Want to know what's going on with your credit card application? Here's how you can check it.
Use this guide to learn how you can check your application status with major credit card companies in Australia including ANZ, CommBank, NAB, Westpac and St.George. We also look at some key details on how the application process works so you know what to expect when you apply for a new card.
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 |
How long will it take for my application to be approved?
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.
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
Some credit card issuers will provide a response to your application almost immediately. They have a system in place to review the details quickly before progressing with the application. While lending criteria varies between providers and cards, common checks include identity verification and credit score checks.
Referral
If the status of your credit card application is listed as "under referral", it means that the bank or provider is still assessing the details of your application. You may also be asked for more information before you can get an outcome.
Conditional approval
This means that the credit card provider needs more information from you before your application can be fully approved. For example, you may need to submit extra payslips, provide your last tax assessment or visit a branch to verify your identity. The provider will let you know what's required by email or phone and, once you've fulfilled these conditions, your application can be officially approved.
Application not approved
An unsuccessful credit card application usually means you haven’t met the provider's lending criteria. Some of the most common reasons credit card applications are not approved include incorrect information on the application, a low income, bad credit history or unstable employment. If your application has been unsuccessful, it's generally a good idea to avoid applying for another credit card straight away because it could have a negative impact on your credit score.
Instead, you may want to contact the provider and ask if they can provide you with a reason for the outcome (although providers are not required to give out these details). You can also request a copy of your credit report (you can get a free copy of your Experian credit report here) to see what's listed there or wait a few months before you start comparing other cards, with eligibility requirements that you can meet.
Why is my credit card application taking so long?
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.
- 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.
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.
