My Application Says “Under Review”
First thing to know: "under review" is not a denial. It just means the issuer's automated system didn't make a decision instantly & the application has been routed to a human reviewer (or to a more careful look by the system). This happens to plenty of legit applicants for plenty of reasons.
It also doesn't necessarily mean approval is coming. It just means the door's still open & a final decision is on the way.
What to Expect
Most under-review decisions land within 7-10 business days. Sometimes faster, sometimes the full 30-day window the issuer is legally allowed.
You may receive an email asking for additional information (income verification, ID upload, etc.) - respond promptly through the issuer's official portal or the contact info on their website.
If a phone interview comes in, treat it like a normal verification step - have your basic info (DOB, address, last 4 of SSN) ready & answer factually.
What to Do (Active Path)
You don't have to wait passively. Calling the issuer's application status line often gets you faster information than waiting for the mail.
| Issuer | Number |
|---|---|
| Chase personal cards | 800-432-3117 |
| Chase business cards | 800-453-9719 |
| Capital One | 800-903-9177 |
| American Express | 800-567-1083 |
| Atmos personal | 800-732-9194 |
| Atmos business | 800-892-3219 |
| Bilt | 855-353-3168 |
When the auto-prompt asks for your SSN, press 0 instead to skip to a live rep faster.
Once you've got a live rep, ask:
Is anything missing or any document you need from me to help process the application?
Are there any flags or notes on the account causing the delay?
Has a decision been made yet, or is it still under review?
Important: if the rep tells you on the call that you've been denied, ask right then to be transferred to the Reconsideration Team while you're still on the line. Don't hang up & call back - the live transfer is gold.
What to Avoid While You Wait
Don't apply for other cards while one is under review. The issuer reviewing your application can see new inquiries & may interpret them as a sign of credit-seeking activity. Pause new applications until you have a decision.
Don't keep checking the status portal compulsively. Most issuers don't update the portal in real time - the status will change when the decision is made, not before. Refreshing every 20 minutes won't speed it up.
Lmk How It Goes
Once you have a decision (approved or denied), shoot me a text. If approved, we move to the next-steps page. If denied, we have options - the reconsideration-line page covers them.
Related Questions
Important Disclosures
Educational guidance only - not financial, credit, or tax advice. Individual results vary based on card approval, spending habits, redemption choices, & timing. Approval for any credit card is subject to issuer criteria.
Hawaii Reward Travel may receive compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This is how this free program is funded. Compensation does not influence guidance. Opinions are the author's alone & have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any bank, card issuer, or other entity.
