Does Getting Denied for a Credit Card Hurt Your Score?

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Key takeaways

A credit card denial does not directly harm your credit score, but the hard inquiry from the application can cause a temporary dip.
Credit card denials are not reported to credit bureaus and do not have a lasting impact on your credit history.
Improving credit habits, such as paying bills on time and reducing debt, can help boost your credit score and increase your chances of future approval.

Applying for a credit card can be a pivotal step in managing your finances and building good credit. Credit cards offer convenience, help establish credit history, and provide access to financial resources.

That’s all great, but sometimes you don’t get the card you want. What happens when your credit card application is denied? Does getting rejected for a credit card hurt your credit score? Let’s explore the relationship between credit card denials and your credit score.

Understanding the credit application process

Before delving into the impact of a credit card denial on your credit score, it’s crucial to understand how the credit application process works. When you apply for a credit card, the card issuer typically reviews your credit report and credit score to assess your creditworthiness. This review helps them decide whether to approve or deny your application. Here are the key factors at play:

Credit Inquiry: When you apply for a credit card, the issuer conducts what’s called a “hard inquiry”. This inquiry appears on your credit report and can have a minor negative impact on your credit score. Multiple hard inquiries within a short period can have a more significant impact.

Credit Score: Your credit score, which is based on your credit history, payment behavior, and other financial factors, plays a significant role in the approval process. Lenders look at your credit score to gauge the risk of lending to you. A higher credit score increases your chances of being approved, as it indicates a history of responsible credit management. Conversely, a lower credit score may result in a denial, as it suggests a higher risk.

Credit History: The length and quality of your credit history are also important. Lenders prefer applicants with a long and positive credit history. Factors such as timely payments, low credit utilization, and a mix of credit types contribute positively to your credit history and increase your likelihood of approval.

The impact of a credit card denial

Now, let’s address the main question: Does getting denied for a credit card hurt your credit score?

The simple answer is no. A credit card denial does not directly harm your credit score. Although applying for a credit card and undergoing a credit inquiry may temporarily dip your score, the denial itself does not have a lasting impact.

Here’s why:

Credit inquiries: As mentioned earlier, a hard inquiry can cause a small drop in your credit score, usually by 5 to 10 points. It does not matter if you were approved or denied. The good news is the impact is short-lived. Typically, the impact of a hard inquiry fades within a few months. It is advisable to wait at least six months before applying for another credit card to allow your score to rebound.

Denials aren’t reported: Credit card denials are not reported to credit bureaus. Therefore, they do not become a part of your credit history or affect your creditworthiness in the long term. Creditors will see that you applied due to the hard inquiry, but not that you were denied.

Credit rebuilding: If you’re denied a credit card, it can be an opportunity to reevaluate your financial situation and work on improving your creditworthiness. Paying down existing debts, making on-time payments, and addressing any errors on your credit report can help you become a more attractive candidate for credit in the future.

Why a credit card application might be rejected

Understanding why a credit card application might be rejected can help you take the necessary steps to improve your chances of approval in the future. Several factors can influence a credit card issuer’s decision. Let’s explore some common reasons for rejection:

Short or insufficient credit history

A short or insufficient credit history can be a significant reason for rejection. Credit card issuers prefer applicants with a well-established credit history that demonstrates responsible credit management over time. If you have only recently started using credit, lenders may not have enough information to assess your creditworthiness. To build a stronger credit history:

Start with a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan.

Make consistent, on-time payments to demonstrate reliability.

Consider becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card to benefit from their positive credit history.

Low or insufficient credit score

Your credit score is one of the most critical factors in a credit card application. A low or insufficient credit score can lead to rejection because it indicates a higher risk to the lender. Several elements contribute to your credit score, including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. To improve your credit score:

Pay all your bills on time, as payment history has the most significant impact on your score.

Keep your credit utilization ratio low by not maxing out your credit cards.

Avoid opening multiple new accounts in a short period.

Maintain a mix of credit types, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages.

