Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
If denied for a Discover card, the first step is to find out why Discover rejected the application. The reasons will be listed in the denial letter Discover sends out shortly after its decision. They may include an annual income below what’s needed to make minimum monthly payments, a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries or a high amount of debt, among others. Discover will also deny people who already have two open Discover card accounts or who are applying for a second less than a year after getting the first. Incomplete or inaccurate information on the application could result in a denial, too.
Next, review your credit report to make sure there are no errors that could trigger a denial. If you notice any discrepancies, dispute them with the credit bureau(s) immediately. It’s always a good idea to do this before you apply to minimize the risk of being denied.
After you’ve determined the reason(s) you were denied for a Discover card, if you think your application deserves a second look, try a reconsideration. Discover does not have a dedicated phone line for reconsiderations, but you can call customer service at 1 (800) 347-2683. If there have been significant positive changes in your credit profile or your finances since you applied, it may be worth a try. But it’s not easy to get a denial overturned.
If reconsideration is unsuccessful, consider applying for a card with higher odds of approval, such as a secured credit card with no credit check. Or, you can sign on to another person’s account as an authorized user. This allows you to build credit without being responsible for payments every month.
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