me a series of questions. He asked a lot of questions about where I had worked in the past, where I had lived, names of counties I had lived in, etc. He asked me when I lived in certain states I had never lived in (trick question I presume) and also questions about my roommate and where he had lived in the past etc. It was a friendly conversation and all in all lasted nearly an hour. I was put on hold a couple of times but by then I “was all in” so it didn’t matter. Finally he told me they were going to approve me but I needed to speak to someone in credit first. I was transferred to another very nice person who asked me 3 or 4 verifying questions and then politely asked if I would mind if they did a hard pull on my Experian. By then I decided I had bent over backwards to get the card but this time I said “no”. I told him I didn’t want another hard inquiry on my credit report and he was very nice, said he understood and then proceeded to approve my application, thanking me for my persistence and for what he saw on my report as paying my accounts on a timely basis. The CL was only $1,000 but it’s really all I was expecting based on my limited income.
I wanted to make sure I let you know my experience and tell others to take your advice and call right away. Don’t wait. If you wait it could be too late.
Thanks again for the great info!
The Barclay reconsideration # is:
1-866-408-4064
Cheers!
@Jon- Congrats, and thanks for sharing with us. It always helps to hear more data points.
Are the travel credit card without annual fee worth it?
Most of the best travel credit cards do have an annual fee but the bonus rewards are worth it. If you find a really good one without an annual fee, then it is definitely worth it and you should keep it open indefinitely.
PS: I meant to say: Capital One Quicksilver, not Chase Quicksilver. :)
Hi. Thanks for this great platform. I applied for a Barclay Rewards M/C online and was denied. I had just been approved for a Chase Quicksilver and wanted the Barclay too, for different reasons. I called the reconsideration line a couple of days later and a very nice young lady spoke to me, asked me a couple of questions and then told me I didn’t have a long enough credit history and denied me again. I was really bummed because the Barclays Rewards card is the one card I wanted the most. So I decided I would call them again. This was after I had looked at my TU report and saw a couple of things wrong with it. So when I called back I was armed with the knowledge of my credit report and also why I wanted the card. I went through a lot of questions this time and then was transferred to the security department. A very nice man asked me some questions about why I wanted the card and a couple of other items on my report and then he told me he would be able to approve it but I needed to send in copies of my driver’s license, social security card, and bank statement showing current address. I couldn’t fax or email them. They had to go by snail mail and front and back copies of IDs. I thought it was a bit unusual and debated with myself if I really wanted the Barclay card bad enough to go to the trouble. I did. And so I sent them what they requested Priority mail. I waited a couple of days and called them again to make sure they had received it. The person I spoke to didn’t know if they had or not and gave me their direct line to call back in two weeks. I’m just wondering if you ever heard of this before and what do you think my chances are of getting their card? I have no idea why they felt they needed to verify my identity this way. Anyway…I will anxiously await your reply.
TU Score 670
@Jon- I have heard of people having to verify their identity like that, yes. I would keep calling back. It is weird that the first rep wouldn’t notate that on the account though so that future reps knew what to look for.
So I would definitely call back again, describe the situation, and see what they say this time.
Thanks a lot for your advise. My application was initially rejected for Chase Freedom but on the first call to recons line, it got approved. Your article & the comments really helped and I do appreciate it.
Glad it worked out!
I just graduated from college in May and have read your posts about college students applying for impressive travel rewards cards. That has been my goal for some time now, since I will be going backpacking in Europe shortly and then will be working in Thailand for a few months after that. The rewards on the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card seem matched by no other. I just applied and am assuming I will get denied, due to the immediate “application pending review” screen and an obviously low gross annual income at the moment. However, I’ve been building a credit history for four years due to paying off interest on student loans, and I’ve also been an authorized user on an Amex with my parents for these four years as well.
I know you’ve mentioned in both articles about having a script ready for these reconsideration phone calls. What structure would you recommend for this script? And how quickly after applying would you make the phone call? Thank you so much! Any advice would be helpful.
@Emily- Glad to see you jumping on the “travel train” at such an early time in your life – it won’t disappoint!
As far as a script, I just follow the rules in this article. I change it up here and there, but really, it’s just using these tips. You can call back whenever you want. I actually usually do it right away, that day. Chase especially will be able to approve you instantly.
