
If you're a student who's been denied a Discover Student Card, it can be frustrating and confusing. The good news is that there are often specific reasons why this happens.
One possible reason is if you don't meet the income requirements. According to the article, the income requirement for a Discover Student Card is $2,500 per year, and if you don't meet this threshold, your application may be denied.
Not having a valid Social Security number or a US address can also lead to a denial. Discover requires a valid Social Security number and a US address to issue a Student Card.
To improve your chances of getting approved, make sure you meet the income requirements and have all the necessary documents.
Reasons for Denial
So, you applied for a Discover Student Card and got denied. That can be frustrating, but it's not the end of the world. You can be denied for a secured credit card if you don't meet the issuer's minimum requirements, which typically include being at least 18 years old and having a U.S. address, an SSN, and enough income to pay the bills.
Having a high debt-to-income ratio can also lead to denial. This means if you have too many loans or credit card bills to pay, you might not qualify for a credit card. Not earning sufficient income to cover potential credit card bills can also be a reason for denial.
You can be denied if you have major negative items on your credit report, such as a bankruptcy. Incomplete or inaccurate information can also cause denial.
Here are some common reasons for denial:
- High debt-to-income ratio
- Not earning sufficient income to cover potential credit card bills
- Not having a credit history
- Having a poor credit score
- Having a history of missed or late payments
It's worth noting that student loans can also impact your credit card approvals. If your debt-to-income ratio suggests you may have too many obligations compared to your ability to repay, you might be denied. A low credit score can also cause denial, especially if it's due to missing one or more student loan payments.
Reviewing the Denial
You can review the denial letter to understand why your Discover student card application was denied. The issuer is required to explain the reasoning in the rejection letter, also known as an adverse action letter.
The letter may specify that you have too many hard inquiries on your credit report or an insufficient income. You can use that information to improve your credit so you can qualify for a card later on.
Credit card companies look at several factors when considering your application, and when you’re declined for a credit card, one of these things may be the reason. The denial letter will likely list the specific reason for the denial.
The issuer is required to transparently explain the reasoning in your rejection letter. Be sure to read the letter carefully to learn why your application was denied.
You can call or write to the issuer asking for a reconsideration of your application. A manual review by an underwriter can often get you the approval you are looking for.
Improving Your Chances
Improving your credit score can significantly boost your chances of getting approved for a Discover Student Cash Back card. A good credit score is typically 700 or higher, but the exact score required can vary.
You can request a credit limit increase, which can help improve your credit utilization ratio, a key factor in credit scoring. However, be aware that applying for multiple credit limit increases in a short period can negatively affect your credit score.
Having a stable income and a low debt-to-income ratio can also improve your creditworthiness. This is because lenders view you as a lower risk if you have a steady income and manageable debt.
Keep in mind that the application process involves a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score.
Credit Reports and Scores
Your credit report and score can play a significant role in determining whether you're approved for a Discover student card or not. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, you may be denied.
Having a poor credit score due to missed or defaulted payments on past loans or credit cards can also increase the likelihood of rejection. This is because credit card issuers consider your credit score when evaluating your application.
A credit score of 600 or below is often considered low, which can negatively impact your chances of approval. However, some student card issuers, like Discover, may approve applicants without a credit score, so it's worth exploring those options.
Here are some common reasons why your credit report and score might be a concern for credit card issuers:
- High debt-to-income ratio
- Poor credit score (600 or below)
- History of missed or late payments
Low Score
If your credit score is low, it's essential to check your credit report for errors. You can request a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com.
Missed or late payments can significantly impact your credit score, so it's crucial to pay your bills on time. Paying late makes you a credit risk and increases your chances of being denied credit.
Your credit utilization ratio is another factor to consider. Using too much of your available credit can negatively affect your credit score, so try to keep your credit card balances low.
Hard credit inquiries can also hurt your credit score, so it's best to avoid applying for several credit cards at once.
A long credit history can be a strength, especially if it shows you've paid your bills on time. This can make you a stronger candidate for a new credit card.
Here are some key factors to review in your credit report:
- Missed or late payments
- Credit card utilization
- Hard credit inquiries
- Length of credit history
Score's Impact on Student Outcomes
Having a good credit score can make a big difference in your student outcomes. Many student card issuers are willing to approve applicants without established credit.
If you have a low credit score due to missed or defaulted payments on past loans or credit cards, your application is more likely to be rejected.
Discover It Student Chrome credit card doesn't require a credit score to apply, which is a great option for students with no credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to get approved for a Discover student card?
Approval for the Discover student card is relatively accessible, but factors like credit score, debt, and income are also considered. If you have a credit score above 640, you may have a good chance of getting approved, but individual results may vary.
Why is my Discover card declining for no reason?
Your Discover card may be declining transactions due to exceeding your credit limit or unusual shopping locations. Call the number on the back of your card to find out the specific reason for the decline.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/what-to-do-if-you-re-rejected-for-a-student-credit-card-5191299
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/what-to-do-after-rejected-for-student-card/
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/why-was-my-credit-card-application-denied/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/discover-it-denied-2140717881/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/discover-it-student-cash-back-reconsideration-1000359-2140743911/
Featured Images: pexels.com