How to Check American Express Credit Card Application Status

Anticipating instant approval for an Amex card and then ending up having to wait is a nuisance. The same thing happened to me a couple of years ago when I applied. I didn’t get an instant response.

I went online and found out how to check American Express’s credit card application status. I’m sharing the answer with other helpful information here with you.

How to Check Your American Express Credit Card Application Status

You can check American Express credit card application status by browsing the American Express website and navigating to the Check Application Status page. You must enter your Social Security number and home zip code to access your status. You can find details about your pending card applications and loans there.

It is customary for the Amex to give instant approvals or rejections. You get an email within one minute informing you if you are approved or rejected. This issuer relies on soft inquiry to give you the first notice. They will perform a hard inquiry once you accept your Amex card. This process typically does not take more than a few minutes.

If you are not informed instantly, it usually means that the bank requires more information. You might have misspelled your name or entered the wrong address. You can also call them at 877-239-3491.

What to do if Your Application is Pending

You won’t have to do anything most of the time. The issuer contacts you to ask for the missing or reviewable information. Alternatively, you can call their application status hotline directly for further queries.

The most typical reason for a pending credit card application is that the issuer is verifying your gross income. Also, there may be an error on your application form. Another reason can be that you froze your previous account(s) due to, say, carding. Once the issue is resolved, your application will go through immediately.

How to Apply for an American Express Card

Applying for an Amex card is quite a simple process. You can either fill out an application form online or on paper. You get an edge if you go virtual because you get an approval or rejection notification within one minute. You have to wait for a couple of days if you mail them the form.

You have to provide:

• Your correct name; the name on your national ID
• Your date of birth
• Your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Your gross income
• Your accurate, complete address
• Your signature (electronic or handwritten)

A Few Considerations

You will have a better chance of getting immediate approval if you take care of some things. You should:

• Be at least 21 years old to be considered eligible for this card. You cannot get it if you are 18 or 19.
• Build your credit score up to 700+ because Amex hardly approves people with a lower score. You can find out yours through a credit score service. Or, you can check your monthly credit statements. You can also request a soft inquiry so as not to harm your credit score with a hard inquiry.
• Have a steady, sustainable, preferably long-term income source. Frequent job-hopping may be considered against you.
• Choose the most suitable Amex card. Your card should cater to most, if not all, of your expectations and needs. You must be able to maximize its benefits and gain rewards.

What to Do if Your Application Is Rejected

You might jolt with shock if you get the “Application Rejected” notification, more so if you were expecting an instant approval. However, there are steps you can take to handle this rejection. 

Amex has given its potential customers hope, though, by saying: “It’s been our experience that applicants who were not approved for a new account at one time may qualify in the future.”

You should do this once you get the rejection notice:

• Call them at 1-800-567-1083 to ask for a review. Although it is not guaranteed that you will get approved, you can find out the reason(s) for refusal.
• You can also file a dispute if you think the system has not updated your financial details. For example, your credit score may be 800, while Amex rejected you because of a “low credit score.” 
• Work on resolving the issues that led to the rejection of your application.
• Apply again after one month. The card company emphasizes that you wait for a minimum of 30 days before reapplying. 
• Meanwhile, keep looking for another card, too. You might find another card more suited to your needs.

Reasons for Rejection of Your Application

There are several reasons for the refusal of your application. You must find out and improve them:

• If your credit score is lower than 700 – This issuer requires an excellent score as one of its primary requirements. You should wait to build it before you consider getting an Amex card.
• You have had multiple inquiries recently – The issuer can doubt your trustworthiness because you might be going bankrupt for all they know.
• Your information is outdated – The system has not updated your accurate financial situation yet. It can happen if you get a promotion today and apply for an Amex card the next day.
• You have a low gross income – This raises the question of how you will pay off the monthly fee and APR with a low income. Moreover, if you don’t have a stable monthly cash influx, you may be refused.
• You have multiple credit cards against low annual expenditure – This indicates that you are applying only because of the welcome offer. Since Amex wants its customers to use their cards regularly, they can reject you.

How to Apply for Multiple Amex Cards at Once

You can have more than one card from this company if you want and can afford them. That said, it is not that easy. There are set rules and restrictions you have to follow to become an Amex loyal.

• You can own up to five Amex cards at one time. If you already have five and want to apply for a new one, you will have to cancel one of them. 
• You have to wait for a minimum of 90 days after you receive one Amex card. This limitation is to familiarize you with your new financial situation.

Related Questions

Conclusion

Amex notifies you within one minute if your application is approved or rejected. However, they might delay for many reasons. You can check your application status on their website. You have to enter your Social Security number and your home zip code to find out. You can call Amex directly to find out and resolve the issue.