Hope that helps!
Applied for the Chase Ink Plus business card couple weeks ago for the promoted sign up bonus and got denied. I did call the recon number and went thru all the usual questions that they will ask about the business. Everything seems fine till the last question, they asked about the projected monthly spending on the card and I went with 12k. Then the rep said a further review will be conducted. I’ve just received a letter from Chase today and informed me about the decline. Reason is too many recent inquiries. I did apply for a personal Chase card about a month ago and instant approved for 28K. I have 810 FICO, a house mortgage with Chase with 10 more years to go, another 20+ years Chase credit card.. Still got declined !
Question is, will they able to relocate some credit line from my personal cc to the business card? Thanks for your advice and I guess I will call one more time and see if they will re-consider.
@Ray- Yeah, you seem like a great candidate. I would definitely call one more time and see if they could relocate some from the personal to the biz. Can’t hurt, really, and you have a good chance with your high score.
Great information.
Got denied for Southwest Premier by Chase. Called immediately after online system said pending review. Credit history has one (1) bad collection line for unpaid medical of roughly $2,000. Initially told too few credit lines, short history, etc. I was fine with that decision.
Upon receipt of the letter I really felt like disputing the inquiry as I had responsed to numerous pre screened offers. Instead I found this information with the phone number.
Called and spoke with an extremely friendly person. Used common sense and the call was going awesome. It came to verifying my ID information. We never used credit for 15 years, everything paid off, etc. Only two years ago did we get a 2500 secured card from Capital One.
Got approved after building credit over the last two years, including loan of 10,000 for our brand new car and no inquiries. So I was motivated to make this reconsideration work. Rep gave fax number, I went to obtain documents, faxed them a week later. Called and another great rep, I did have to cheer up the rep as their morning sounded like it was rough.
My huge advice is be an active listener, take notes, build on relationship not personal interest. I still know the names, upcoming travel of one, number of children and other personal information of all three reps.
Once my information was verified they transferred me back to a regular application line and this was my scariest transfer but did not show it. The rep took a good ten minutes came on with more verifying multiple choice questions which I have seen before online in obtaining credit report. The process has been less than 50/50 matching me in the past.
Everything matched and the rep said I was approved for $5,000. I was not expecting that large on a line and now looking at closing my Capital One relationship. Why?
Their reps are not empowered by the Company. Numerous times I have made $1,500 payments on my secured card. A few months ago I applied for a reward card and approved for $500. Making payments after almost every weekend it was held. I called and only once after a half dozen attempts did I reach an empowered manager who lookup up my payment history, apologized and removed the 5 day auto holds.
Really look forward to using Chase. I also love 15,000 TQP (Teir points per year) which might move me from A-List to A-List Preferred with free internet. :)
Credit Score: 720 (Experian/FICO)
@Alan- Thanks for sharing, totally agree. It may take time, but…it’s so, so worth it in the end and it never, ever hurts to build a relationship.
thanks for the great post.
well, i just got rejected for the ink plus. i was literally told that while i have been handling my existing cards with Chase ‘excellently’, there is a time issue (only 1 year with chase) because of which they have rejected the app.
now i think i may have called the line prematurely, soon after i applied for the ink plus online. Can you please advise in case i should wait for the rejection letter or try again for reconsideration within 1-2 days. i was just approved for sapphire preferred 2 days back. i know i shouldnt have applied for ink, but thought business cards are different than personal ones, so jumped the gun.
please advise !!
@Vish- I think you should try to call back in a few days. Worst they can say is no again. They are tightening up on business cards, so there is a chance you don’t get it, but it can’t hurt to try. So far, you’ve done everything right, so no worries.
Just want to say a big THANK YOU to Trav for this awesome page’s content and advice. I took it andcame out on top.
Like many, I’m a bit intimidated by thebanks -they’ve the key to one’s credit after all. I really thought their first decision on a denial was final and that each reconsider is a hard pull on ones credit. Not true. Also true is that some reps mentality is ‘how can we make this happen’ and some is ‘how do I get to NO and the next call as quickly as possible’. So I called 3 diff times and the last rep made it happen. She did close a card I wasnt using with a 10k limit and put the limit on the new card – Slate which is a great card right now for BT.
