Finder.com.au
Credit Card Finder Comparison Service Australia

How you can Stop your Credit Card Application being Rejected

Posted May 7th, 2008 and last modified July 12th, 2011
A good credit history is a major factor in getting your credit card application approved. A good credit history is a major factor in getting your credit card application approved.

Bad Credit Card Record?

If you’re afraid you have a bad credit card record, or simply can’t comprehend why your constantly getting rejected credit card applications, this article is for you to help get around these issues.
I was inspired to write this article after I received this post:

After applying for Commonwealth and Qantas Amex cards, both became rejected. I don’t really understand why, I’m earning about $63000 a year, and I have no mortgage, and strangely enough, a flawless credit history. The most irritating thing is neither firm explained why I was rejected. Do you have any suggestions?

Check your Official Credit History:

For starters, you should check to see if you really do have a perfect credit history, and if you don’t, find out why. You may surprise yourself – clerical errors are not uncommon in peoples credit card histories.

If you find anything odd in your credit report, you should make further inquiries into it with the firm. Don’t be afraid to ask them why your application became rejected as well, it won’t hurt, and you may possibly find the root cause.

Once you have improved your credit file you may be able to reapply for another credit card that does offer you additional benefits. However, you first need to understand why you were rejected for the credit card.

Order a copy of your credit file

Order a copy of your credit file Offer

Receive email alerts whenever specific changes occur on your credit file for 12 months. You also receive a copy of your credit file despatched within one working day..

Receive your credit file with information on:

  • Details of consumer credit enquiries
  • Details of overdue consumer credit accounts
  • Commercial credit enquiries
  • Details of overdue commercial credit accounts
  • Bankruptcy & Court Judgements
  • Writs & Summons
  • Information on your current relationship with a credit provider

Constant Applications after Rejection:

Whatever the reason your first credit card application became rejected, it will be present on your credit card history. Firms don’t have the time or resources to individually check the details of each of it’s applicants prior rejections.

Therefore, if you have one rejection, a credit card issuer may simply base their rejection on that, creating a steady stream of invalid applications. Once you have been rejected though you should wait at least three months before you apply for another card. Some banks also run automated rejections if you have applied for another card within being rejected of a week for another card.

It works the other way as well – if you start with an incredibly solid spending/payment record for your credit card, providers will fiercely aim for your application and approve it at the drop of a hat.

Therefore, make sure you have a relatively clean financial history especially before applying for your first credit card.

Factors you may not take into Account:

American Express along with a few other credit card firms, analyse your housing situation and employment records.

So if you are moving houses frequently, have just settled into a new house, or have been rapidly in and out of jobs, alarm bells go off and your application will get a nasty rejection.

Also, before you apply try to do enough research to make sure you meet all of the minimum requirements. A rejection negatively impacts your credit file so you should avoid it by not applying for cards that are impossible for you to be approved. You should also strongly consider a credit repair service to help you improve your credit rating.

6 Tips to help your Credit Card Application Approval:

  • Check your credit card history – If it’s bad, wait over 6 months till your next application.
  • Even with a good history, if your first credit card is rejected, wait at least 2 weeks till your next application to avoid the automated denial of your application. Credit card companies don’t like people who are desperate for credit and a good sign of that is lots of applications in a short period of time.
  • Try to clean up your financial situation if it’s not too sharp, whether it’s mortgage or any bank payments.
  • Ask the credit card provider who rejected you why? Best take it straight to a branch for face to face customer service, since your online query is much more likely to be a vague response or simply ignored.
  • Wait until you’ve settled into a new job or house.
  • Consider a credit repair service to fix your credit rating.

Rejection for a credit card can be for a few different reasons, not only for having bad marks in your credit file. You can probably contact the credit company to find out the exact reason you were rejected. You might not meet the minimum requirements like age or income. If that is the case there is no way around the rules. However, credit issues can stem from having overdue or defaulted credit accounts. It is important that you verify that all information in your file is correct, if not take steps to fix the issues. If your card has been used fraudulently you should be able to correct it and restore your credit rating.

