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If your Bank of America credit card has been declined, it's likely due to a low balance or insufficient funds. You can check your available balance by logging into your online account or using the Bank of America mobile app.
A declined credit card can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to make a purchase or pay a bill. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.
First, review your recent transactions to see if there are any errors or unauthorized charges. You can do this by checking your online account or contacting Bank of America's customer service.
Why Your Credit Card Was Declined
If your Bank of America credit card was declined, there could be several reasons why. You've maxed out your credit card, which means you've reached your credit limit and your card issuer is likely to decline any further transactions.
If you're traveling, your card issuer might be suspicious of foreign transactions and decline your card. This is especially true if you're traveling to a country with a high risk of credit card scams.
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Your card issuer might suspect fraud if they notice unusual activity on your account. This could include making multiple purchases in a short period of time or using your card in a location that's not typical for you.
Your payment information might be incorrect, which could cause your card to be declined. This could be due to an expired card or an incorrect address.
Your card might be inactive, which means it's not currently available for use. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including a missed payment or a dispute on your account.
If you've missed too many payments, your card issuer might decline your card due to the risk of non-payment.
Here are some common reasons why your credit card might be declined:
- You've maxed out your credit card
- You're traveling
- Your card issuer suspects fraud
- Your payment information is incorrect
- Your card is inactive
- You've missed too many payments
What to Do Next
If your Bank of America credit card application is declined, don't worry, there are steps you can take to try and get approved.
You can try asking to speak with a supervisor, as they may have more decision-making authority and be able to approve your application.
Another option is to call the Bank of America reconsideration number again, in the hopes that you'll get a representative who is more willing to work with you.
If these immediate strategies don't work, you might need to take a long-term approach to getting a credit card. Here are some things you can try:
- Improve your credit score by getting a secured credit card and making on-time payments to boost your score.
- Apply for a different credit card that has less-stringent requirements.
- Wait a few months and reapply for the same card if you've improved your score and addressed the issues that led to your original rejection.
- Call Bank of America in a few months to let them know the steps you've taken to address the issues and encourage them to look at your updated credit score and report.
Common Reasons for Decline
If your Bank of America credit card is declined, there are several common reasons why this might be happening. Maxing out your credit card is a major culprit, as it can trigger a decline in transactions.
If you're traveling, your card issuer might decline your transaction due to security concerns. This is a precautionary measure to protect you from potential scams.
Missing too many payments can also lead to a declined credit card. This is because your card issuer views you as a higher risk, and may not want to approve transactions until you've brought your account up to date.
Discover more: Why Do Credit Cards Declined
You can also check if your payment information is incorrect, as this can cause a decline in transactions. Make sure your address, phone number, and other details are accurate.
Lastly, if your card is inactive, you won't be able to use it for transactions. Check your account status to see if your card is active or if you need to reactivate it.
Here are some common reasons for a declined credit card:
- Maxed out credit card
- Traveling
- Card issuer suspects fraud
- Incorrect payment information
- Inactive card
- Missed too many payments
Alternatives and Best Practices
If your Bank of America credit card is declined, it's likely due to insufficient funds, a security freeze, or a merchant error.
To avoid declined transactions, keep a close eye on your account balance and make timely payments.
You can also contact Bank of America's customer service to verify your account information and ensure that your card is active and not restricted.
Alternatives to Credit Cards
If you're having trouble getting approved for a credit card, you might want to consider alternatives that can help you build credit.
Capital One offers two great options: the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Platinum Credit Card. Both cards are designed for people with fair credit and offer a range of benefits.
The QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has a relatively low annual fee of $39 and offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% unlimited cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The Platinum Credit Card, on the other hand, has a $0 annual fee and doesn't earn rewards, but it does offer consideration for a higher credit limit in as little as 6 months after account opening.
Another option is the Petal 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa Credit Card, which also has a $0 annual fee and offers the potential to earn between 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants.
Here are some key features to consider:
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: $39 annual fee, unlimited 1.5% cash back, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card: $0 annual fee, consideration for higher credit limit after 6 months
- Petal 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa Credit Card: $0 annual fee, potential for 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Best Practices for Reconsideration Line Calls
If you've received a denial, don't worry, it's often a computer-generated decision that can be overturned with a manual review.
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After doing the research and compiling your notes, it's time to call the reconsideration line. Here are some tips to improve your chances of success.
Call the number on your denial letter and ask for your application to be reconsidered. If possible, try and get a hold of someone in underwriting.
Be prepared to explain the derogatory marks on your report and provide any additional information that may have been missing from your original application. Denials are often based strictly on credit score, so a manual review can often get you the approval you're looking for.
Introduction and Verification
Your Bank of America card may be declined due to several reasons, such as hitting your credit limit or providing incorrect information.
You might have accidentally exceeded your credit limit, which can cause transactions to be declined. If you're unsure about your credit limit, check your account online or contact Bank of America's customer service.
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Using an expired card is another reason why your Bank of America card may be declined. Make sure to update your card information with the issuer to avoid this issue.
If you're traveling abroad, your credit card company may detect unusual activities and decline your transaction. Inform your credit card company about your travel plans to avoid this.
Not activating your card can also lead to declined transactions. Activate your card as soon as you receive it to ensure you can use it for purchases.
Sources
- https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Got-denied-for-a-BOA-credit-card/td-p/6760172
- https://financebuzz.com/bank-of-america-reconsideration-line
- https://gethuman.com/customer-service/Bank-of-America/how/What-Do-I-Do-If-My-Bank-of-America-Card-Was-Declined/eaO
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/bank-of-america-credit-card-reconsideration-1000359-2140678887/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/reasons-credit-card-declined/
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