Waiting for a response to your credit card application? Here's how to check it.
How can I check on my credit card application?
If you haven’t received a response regarding your application, you can contact your provider by following the steps and using the contact details listed in the table below.
| LENDER | DETAILS | TELEPHONE NO |
|---|---|---|
 American Express | You should receive a response to your completed application within 60 seconds of submitting it online. If you have any questions, you can call American Express for further details. | 1300 557 743 Monday–Friday, 8am–6:30pm (Sydney time) |
 ANZ | After you submit your application for an ANZ credit card, you'll get a response within 60 seconds and receive an application reference number that you can quote when calling ANZ for information about your application's progress. | 13 22 73 24 hours. 7 days a week. |
 Bank of Melbourne | 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 | 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. |
 Coles Mastercard | 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) |
 Commonwealth Bank | 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. |
 HSBC | 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 |
 IMB | 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 | 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 |
 NAB | 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 |
 People's Choice | 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 |
 St.George | 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. |
 Virgin Money | Check your application status online at Virgin Money on their "application status" page. | 1300 335 213 |
 Westpac | 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 |
How long will it take for my application to be approved?
Although most credit card applications provide instant approval or conditional approval (approved within 2-4 business days), credit card providers can take between one to two weeks to review an application. If you’re an existing member of the bank, the process may be quicker as they’d already have some of your verified information.
The general rule is to provide all of the required information when you apply, as this will speed up the process. It's also a good idea to make sure you meet all eligibility requirements for the card before you apply.
What responses could I get when I apply for a credit card?
Most credit card providers aim to give you an instant response when you apply online. Here are some of the most common outcomes:
Instant approval
With instant online applications, credit card issuers can provide a response on your application status almost immediately. While lending criteria varies between providers and cards, common checks include identity verification and credit score checks. By providing all the required information and keeping a good credit history, you can look forward to instant approval.
Referral
If your credit card application is under referral, the card provider requires more time to carry out further assessments before giving you a conclusive answer.
Conditional approval
Getting conditional approval essentially means that the credit card provider is buying time to verify your details before granting approval. In such a scenario, you might have to provide personal identification documents or payslips by visiting a branch office or via fax. Complete approval only takes effect after that’s done and you’ve signed the contract.
Application not approved
The reason behind a provider not approving your application could be that you haven’t met the lending criteria. Such factors could include insufficient income, poor creditworthiness or credit history, and unstable employment. If you’ve been rejected, don’t apply for another card straight away. Instead, either request a copy of your credit report to make sure everything’s in order or start comparing other cards to apply for in a few months, making sure you’re paying attention to the eligibility requirements.
Why is my credit card application taking so long?
If you expected to hear back about you application before now, here are some of the most common reasons your credit card application could be delayed:
- Not enough information. If you haven't given enough details on your application, or if the information is wrong or inconsistent, the provider may need to contact you to get the right information. This adds an extra step to the application process that can cause delays.
- 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.
- 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.
You can usually sort out credit card application delays by calling the credit card provider to find out what's going on. Also monitor your calls, inbox and mailbox in case the provider is trying to get in touch with you, but know that calling them first is always the quicker option.
What mistakes should I avoid when I'm waiting to hear about a credit card application?
Here are some things you should avoid while waiting to hear back about the status of your credit card application:
- 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 credit score 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 investigation and correction.
- 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 lunch time or after 5pm when they’re likely to be inundated with calls.
Applying for a credit card is one thing, but receiving it is quite another. You may have to wait a considerable period for it, which is why we recommend you apply in advance and always stay on top of your application by calling your provider.
Compare Credit Cards with 60 second approval
It's not advisable to apply for more than one credit card any given time. If you are looking for 60-second approval, compare the cards below.
