Despite being the smallest of the four main credit card payment networks, Discover offers a full range of credit cards that are widely accepted by merchants. Whether you are looking for airline miles, cash back or a secured card to help rebuild your score, Discover’s website is a great place to explore your options before applying, see if you’re preapproved and check your application status.
How To Apply for a Discover Credit Card
The easiest way to apply for a Discover card is online. Discover allows you to check if you are preapproved after entering some basic personal and financial information. If you receive any preapproval offers, you can submit your application right away. You will usually receive a response immediately, and some cardholders might be instantly approved. If approved, you will receive your new card in the mail within about two weeks.
If you already have a card in mind, you can also apply over the phone. Simply call Discover at 1-800-347-2683 and state “apply for new card” when prompted. After confirming you are over 18, an account manager will guide you through the application process for your card of choice.
Like most credit card issuers, Discover often sends special offers in the mail which are not available publicly on their website. If you received one of these, it will contain a four word application code. Visit the Discover website to complete your application, and make sure to use the four word code. This will ensure that you receive any special perks mentioned in the mailing.
How To Check a Discover Card Application Status
Check Your Discover Application Status Online
Discover offers an online Status Check Tool on their website that will allow you to view your application’s status. In order to identify yourself and locate your application, you will need your Social Security Number and the ZIP code of the address used on your application. Simply enter these into the form, and Discover will instantly let you know if your application is approved, pending or rejected.
Check Your Discover Application Status By Phone
If you would prefer to speak to a Discover representative by phone, you can call Discover on 1-800-347-2683. After providing similar identifying information to the online form, a representative will be happy to tell you the status of your application.
What To Do if Your Credit Card Application Gets Rejected
If your Discover Application was rejected and you’re wondering what to do next, it’s important to know your options and rights. You are entitled under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to a written communication of the reasons your application for credit was rejected by the issuer, which you can expect by mail within 7-10 business days of the decision.
Like many major card issuers, Discover allows applicants to apply for reconsideration. Sometimes an issuer may be willing to change their mind after initially denying you a new card. After preparing by reading our reconsideration guide, reviewing a recent copy of your credit report and finding out the reason you were denied, try giving Discover a call at 1-800-347-2683.
There are many situations in which you might be successful in getting Discover to reconsider your application, especially if the information in your application was either incomplete or incorrect. For example, if you have recently moved, your new address may not match the one on your credit report. It’s worth seeing if Discover is willing to reconsider in light of any additional information you can provide, since the worst they can say is “no.”
There are a variety of reasons your credit application might be rejected, including limited credit history, a low credit score or debt relative to your income that exceeds the issuer’s standards. If you were rejected due to your credit history, you may be able to get approval for a different Discover card. Most issuers suggest waiting a few months before reapplying.
Borrowers who are new to credit or rebuilding their score might consider the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Though this card requires a security deposit equal to your credit line, it is available to customers with lower scores. If you are a student with limited credit history, Discover offers several cards designed for your needs, including the Discover it® Student Cash Back.
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Bottom Line
Discover makes it easy to apply for cards, and just as easy to follow up about your application status. However, before you apply, make sure you have everything in order to make your application as strong as possible. If you can’t get approved for the card you want, take a few months to work on your credit score, then try again.
