How to check your Capital One credit card application status

If you’re planning to apply for a Capital One credit card, you may be wondering how long it will take Capital One to review your application. The good news is that it typically doesn’t take long. And you can check on your application to see where it stands.

Learn how long it might take Capital One to make a decision about your application and how you can check your application status.

Key takeaways

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How to check your Capital One credit card application status

There are two ways to check the status of your application:

How long does it take for Capital One to make an application decision?

How long it takes Capital One to make a decision about your application typically depends on how you apply.

If you apply by phone or online, you’ll typically get a response within 60 seconds. If you submit a paper application, it will take longer. But no matter how you apply, Capital One generally notifies applicants of the decision in writing within seven to 10 days of receiving the application.

When will I receive my Capital One credit card?

If you’re approved, you can expect to receive your Capital One card in the mail within 7-10 business days. To learn more about credit card timelines, check out how long it takes to get a credit card.

How to use virtual cards

Some new Capital One cardholders may be able to start spending and earning rewards without having to wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail. That’s thanks to virtual cards, which stand in for actual card numbers and can be used almost anywhere you shop or pay online.

There are three primary ways to use virtual cards from Capital One:

  1. Generate virtual cards with Eno, your Capital One assistant, through the Eno browser extension.
  2. Use virtual cards through Google Pay when you shop online using Chrome or in Android apps.
  3. Access your virtual card after signing in through the Capital One Mobile app or online.

If you’re curious, there’s plenty more to read about how to use virtual cards and some of the benefits.

Why wasn’t my credit application approved immediately?

There are a few reasons why a credit card’s application status may be delayed:

Missing information

In some cases, Capital One may need to verify the information in your application or collect additional information before approving or declining your application.

When you apply for a Capital One credit card, Capital One requires the following information:

If all the information listed above isn’t included or if additional information is required, it could take longer to process your application.

Mistakes on the application

Accidental errors on the application may cause a delay in processing. For example, mistyping your date of birth or incorrectly inputting your address can result in mismatching information between your credit report and your application. In this case, additional details may be needed in order to process your application.

Frozen credit report

Freezing your credit reports is a way to restrict access as a security measure. This can keep identity thieves from being able to use your personal information to open new accounts in your name. But having a frozen credit report can also prevent you from opening new lines of credit.

You may want to unfreeze your credit report to prevent delays. You can unfreeze your credit on a permanent or temporary basis. But to do so you must contact each of the three credit bureaus where you originally froze your credit. Keep in mind that requesting a thaw online is typically fastest. As opposed to requesting over the phone or by mail.

What can I do to speed up the Capital One application process?

Capital One online applications often get a response in as few as 60 seconds. If your application is delayed, you can scroll up to learn a few reasons why. Be sure to keep an eye on the email you provided. That way if Capital One requests additional information, you can respond quickly. But if you haven’t already submitted an application, there are a few things you could do to help the process run smoothly.

Checking your Capital One credit card application status in a nutshell

It typically doesn’t take long for Capital One to review a credit card application. If you’re curious about the status of your application, you can easily check online or by phone—whichever is more convenient for you.

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We hope you found this helpful. Our content is not intended to provide legal, investment or financial advice or to indicate that a particular Capital One product or service is available or right for you. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with a qualified professional.

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Some customers will not be eligible to access a virtual card. If you are eligible, you must verify your identity before accessing your virtual card. In some cases, you will not be able to access your virtual card until approximately 30 days after account opening, and you may not have access to your full credit line until your physical card is activated. Web access is needed to manage your virtual card number online or in the Mobile app. Virtual cards may not be accepted by all stores. Virtual cards are not available for debit cards and some credit cards.

Eligible customers can also use virtual cards through Google Pay or via the Eno browser extension. Virtual cards through Google Pay are currently available in Chrome for desktop computers (Mac, Windows and Linux), Chrome for Android, and via merchant apps running in the Android OS. Additional availability may be added in the future, including Chrome for iOS. The Eno extension is available only for certain web browsers and enrollment is required.