If you have applied for a credit card and haven't received a response, here's what you can do to speed up the process.
If you've applied for a credit card but haven't heard from the provider, you can contact them directly to check your application status. The card issuer may be able to confirm the status of your application or they may ask you to provide further information.
You can use this guide to find the contact information for major credit card companies in Australia including ANZ, CommBank, NAB, Westpac and St.George. This guide also covers why your application may be taking longer to approve and some tips for speeding up the process.
How can I check my credit card application status?
Every credit card provider has a slightly different application process, so waiting times will vary. But if you haven’t received a response to your application and want to know more, you can use the table below to find out about the standard waiting times and how you can check on the status of your application.
| Credit card provider |
Application details |
Contact number |
|---|---|---|
 |
You should receive a response within 60 seconds of submitting your credit card application online. If you have any questions, you can call American Express for further details. |
1300 557 743 Monday–Friday, 8am–6:30pm (Sydney time) |
 |
After you submit your application for an ANZ credit card, you'll get a response within 60 seconds and receive an application reference number. To check your ANZ credit card application status, call the bank and quote this reference number. |
13 22 73 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 |
Bank of Melbourne provides you with an application number and password to check your application online. You can also receive an email or SMS with your application status or call 13 22 66 to follow up. |
13 22 66 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 |
Citi provides you with an application ID or reference number you can use to check the status of your application online. Alternatively, you can call customer service on 13 24 84. |
13 24 84 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 |
You can contact Coles Mastercard about your credit card application or write to GPO Box 940 Melbourne VIC 3001. |
1300 306 397 Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm Sat: 8am-8pm Sun: 8:30am-8pm (AEST) |
 |
If you are an existing CBA customer, you can track the status of your application in NetBank. You can also submit an enquiry via NetBank. |
13 22 21 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 |
You can check your application status online using your date of birth and application reference, or other personal details. You can also call HSBC to ask for an update. |
1300 308 008 Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm |
 |
You can fill out an online enquiry form via the imb website, or call customer service for application updates. |
133 462 Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm Sat: 9am-4pm |
 |
Latitude Financial Services has dedicated phone numbers for individual cards, which we've listed here. |
28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard: 1300 552 079 Gem Visa: 1300 630 977 GO Mastercard: 1300 462 273 Latitude Mastercard: 1300 882 289 |
 |
You can seek help from a NAB consultant using live chat on the NAB website or by contacting them via email through the secure message form on their website. |
13 22 65 Mon-Fri: 8am–7pm Sat-Sun: 9am–6pm |
 |
If you’re an existing customer, you can send a secure mail enquiry using Internet Banking. |
13 11 82 Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm Sat: 8:30am-4:30pm |
 |
Log on to the St.George website to check on your application or be updated via email or SMS through the process. |
13 33 30 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 |
Check your application status online at Virgin Money on their "application status" page. |
1300 335 213 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 |
You can track your application online by providing your reference number and some personal security details, chat with a representative online or call Westpac's general enquiries number. |
132 032 Mon-Sun: 8am-8pm |
Why is my credit card application taking so long?
Most credit card companies offer a response within 60 seconds from when you submit your completed application online. This means you could be approved almost instantly if your application is successful. But if the credit card provider requires more information or doesn't offer "instant approval", it could take anywhere from a few business days to one or two weeks for you to find out if you're approved.
If you're still waiting to hear back about your credit card application, here are some of the most common reasons for a delay:
- Not enough information. If you haven't given enough details on your application, or if the information is wrong, the provider may need to contact you to get the right information.
- Credit issues. If you have black marks on your credit report, the provider may want to look at them in more detail before completing its assessment of your application. It's important to check your credit score and ensure your financial history is in good standing before you apply.
- High demand. Sometimes a credit card provider may get more applications than usual, which means it could take longer to get to yours – particularly if there is a very competitive introductory offer available.
- Incomplete applications. If you have missed a step in the application process, such as submitting additional documents and information, then this will hold up the application until you have provided all the information that the bank requires. Before you submit your application, it's important to review your application and ensure you've completed the relevant sections and provided all of the necessary information.
How can I speed up the application process?
It's possible the application process could be quicker if you’re an existing member of the bank, because they'll already have some of your details on hand. Whether you're an existing member or new to the bank, making sure you provide all the relevant information and meeting the eligibility requirements will help speed up the process.
Mistakes to avoid
Here are some of the common issues to avoid when you're applying for a credit card or waiting for a response:
- Making multiple applications. You may be tempted to apply for another credit card while you’re waiting for a response, but know that multiple simultaneous applications will have a negative impact on your credit file.
- Credit report mistakes. If your credit card was rejected and you’re unsure why, make sure you’ve met the eligibility requirements and order a copy of your full credit report and credit score (which you can do for free with finder) to make sure you haven’t fallen victim to fraud or mistakes on your file. If you find a genuine error on the report, contact the credit card provider and credit reporting body to initiate an investigation and correct the error.
- Customer service delays. It could take days or weeks for a bank to respond to an email enquiry and you’re to expect wait times when you’re contacting the customer service phone line. Before you call, make sure the number you’re dialling is toll-free. If it isn’t, avoid calling early in the morning, at lunchtime or after 5pm when you could be on hold for a long time.
What's next?
If you're waiting to hear back about a credit card application, you can contact the provider now to find out what's going on. Or, if you're getting ready to apply for a new credit card, you can compare your options here and learn more about the online application process to help get a response within minutes of submitting it.
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