How to check your credit card application status
If you have applied for a new credit card and are waiting for an outcome, here's what you can do to check its status.
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When you submit a credit card application online, you'll usually get a response in around 60 seconds. But the actual outcome of your application could take longer. So if you want to check on the application status, the first step is to contact the bank or provider directly.
Not sure where to start? Here, we've got the contact information for major credit card companies in Australia including Amex, ANZ, Citi, Coles, CommBank, NAB, HSBC and Westpac. Plus details of why some credit card applications take longer than others – and what you can do to help speed up the process.
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 |
 | Coles provides you with a reference number via email after you apply. This email also has a link you can use to check the status of your application online. | 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. Otherwise, call CommBank to check the application status. | 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. | Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard: 1300 552 079 Gem Visa: 1300 630 977 GO Mastercard: 1300 462 273 Latitude Mastercard: 1300 882 289 |
 | You should get a response from NAB within 60 seconds of submitting your credit card application online. If you want to follow up, you can use the live chat service on the NAB website, send an email through the secure message form on the website or call NAB. | 13 22 65 Mon-Fri: 8am–7pm Sat-Sun: 9am–6pm |
 | The People's Choice website doesn't have details on how long the application will take, but you can call at any time to check its status. If you’re an existing People's Choice customer, you could also send a secure mail enquiry using Internet banking. | 13 11 82 Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm Sat: 8:30am-4:30pm |
 | Once you submit your application online, you'll get an initial response within 60 seconds. To check on your application after that, you can call St.George, log on to the St.George website or check for updates via email or text messages. | 13 33 30 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 | After you've submitted your application, you'll be given a reference number. You can use this to check your application status online through the Virgin Money website. | 1300 335 213 24 hours, 7 days a week |
 | You'll receive an initial response after you submit your Westpac credit card application online. You can then 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 |
Applied for a credit card with a provider that's not in this list? You should be able to check the status of your application with one of the following options:
- Check your email (inbox and spam) to see if you've been sent confirmation of the application
- Call the customer service team
- Visit a branch
Why is my credit card application taking so long?
Most credit card companies offer a response within 60 seconds when you apply online. But if the credit card provider needs more information or doesn't offer "instant approval", it could take a few business days or a couple of weeks to find out if you're approved.
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 incorrect, 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. Get your free credit score here and ensure your financial history is in good standing before you apply.
- 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 this will hold up the application until you have provided all the information that the bank requires. Before you submit your application, it's important to review your application and ensure you've completed the relevant sections and provided all of the necessary information.
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. For example, NAB customers can use their NAB ID to prefill personal information on a NAB credit card application and CommBank customers can use their NetBank details. You just need to login to your existing account before starting the application.
Remember: Check that you meet the eligibility requirements and make sure you have all the relevant documents and details before you apply. This simple step helps speed up the process even if you're new to the bank.
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 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.
Waiting to hear back about a credit card application right now? You can contact the provider to find out what's going on. Or, if you're getting ready to apply for a new credit card, get some more tips on the application process and compare some of the latest offers so you can get your next card as quickly as possible.
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