So don’t feel bad if the first rep says no. BTW, I have v good credit, numerous cards with Chase, and bank with them. So I was surprised to have to go through this process.I say this because one should know that its not just calling till you get the right rep — if your usage, income, credit etc don’t support the reconsideration, it won’t happen. Even me, when she first approved it was told – OK you will have a 1000 credit line. I had to say that’s useless for a BT card till she suggested the credit swap.
Thus, take heart friends: Fortitudine vincimus
@wordsfailing me- Congrats, and glad this advice could help you. Thanks for the kind words!
Thanks for the advice! Couple of questions — Would it help to prioritize a list of cards I’m interested in and get the top 1 or 2 cards first (like Chase Sapphire Preferred and maybe Carlson) then spend on those cards for a couple of months (beyond the signup bonus) and pay the bills – being a good customer, etc.
Then would it make any difference if I spread out my credit card application process by 2-3 cards every 90 days or so?
And if denied (and after an unsuccessful recon call to Chase/Citi/US Bank) can I reapply in 3-6 months and get accepted?
There are so many great opportunities out there and I want to strategize and try and get ’em all!
@Mel- Yes, that is exactly what you want to do. If you need help figuring it all out, I can put together a plan. Just fill out this form:
http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/free-credit-card-consultation/
just had a very successful recon conversation with Chase thanks to your tips! 50,000 points on southwest, here I come :)
@lily- Congrats…sure feels good, right?
Toll free numbers in the US can be called free of charge with Skype. Used to do it all the time from OZ.
@Jman- Good to know. I never checked if they charged me for toll free ones, so happy they weren’t.
How do you call the reconsideration line from outside of the USA? I don’t have a cell phone. Can you provide a non-toll-free number for calling Barclay’s? I already have a Barclay’s card (trying to get a second one of the USAirways card). Can I just call the number that’s on the back of my other card and ask for a reconsideration line or credit analyst? I’m currently in India.
Also, do you think that it might be unwise to call from a public phone and provide a bunch of personal information? How common is it that lines are tapped, leading to identity theft?
Thanks,
Eric
@Eric- I call from Skype and do it quite often. You can either get a plane to call the US (like $4 or something a month) or just pay per minute, it’s super cheap. That’s your best option. Just make sure the wifi connection is pretty solid so you don’t lose the call halfway through.
this is amazing. I applied last night for the Ink business card. I called recon this morning and after a couple minutes of chatting it up (thanks for the advice!), approved! Looking forward to getting this in the mail and generating some points!
@Harish- Nice! Congratulations.
Followed your steps worked like a charm!
@Chris- Awesome, glad to hear it!
I was just about to post that the call to Citi didn’t work to get my 2x reward card, but I tried a second time and the women I talked to had to pull my credit again, but when she did she approved me for a 1,200. I was ecstatic obviously lol. Thanks for the help, it really worked. If it doesn’t work the first time, I learned to try and try again lol.
@Greg- I always try at least 2x, usually 3x. After 3x, I give up, but again, it never hurts to try. Worst they can say is no, and you’ve wasted 10-15 minutes.
My credit score has taken a huge dive lately due to medical bills being sent to collections. As embarrassing as that is to admit, it’s also relevant. Are recon lines typically used for individuals with little to no credit or for really anyone who can make a good case for having a new card with a company?
@Colin- Recon lines can be used by anyone. I’ve known people with barely any credit get reconsidered successfully, as well as people with certain issues, like you, that may have impacted their score. It’s definitely worth a try!
Just got off the phone with Barclays and got instant approval via the tips above. Thanks!
@jim- Awesome, congrats! What card was it?
Can you call the reconsideration line to get a higher credit limit? I was approved for the card but the credit limit was not to my satisfaction.
@Lincoln- Yep, you can ask for a higher credit limit, for sure. Have some reasons listed as to why you should have it, and then give it a shot.
I got the Citi AAdvantage Business Master Card credit card with the lowest credit limit I ever got. Their policy is having to wait 6 months for a higher limit.
@Jerry Mandel- Interesting. Had never heard that. I don’t really worry about limits usually, unless it’s on one of my main cards.
