In the instant approval stage of the application, some issuers will decline your application. If this happens, ask them why they have declined it. It may be for a simple reason like you have not been at your current address or job for a long enough time, or your income may not be enough to match the criteria of the issuer. Before you apply for a card, contact the issuer to find out what the minimum credit requirements are to try and avoid being declined for these reasons.
If you are turned down by several companies, there may be a problem with your credit history (see our finance tips for help managing your finances). The main alternative in this instance is a secured credit card, necessitating collateral as a security deposit. One option is to ask someone who has an established and secure credit history to co-sign the account for you (also considered collateral).
If you are denied application, then the card issuer has to give you details about which credit bureau was used to provide the report. You are then entitled to a copy of this report if you contact the bureau within 60 days of the application being made by the credit card provider. If you find an error in the report, you can apply to have this restored and re-attempt your application.
