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If your Chase Sapphire Preferred application has been declined, don't worry, it's not the end of the road.
You can request a reconsideration, and it's worth trying if you're confident in your creditworthiness.
A reconsideration letter is usually sent within 7-10 business days, and it will outline the reasons for the initial decline.
In many cases, a reconsideration is successful, especially if you address the issues that led to the initial decline.
Application Denial Reasons
Your Chase Sapphire Preferred application was denied, and you're wondering why? Let's take a look at the possible reasons.
A low credit score is a common reason for denial, and it's likely because the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a minimum credit score requirement. You can check your credit score for free to see where you stand.
If you've had trouble managing your credit in the past, it could be a problem. This includes things like high debt relative to your income, late payments on your credit report, and using too much available credit. These issues can hurt your credit score and make it harder to get approved.
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Here are some specific reasons that might have led to your denial:
- Credit score is too low
- Not enough credit history
- Income is too low or unstable
- High debt relative to your income
- Too many recent credit inquiries
- Late payments on your credit report
- Using too much available credit
- Errors on your credit report
- Unresolved bankruptcy on your credit report
- Errors on your application
- Forgotten credit freeze, credit lock, or fraud alert on your credit reports
Reasons for Denied Application
If your credit score is less than good, you don't meet the minimum credit score requirement for the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
A credit score that's too low can be a major obstacle to approval.
Not having enough credit history can also lead to a denied application. This is because lenders want to see a track record of responsible borrowing.
Income that's too low or unstable can make it difficult to qualify for a credit card. This is because lenders want to ensure you have a steady income to make payments.
High debt relative to your income can also be a problem. If you're already struggling to make payments, lenders may be hesitant to approve you for a new credit card.
Too many recent credit inquiries can also raise red flags. This is because lenders may see you as a high-risk applicant.
Late payments on your credit report can also lead to a denied application.
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Using too much available credit can also be a problem. This is because lenders want to see that you're not overextending yourself.
The following list outlines some common reasons for a denied application:
- Credit score is too low
- Not enough credit history
- Income is too low or unstable
- High debt relative to your income
- Too many recent credit inquiries
- Late payments on your credit report
- Using too much available credit
- Errors on your credit report
- Unresolved bankruptcy on your credit report
- Errors on your application
- Forgotten credit freeze, credit lock, or fraud alert on your credit reports
I Was Denied
If your Chase Sapphire Preferred application was denied, it's not the end of the world. Your credit score is too low, or you don't have enough credit history, are common reasons for denial.
You can check your credit score for free on WalletHub and use their CardAdvisor tool to explore other card options. It's also worth noting that a credit freeze, credit lock, or fraud alert on your credit report can cause issues with your application.
If you're unsure why your application was denied, you can try calling the Chase reconsideration line (888-245-0625). Be prepared to answer common questions, such as why you want the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Some common reasons for denial include having too much debt relative to your income, too many recent credit inquiries, late payments on your credit report, and using too much available credit. You can also try to get one of your current cards' limits increased or apply for another premium card.
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Here are some common questions the Chase reconsideration line may ask, along with suggested responses:
- Why do you want the Chase Sapphire Preferred? State one of the features of the CSP that your current card doesn't have.
- How will you use the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Explain how you plan to use the card responsibly.
- Can you cancel another Chase card to qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Only consider this option if you're willing to cancel a card.
If the customer service representative still won't budge, you can try calling back with another representative. However, this usually won't make a difference.
Contacting Card Reconsideration
To contact the Chase Sapphire Preferred reconsideration line, call 1 (888) 270-2127. This number is specifically for denied applicants to request a second review of their application.
Be prepared to make a strong argument for why you should be approved, as you'll only have a shot at overturning a denial if you can prove your creditworthiness.
To increase your chances of getting approved, make sure you have a good reason for wanting the card, such as the benefits it offers or a partnership with an airline or hotel partner.
During the reconsideration call, the representative will verify any information you provided on the application, including your income. If you applied for a business card, be prepared to answer questions about your business.
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If things don't seem to be going in your favor, don't be afraid to ask the representative what you need to do to get approved.
Here are some common strategies for getting approved:
- Consider shifting your credit around to the new card if you have too high a total credit limit at Chase.
- Work on improving your credit score if it's on the border of what Chase would accept, and ask the representative when you should re-apply.
Declined Due to Insufficient Credit
If you're declined for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card due to insufficient credit history, don't be discouraged. You can still try to get approved by calling the underwriting department and explaining why they should trust you.
Chase usually requires 12 months of your own credit history on existing credit cards, but it's worth a shot to have your application reconsidered. Point out to the underwriter that you've never been late with payments and that you have a significant amount of money in your Chase checking account.
You can even convince an underwriter to approve your application with very little previous credit history if you have a substantial amount of money in your checking or savings accounts.
If Declined: Insufficient
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If you've been declined for a credit card due to insufficient credit history, don't worry, it's not the end of the road. You can try calling the underwriting department to have your application reconsidered.
Chase, for example, requires 12 months of your own credit history on existing credit cards before they'll approve you for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. But even if you have less than 12 months of credit history, it's worth a shot to call and plead your case.
Point out to the underwriter that you've never been late on payments, not even to school, and promise to be a responsible credit user. If you have a nice chunk of money in your Chase checking or savings accounts, be sure to mention that too.
I've seen people successfully convince underwriters to approve their application even with very little previous credit history, especially if they have a substantial amount of money in their accounts.
If Declined Due to Excess Credit
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If you're declined due to excess credit, it's not the end of the road. You can try to reallocate your credit limit from one of your existing cards to the new credit card. This might give the underwriter more confidence in approving your application.
Chase may hesitate to approve you for a new credit card if you already have high credit limits with them or on other credit cards.
Reconsideration Process
If you've been declined for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, don't worry, you can try to get approved through a reconsideration process.
You'll need to make a call to the representative to explain why you want the card and give them a good reason. Maybe you like the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred over your old cards, or you're planning a big trip and want to increase your status.
They'll also verify any information you provided on the application, like income, especially if you applied for a business card. Be prepared to answer questions about your business.
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If things don't appear to be going well, you can ask the representative what you need to do to get approved. They may give you some guidance.
Here are some common strategies for getting approved:
- Move around your credit: If you have too high a total credit limit at Chase, they may balk at giving you more. Ask if you can shift your credit around to the new card.
- Improve your credit score: If your score is on the border of what they'd accept, try improving it and re-apply later. Ask the representative when you should try back.
Credit Limitation Rules
If you're having trouble getting approved for a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, it's possible that Chase is hesitant due to your existing high credit limits.
Chase may decline your application if you already have high credit limits with them or on other credit cards.
To increase your chances of approval, consider offering to reallocate your credit limit from one of your existing cards to the new Chase card.
This approach can make the underwriter feel more comfortable recommending an approval, as they're not extending new credit.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/chase-sapphire-preferred-application-denied-1000632-2140686121/
- https://www.doctorofcredit.com/i-was-denied-for-the-chase-sapphire-preferred-now-what/
- https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred-Declined-Weird-Reason/td-p/6788287
- https://helpmebuildcredit.com/got-declined-for-the-chase-sapphire-preferred-card-how-to-overturn-the-decision/
- https://wallethacks.com/what-to-do-if-you-get-rejected-for-a-chase-credit-card/
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