Got denied for the Chase Amazon credit card… Have a credit of 713 (from their letter), have never missed a payment, etc etc. My credit is only about 10 months old but still!! I called the reconsideration line and the woman put my application through again I guess? It wasn’t really what I was expecting. Oh well. Fingers crossed!
@Sara- Good luck..that’s strange that you got denied.
Travis,
Terrific post. I was just denied Ink Plus, and I called and followed your rules, and got it done, with a transfer of credit from an old card I never use. Thanks a miliion!
@AJ- Awesome! Congrats…feels good, doesn’t it?
I’m trying to rebuild my credit and have been given the stiff-arm from Capital One. They won’t give me any more than $500 on the two cards I have with them. I’m looking at the United MileagePlus Explorer card to try to gain a higher CL and have a card that will accommodate my work travel. I’ve still got some dark marks on my credit report… should I bother applying for this card? I don’t want to gain another hard inquiry (I’ve got quite a few thanks to a new car purchase and the dealer going nuts when trying to find me a lower rate) or just apply to be declined. Does calling this number and voicing my actual need really work?
Was just denied a credit line increase for my chase freedom card most likely because of to many inquiries. Do i need to wait for the denial letter before I call the reconsideration hot line?
@Richard- Nope, you can call whenever you’d like. I personally wouldn’t wait. Just call up now.
1. Do you have a number for Capital One reconsideration?
2. You showed 1-866-369-1283 for Barclays. Another source shows 1-866-408-4064. Why the difference?
3. Cap One seems to turn everyone down for too many inquiries
@Jerry Mandel- I think the Barclays one I have is out of date, and no, I don’t have a Cap1 reconsideration number unfortunately. If you find one and post it here, I’ll make sure to update it.
I just applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred and called their recon line right after. I was told I was not approved because of short credit history (1 year), so I just hanged up. I felt like a horrible person for doing that :'( I will try calling again a few hours later (paranoid parrot not wanting to get same rep again). Hopefully the rep didn’t just decline my application right there and there.
@Jose- All you can do is try, try again. I don’t think you’ll get the same rep, and if you did, you could say you got disconnected. Good luck!
I applied for Chase Sapphire Preferred card this past Saturday night, but got a “Thank you for applying, please be patient while we review your application further.”
WHAT?!?!?!?!?!!!!
I was not going to sit around for 30 days & wait, so I called the reconsideration line. The girl told me that the reconsideration department is closed, and call back on Monday. So today is Monday…
I called first thing in the morning, and after answering few questions, they approved my card! WooHoo! It will be at my house in 7 business days, she said.
Now I wish I would’ve signed up for the card sooner because I have a lot of holiday spending coming up very shortly…
Thanks, Trav!
@Eric Oh- That a boy! Well done my friend. The card should be coming sooner than that though, just be on the lookout.
Just a note to say thanks again Travis. Used your 6 tips to get reconsideration for the SW business premier card. Looking forward to grabbing the companion pass in January!
@Leigh- Excellent! Well done…and have fun with that Companion Pass. Hardest part is figuring out where to go…so many options!
Trav,
I just tried the SW plus personal and business card app and sure enough in a couple of days got a letter saying too many inquires on the business, was really bummed out. I just received the personal card today, however they said they had to close one of my other chase cards Chase Slate to get this one. It didnt matter since I never used it anyway, and dont know why I even got it, it was before I started reading you blog and found out about the whole world of rewards. What made me do it was when BOA said they were going to charge $5 for using the online bill pay, so the rest is history, the main thing I wanted to share was that I revisited your email about the reconsideration line. I got all my ducks in a row had my plan laid out and called the number to Chase reconsideration line. All he did was review my application and ask what kind of business I had and how much revenue I had and how much money I made by working. Slam Bam Thank You ma’m I was approved and the cards in the mail.
One final thing, I tried to open and Amazon Pay account for my wife and all went well until they asked for a web page and since I did not know what they wanted I left it blank and it would not accept the application because of it. Any ideas of what they want or did I do it wrong
thanks
ron
Am I the first one to get approved for a Citi card using the consideration line? Doubt it. Anyway I was declined a Citi card ( Hilton) due to maximum available credit ( utilization is low) and received the letter like a week later. My plan, I decided to call the consideration line and if not then write a letter. But I called 1.866.606.2787 ( in SD ) and was transferred to a very nice rep. She looked at my account and decided that I could move some CL around. Took less than 5 min and was approved!