Bad credit rating credit cards may be your only option if the problems with your file are in fact your fault. The current negative marks on your card will stay on it for a long time. For example, when you apply for financing and credit it stays in your file for five years. Overdue accounts, writs, summons and judgments are also kept for five years. Bankruptcy files will stick with you for seven years.

Check out today's featured offers:

Westpac Low Rate Citibank Clear Platinum Qantas AMEX Discovery ANZ Platinum
Westpac Low Rate Card St George Vertigo American Express Qantas Discovery Card ANZ Platinum Credit Card

0% p.a. for 6 months

on purchases & balance transfers

2.9% p.a. for 12 months
on balance transfers

$0 annual fee

Up to 10,000 Bonus QFF Points

0% p.a. for 6 months on

purchases & balance transfers

Subscribe to our newsletter and get "The Ultimate Guide to Balance Transfers"

If You Like This Post...

Get all the latest deals, guides and loopholes go in Credit Card Finder's free bi-monthly email. Don't miss out - join the thousands who get it emailed!

We Respect Your Privacy

Ask A Question

Please note: Question moderation is enabled and may delay your question.
There is no need to resubmit your question. Once approved, your question will be public and appear on this page.

Showing 5 Comments

  1. 1

    i am overseas student. i applied many time for a credit card to commonwealth bank thought i have got two account with them but i don’t know why they rejected me. i think their one of their condition is have to be permanent residence but i am an overseas student. in that case should i write down that i m a permanent residence here or what. i have got the proof that one of my friend when he write it that he has got the permanent residence the with 4 days he has got the card without asking any question. can u give me a solution for that. bye

  2. 2

    Contact the branch online or by phone and ask for specific details to why it’s being rejected.
    If you say you are a permanent resident but aren’t, they will surely check up to see if that’s accurate.
    If they find you lying, it’s very unlikely they’ll approve you anytime soon.
    Hopefully that’s what you wanted to know, If not, don’t hesitate to ask again.
    Thanks

  3. 3

    I’m 19 and i have a 14th daughter so i do not work i receive $1000 a fortnight and do not have any previous credit history. I have been rejected for a store card and through commonwealth bank credit card. I want to know how i can get a credit card when i have no previous credit history

  4. 4

    i have 1 outstanding bag credit ($300) to my name which has already been paid up last year,but i understand the record stays.

    I have tried applying for credit cards but kept on getting rejected, i earn $80000 per annum .

    Would you know of any institutions who would give us a 2nd chance to build up a good credit rating?

    regards

  5. 5

    Yes its bit annoying. I earn over 500K a year..and have a $40000 bad debt against my name from a court ruling I was out of the country for. Haven’t been able to get a loan since. I later appealed and won…doesn’t make a difference stuck with it for 5 years i told.

Popular Credit Card Offers

  Interest Rate (p.a.) Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) Annual fee Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)  
Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
A credit card with a low rate offer on both balance transfers and purchases, plus a low annual fee.0% for 6 months (reverts to 13.49% )0% for 6 months$4521.49%Apply Now For The Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer Read More About The Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
Competitive interest rate on purchases and balance transfers offer.11.99% 2.9% for 12 months$9921.74%Apply Now For The Citibank Clear Platinum Card Read More About The Citibank Clear Platinum Card
St George Vertigo
St George Vertigo
Take advantage of this great offer from St.George with a low rate on purchases and a low balance transfer offer.13.24% 0.99% for 12 months$5521.49%Apply Now For The St George Vertigo Read More About The St George Vertigo
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
An introductory interest rate offer on balance transfers and purchases, plus a $0 first year annual fee.0% for 6 months (reverts to 19.24% )0% for 6 months$0 annual fee for the first year( $87 thereafter)20.99%Apply Now For The ANZ Platinum Credit Card Read More About The ANZ Platinum Credit Card