Call the Reconsideration Line for a Second Chance on a Credit Card
Getting a credit card denied can seem like a tough blow, especially if you’re hitting hard times. But you still have a lesser-known last resort option – a renegotiation line, which allows borrowers to appeal their waiver directly with their lender. Here’s how to use it.
First, understand why you were turned down.
A credit card application can be rejected for a number of reasons, such as bad credit, low income, outstanding debts, too many credit cards, and seniority. Card issuers are required by law to tell you the reason your application was denied, so read the denial notice carefully and know why you were denied.
Some of these reasons may be obvious: for example, you don’t expect to qualify for a high-limit premium credit card if you have a terrible credit rating. However, since the original application is automated, many borderline cases are simply not eligible for credit. Fortunately, this is where the revision queues kick in: you can call the real person on the phone and state your approval – if you’re lucky, they’ll cancel the refusal.
Prepare for the call
There are no guarantees, but if you act as a responsible prospect, the lender can be convinced. Prepare to call by knowing your outstanding debts, income, and credit score. If you are denied because of your credit rating, you have the right to request a free copy of the credit report used by the lender within 60 days. Review the report and look for errors (they do happen). If you find them, challenge them and report it in your call. Otherwise, be polite, as the person on the other end of the line is not obligated to reverse the original decision of the creditor. I hope that after you submit your case, your application will still be accepted.
Revision queues for large banks
Below are the phone numbers for special lines to reconsider (if any), although note that these change frequently. If your bank is not listed, call their customer service and ask if there is anyone you can talk to. Also, be sure to call within 30 days of rejection, as applications usually expire after 30 days, forcing you to apply again (and entailing serious problems with your credit history, which could lower your credit rating).
- American Express has a reconsideration line that can be contacted at 1-800-567-1083, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to midnight ET and 10:00 am to 6:30 pm ET on Saturday.
- Bank Of America used to have a dedicated reconsideration line, but it looks like calling 1-877-721-9405 during business hours is your best option.
- The Barclay reconsideration line is 1-866-408-4064 and can be contacted Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.
- The Capital One no special line for re-examination, but you can use the general customer service line 1-800-951-6951 or services to work with applications by phone 1-800-625-7866 during regular business hours.
- Chase has a review team that can be contacted at 1-888-270-2127 from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm ET Monday through Friday and from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm ET on Saturdays.
- Citibank can be reached at 1-800-695-5171 , daily from 8:00 am to midnight ET.
- Discover doesn’t have a review line and they don’t have a reputation for canceling credit card rejections, but you can try their 24/7 customer service line at 1-800-347-2683 .
- US BANK no longer has a dedicated reconsideration line, but you can call 1-800-947-1444 (Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET and Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm: 00 ET). …
- Wells Fargo has a Reconsideration Department who can be contacted by calling 1-866-412-5956 from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET Monday through Friday or by calling 1-800-967-9521 from 8:00 AM 00:00 – 19:00 ET, Saturdays.
This post was originally published in 2013 and was updated on January 20, 2021 to include updated information.