@JLL- Interesting you should bring that up, because two days ago, I actually called the Citi Reconsideration Line as well and it was as painless as can be. They simply asked me to shift a credit line over and I got the card, just like that.
I was speechless!
I actually wasn’t denied the card, I just called right after I applied to expedite the process, and like I said, it went super smooth. It’s good to know it worked for an actual denial as well.
Looks like all those bad things I said about Citi might have to be revised. Times, they are a changing!
I not only had the bonus from the Citi AA business VISA but, after I switched from that one to the MC, they gave me the bonus for the MC. I guess I won’t complain about that.
Your advice is so valuable and useful for Chase cards.. Their reconsideration lines can work if you go with a right strategy. Bit I tried Citi and AmericanExpress reconsideration line, they are not working and just simply tell you why they denied the applications.
@Carol- I completely agree that Chase is definitely at the top when it comes to reconsideration phone calls and customer service in general. I’ve had some luck with Amex (although strangely, they are the ones that usually instantly approve me). I’ve never had any success with Citi at all. A reader told me the other day that they were able to get reconsidered and approved over the phone with Citi, so I was hoping that it was a sign of things to come, but I’m not holding my breath.
That’s one of the main reasons I focus most of my earning with Chase cards. The others just make it too difficult.
I just got turned down for a Citi AAdvantage business MC. The lady told me that I had a number of business cards on my credit report. I told her they were old ones from years ago and to look at the dates of those cards. She did and I was right and got the new MC cards. Actually, I was switching from a VISA business card to a MC business card.
@Jerry Mandel- Did you get the sign up bonus if you were switching from the VISA business card to the MC business card?
I got a postal mail invitation for 40,000 bonus miles after $3,000 spending in 3 months on a Citi AAdvantage business MC. So, I’ll have to wait until then. If I don’t get the miles, I’ll call Citi about it. I already got the 50,000 bonus miles from the VISA business card.
@Jerry Mandel- I’d love to hear how it goes. I only got the Visa a year ago and haven’t been able to get the Amex yet. If you get the bonus, that’ll be huge!
Actually, I had a good experience with the CIti reconsideration line – I applied for my first Citi card, and was initially turned down because my credit report showed that I didn’t have any balances, and thus didn’t use my cards! This is because I pay everything off so quickly that it looked as if I didn’t use any of my cards…I asked to speak to a supervisor, who agreed with me that it was silly to decline me for paying off my balances so quickly, and who was able to approve me for the card.
So it is possible to get approved for a Citi card over the phone – but ask for a supervisor!
@Ben- Wow, that’s amazing! I’ve never heard of anything getting done over their phone line. Thanks for letting us know this little work-around. Let’s hope that this means the turning over of a new leaf for Citi and isn’t just a flukey one-time thing.
Thanks again for telling us how you did it so that others can hopefully enjoy the same experience from Citi!
I got at turndown from Citi. Another reason to switch is that we shop at Sam’s Club which will take Master Card but not Visa.
@Jerry Mandel- Very true. That’s a great line to use when trying to grab a Mastercard. Good luck with your reconsideration.
A good reason is to switch from a card that doesn’t give first bag checked free (good for family with you, too.) to one that does give free check, The savings will more than pay for the annual fees.
@Jerry Mandel- That’s a good point. I usually use the reasoning that “I like the 2x on this airline because I’ll be flying it more now since ___________ (insert reason)” as why I want a different card but the free checked bag works well also. And if you travel more than once, that will easily pay for the annual fee!
Hi I applied for a citi business card and got declined and you write that it’s not worth calling them but rather write a letter can you give me an example of what to write and do you know if it helps
Thanks
Jack
@Jack- Sure, below is exactly what I wrote. Not sure how well it will be formatted, so if you’d like me to send you a copy via email, shoot me a message at trav@extrapackofpeanuts.com. As far as whether it will help or not, I can’t say. I didn’t get approved after the letter, but maybe you will. It can’t hurt.
CitiBank Executive Review Department
P.O. Box 6000
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in regards to account number ***************, which is an application for a Citi/AAdvantage Business Card made on November 8, 2011. I received an email on November 11, 2011 which stated that I was denied due to “too many credit inquiries.” I would greatly appreciate it if you could reconsider my application, based on the following reasons.
