How to check your Capital One credit card application status

If you’re planning to apply for a Capital One credit card, it typically doesn’t take long to find out whether you’ve been approved.

Learn about how long it might take to get a decision on your application. Plus, find out how you can get updates on your application status along the way.

What you’ll learn:

• If you apply for a Capital One credit card online or by phone, you might get a decision more quickly than with other methods, like applying by mail.

• A decision on an online or phone application could come in minutes.

• Missing information or errors on your application could cause a delay in processing.

• If your application is delayed, you can get updates online or by phone later during the review process.

Learn about factors that can go into the timing of an application decision. Plus, find out why an application might be denied.

If you apply for a Capital One card online or by phone, you could learn whether you’ve been approved in minutes.

While it’s possible to be approved or denied for a new card within minutes, Capital One may need more time. Here are some possible reasons why. 

• Missing information: In some cases, Capital One may need to verify the information in your application. Or additional information may be needed before a decision can be made. 

• Mistakes on the application: Errors on the application may cause processing delays. For example, mistyping your date of birth or address can result in mismatched information between your credit report and your application. 

• Frozen credit report: Freezing your credit reports as a security measure can prevent you from opening new lines of credit. To unfreeze them, you’ll need to contact each of the three credit bureaus where you originally froze your credit.

Like all credit card issuers, if Capital One denies a credit card application based on an applicant’s credit report, federal law requires it to explain the denial. Getting denied a credit card may not feel great, but knowing why your credit card application was denied can help you take steps to improve your chances of being approved.

If you need to check the status of your application, there are two ways to do it.

1. Go online: In some cases, an applicant may receive an email from us with a link to the Capital One application center—for example, when Capital One needs additional information to continue processing an application. To sign in to the center and check your application status, you’ll need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN). You’ll also need to provide your birth date and ZIP code.

2. Call Capital One at 800-903-9177: As with checking your application status online, when you check by phone you’ll also need to provide the last four digits of your SSN, your birth date and your ZIP code.

For most Capital One cards, you should receive a card in the mail within seven to 10 business days if you’re approved.

If you haven’t already submitted an application for a Capital One credit card, there are a few things you could do to help the process run smoothly.

• See whether you’re pre-approved. By answering a few questions and sharing some personal information, you can see whether you’re pre-approved for Capital One cards. Pre-approval won’t harm your credit scores. If you receive card offers, you don’t need to apply separately—but you will need to call Capital One and provide the ID associated with the offer. Keep in mind that accepting an offer could trigger a hard inquiry, which may affect your credit scores.

• Apply online or by phone. Online and phone applications often take less time than applying via mail. You could get an answer in minutes.

• Review your application carefully. Errors on 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.

It typically doesn’t take long for Capital One to review a credit card application. But if your application is delayed for some reason, you can check the status online or by phone later in the process.

If you’re looking for a new card but haven’t applied yet, you could consider: 

• Checking for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit scores.

• Learning more about earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash back credit card.

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