How to check your Capital One credit card application status

Planning to apply for a Capital One credit card? You may get a decision right away if you apply online, by phone or in person. If you apply by mail, it’ll probably take longer. 

Thankfully, you can check on your application to see where it stands.

What you’ll learn:

• It typically doesn’t take Capital One long to review your credit card application.

• An online, phone or in-person application is usually quicker than a mail application.

• Applications can be delayed by things like missing information or typing errors.

• You might be able to speed up the application process by seeing whether you’re pre-approved first.

There are two ways to check the status of your application:

• Online: After you submit your application, you should receive an email from Capital One. That email contains a unique link that will take you to the application center. To sign in, you’ll need the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN), your birth date and your ZIP code. In the application center, you can review your status. And if necessary, you can upload any additional information that’s required. 

• Phone: You can check the status of your Capital One credit card application anytime by calling 800-903-9177.

The time it takes Capital One to make an application decision could depend on how you apply.

If you apply by phone, online or in person, you’ll typically get a response within 60 seconds. Applying through the mail will take longer. No matter how you apply, Capital One generally notifies applicants of the decision in writing within seven to 10 days of receiving the application.

If you’re approved, you can expect to receive your Capital One card in the mail within seven to 10 business days. To learn more about credit card timelines, check out how long it takes to get a credit card.

Some new Capital One cardholders may be able to start using their card before the physical card arrives in the mail. Learn more about virtual cards, including benefits and how to get started.

It’s possible to be approved or denied for a new credit card almost instantly. But sometimes, Capital One may need more time. Here are some possible reasons why.

Missing information

When you apply for a Capital One credit card, you need to submit your:

• Full name

• SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)   

• Date of birth

• Address

• Estimated annual gross income

• Checking and/or savings account information

Checking it’s all there and promptly providing any additional requested documents or details can help keep the process moving.

Mistakes on the application

Accidental errors on the application, like an incorrectly typed date of birth or address, can result in mismatching information between your credit report and your application. In this case, Capital One may ask for additional details or verification before it can continue with the application process.

Frozen credit report

A frozen credit report can prevent you from opening new lines of credit. So if you’ve had to freeze your credit because of security concerns, you may need to at least temporarily unfreeze it. To do so, you must contact each of the three credit bureaus where you originally froze your credit.

Applications can be denied for a number of reasons, including:

• Low credit scores or a limited credit history

• Too many hard inquiries on your credit reports

• High outstanding debt

• Insufficient income

• A frozen credit report

Like all lenders, Capital One is required to tell you why it rejected your application. That can help you take steps to improve your chances of approval in the future.

If you haven’t already submitted your application, there are a few things you could do to help the process run smoothly.

• See whether you’re pre-approved first. You can see whether you’re pre-approved for Capital One cards before you apply. Pre-approval won’t harm your credit, because it doesn’t involve a hard credit inquiry.

• Apply online. Online applications typically take less time than applying via mail. You could get an answer in as few as 60 seconds.

• Review your application carefully. Errors in your application can cause delays in approval. As you’re filling out your application, review each field carefully. Make sure things like your name, address, birth date and SSN are accurate. If you notice any errors, fix them before you submit your application.

If you have submitted your application and are waiting for a decision, check the application center or call 800-903-9177. That way you’ll know whether Capital One needs additional information or action from you.

It typically doesn’t take long for Capital One to review a credit card application. If you’re curious about the status of your application, you can easily check online or by phone. 

Learn more about how to use a credit card responsibly.

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with Quicksilver.

• Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.