I opened up a Citi/AAdvantage personal card in July, 2011 and have thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of the card and the service Citi has provided. I enjoyed the card so much that I have actually gotten both of my parents, my sister, and two of my friends to apply for the card, all of which were approved immediately. As am I, all have been completely satisfied with the service of Citi and look forward to continuing the relationship for many years.
Personally, I have never once missed a payment and highly value my relation with your company. That is why, when looking to separate my business expenses from my personal expenses, and to get my first business credit card, the Citi/AAdvantage card was my first choice. While the company at this point is small, I would like to attempt to grow and expand, and getting a business credit card is the first step towards that goal. I would love for this to happen with the financial backing of Citi.
I am also willing to redistribute some of my personal credit line towards the business credit line if this would be necessary. I have found Citi to be very generous in their credit limit for the personal card and am not in need of such a high credit line on that card.
I would greatly appreciate if someone could contact me directly regarding this inquiry. As I am currently traveling quite a bit, email would be preferable. However, it is completely understandable that, if for confidentiality reasons, a phone call is necessary. I can be contacted at ************* or by phone at ***************. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
To make it clear, he received a denial letter in the mail first. Then he called up reconsideration, then got a 2nd denial letter in the mail.
Both denial letters listed # of recent inquiries, length of account history, lack of installment accounts.
When he called reconsideration and explained the recent inquiries, he said he didn’t understand why lack of installment accounts hurt him, and said that he knows his credit is only 2 years old but he has a good credit score and wants to try to establish a relationship with amex. Then the representative sent it for reconsideration, and he got the 2nd letter in the mail stating the same reasons.
Do you think we can still call up after the 2nd denial letter?
@Rob- I’d say give it one more shot, if he is up for it. That’s the one major strike against Amex and Citi; their reconsideration line isn’t nearly as easy as Chase. If he really wants the card though, it can’t hurt to call up again and ask. If not, he could try again at a later date.
A friend of mine applied for the Hilton American Express Hilton HHonors card, and has a short credit history of 2 years. He has a credit score of 715, and has 6 recent inquries in the last 6 months. He called up and was denied by the first representative. The 2nd representative sent it for review, and he got a letter in the mail recently saying he is rejected. Is this something we should continue to follow up with somehow? It seems weird to me to be rejected with a 715 credit score for those reasons. He has no previous relationship with amex and told them he wants to try to build one.
@Rob- When he got the letter in the mail, what was the reason that was stated for his denial? After finding this out (I’m assuming it was “too many recent inquiries”, but it could be something else) I would call back Amex again and try one more time to explain the situation. Definitely be persistent in saying that he wants to build a relationship with Amex and maybe even list the reasoning behind getting all the other cards recently. The more you show them you know, the better.
As always, it may not work, and he may still get denied, but it can’t hurt to try. If he does get denied again, he can probably still get the card, but he’ll have to wait 3 months until all his other recent inquiries are older.
Great post! I generally agree with your points, except for the part in #5 about generally not closing an account unless absolutely necessary. Sometimes it’s worthwhile to volunteer to close an account and move the LOC to the new card (especially if you were planning to close the old account anyway). That complies with your rule #2–go in with a plan!
@bf- Thanks, and I agree with you; if you want to close the account anyway (usually if the annual fee is coming up) than doing it while you are trying to get reconsidered is a good way to go about it. If you don’t want to close it just yet than I’d keep it open until you wanted to close it so that you keep that extra bargaining chip!
Great info on your blog… Kudos!
A few quick question about the cards:
1) Do you cancel the different cards right before the anniversary date? Curious what you meant by not wanting to close down another account in order to be reconsidered for a new app.
2) Is there any reason not to cancel them after you reach the spend (Aside from the obvious that you don’t want to raise a red flag)? Seems you’d need to close a chase xxx card before you could apply for a new one.
3) As for business cards, my wife and I have an LLC as well as each our own side businesses that we DBA under our socials. Any reason we can’t each apply for personal cards, business cards for the DBAs, and ALSO the LLC?
Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work!
@Scott- Great questions! Here are my thoughts:
1. I only cancel cards that I don’t think are worth the annual fee. For example, the Barclays USAir card gives you 10,000 USAir miles each year on your anniversary, so I feel that this evens out the $89 annual fee, and so I’ll keep it open. I also won’t cancel a card if it is one I use for everyday spending and has good category bonuses, such as the Chase Sapphire. I WILL cancel cards if I neither of these two things apply. An example of this would be my Chase Ink Bold. It doesn’t give any anniversary perks and I don’t specifically use it for certain spend enough to justify keeping it open.
2. I always keep them open until at least the 1 year anniversary even if I am planning on canceling just so I don’t raise red flags. With Chase, you can only ever get the bonus for a certain card once, so whether you close it or leave it open doesn’t matter because you won’t be able to get that specific card signup bonus again anyway (except under extreme circumstances).
3. This is the age old question. I personally don’t have experience with this because I only have one side business and I use my social. I have been able to get both a personal card and a business card of the same card (i.e. Chase Southwest personal and Chase Southwest business) with this. I’ve read that people who try to “triple dip” (using their social for personal and one side business) and the EIN for their LLC have been unsuccessful. However, I can’t say that this is for sure. I would say with a high degree of confidence that yes, you can get at least 1 personal and 1 business for yourself and 1 personal and 1 business for your wife. Getting that card for the LLC may prove to be tricky, though. If you decide to do it, please let me know how it turns out, as I’ll be starting my own LLC shortly and would love to know!
Thanks for your great tips – I just called the reconsideration line and this really helped. One question – can you call a reconsideration line for your spouse or do they need to call themselves? Any ideas would be appreciated, thanks!
@Joe- I don’t have personal experience trying it, but my feeling is that the person whose name is on the application will probably have to be the one calling in. Of course, it can’t hurt to try, and if they say no, then just hand the phone to your wife and coach her through it! Let me know if you find out for sure either way. That’d be a great little tidbit of info.
@Trav- I called, they said my wife needed to be there when I called (she was out at the time). I assume they verify identity and then will let someone else do the talking.
My wife identifies herself and then says her husband will do the talking. Always works.
@Jerry Mandel- That’s cool to know that it works that way.
i’d say #1 cheer up rep is SUPER important as I manage a team in a call center for 2 years. treat them well, you will be paid back i promise you. each rep has their own authorization and flexibility of approve your re-consideration request or decline it.
@Ben- Thanks for the “insider info”. I always wondered exactly how much that mattered. Looks like my hunch that it mattered alot is true after all! Makes sense…shouldn’t we be nice to other people anyway, after all?
1. Need Capital One reconsideration phone number. 2. Reps don’t seem to have any authorization. They always contact a supervisor for a decision.
Great article with lots of good tips. I am hoping you can help me out with a call I know I’ll have to make to Chase shortly. I currently have the Chase One Pass Mastercard, the Sapphire Preferred and the Marriott Premier. All are recent, within the last year. Marriott was opened in Nov.
I want to apply for the new Explorer Visa. I have a chance for 50K United miles. I am perfectly willing to give up the OnePass for it. Since the OnePass and the Explorer have the same benefits…what can I use as a reason for switching? The only difference is that one is a MasterCard and the other is a Visa.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Tom
@Tom- Glad you liked the article. Let me know if you have any other tips to add!
As far as advice, I’d try to get the United Explorer without giving up anything. It might work. Sometimes a rep who isn’t as with it might not even know the United Explorer and the OnePass are virtually the same card. If you do have to explain why you want both, I’d definitely state that the United Explorer is a Visa and the OnePass is a Mastercard. You can mention that there have been a few merchants that you’ve been to that won’t accept Mastercard, and so you’d like a Visa. If you need a specific example, I know for a fact that Dollar Tree doesn’t accept Mastercard but does accept Visa. I know its just one place, and just a dollar store, but I’d be fairly confident if you first told them that the cards were two different companies, and then backed it up with a specific example, that they’d see that as a very compelling argument.
Let me know if I can help in any other way, and definitely check back in and let us know how it goes! Good luck!
Do you think I can still call the chase bank reconsideration line to ask them reconsider my application after two months???
@Luke – You could try, but it may be too late. They might just ask you to reapply after 2 months.