Too many inquiries

Too many inquiries on your credit report within a short timeframe can also lead to a rejection. Each hard inquiry slightly lowers your credit score and signals to lenders that you might be desperate for credit or overextending yourself. To minimize the impact of hard inquiries:

Space out your credit applications by several months.

Avoid applying for credit unless necessary.

Use pre-qualification tools offered by many credit card issuers to see if you might qualify for a card without affecting your credit score.

Missed or late payments

Missed or late payments on your credit accounts can significantly harm your credit score and lead to a denial of your credit card application. Lenders view missed payments as a sign of financial instability and irresponsibility. To avoid this issue:

Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure timely payments.

Address any missed payments immediately to prevent further damage.

Focus on building a consistent payment history to regain lender trust.

Irresponsible card usage

Irresponsible card usage, such as maxing out credit cards or frequently carrying high balances, can also lead to a rejection. Lenders want to see that you can manage your credit responsibly without relying too heavily on borrowed money. To demonstrate responsible card usage:

Keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limit.

Pay off your credit card balance in full each month if possible.

Avoid using credit cards for unnecessary purchases or expenses.

Credit card debt

Existing credit card debt can be a red flag for lenders. If you already have significant debt, adding another credit card might increase the risk of default. Lenders assess your debt-to-income ratio to determine your ability to manage additional debt. To improve your debt situation:

Focus on paying down existing credit card balances.

Create a budget to manage your finances more effectively.

Consider debt consolidation options if you have multiple high-interest debts.

Errors on your credit report

Errors on your credit report can unfairly lower your score and lead to a rejection. Common errors include incorrect personal information, accounts that don’t belong to you, or incorrect account status. To ensure your credit report is accurate:

Regularly check your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Dispute any errors you find with the credit bureau and the creditor.

Follow up to ensure that the errors are corrected and your credit report is updated.

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How to improve your chances of approval

If you’ve been denied a credit card, don’t be discouraged. There are several steps you can take to improve your chances of approval in the future. Here are some actionable strategies:

Review your adverse action letter

When your credit card application is denied, the issuer is required to send you an adverse action letter. This letter provides the reasons for the denial and often includes your credit score and the credit bureau used. Reviewing this letter is crucial because it gives you insight into the specific factors that influenced the decision. Understanding these reasons can help you focus on the areas that need improvement.

Request your credit report

After reviewing your adverse action letter, request your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to a free credit report from each bureau once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com. Carefully examine your reports for accuracy and look for:

Errors in personal information or account details.

Accounts that don’t belong to you.

Incorrect account statuses, such as payments marked late when they were on time.

If you find any discrepancies, dispute them with the credit bureau to have them corrected. Removing errors from your report can give an immediate boost to your score.

Don’t reapply right away

One of the biggest mistakes you can make after being denied a credit card is to immediately reapply for another one. Each application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can further lower your credit score.

Instead, take some time to understand why you were denied and address those issues first. Allow at least six months between applications to give your credit score time to recover and to show lenders that you’re not desperate for credit.

Take steps to improve your score or build credit

Improving your credit score or building credit takes time and effort, but it is essential for increasing your chances of approval. Here are some steps you can take:

Pay down existing debts
Make timely payments
Don’t max out your cards
Avoid opening new accounts
Use a secured credit card
Become an authorized user
Diversify your credit mix

Frequently asked questions

1. Does a credit card rejection directly lower my credit score?

No, a credit card rejection itself does not directly lower your credit score. The act of applying for a credit card triggers a hard inquiry, which can cause a minor, temporary dip in your score. The rejection itself is not reported to credit bureaus and has no direct impact on your credit score or credit history.

2. How long will a hard inquiry affect my credit score?

A hard inquiry can affect your credit score for up to two years, but its impact is most significant in the first few months. Typically, a hard inquiry causes a small, temporary dip in your score, which usually recovers within six months as long as no additional negative information is added to your credit report.

3. Can I apply for another credit card after a rejection without harming my score further?

It’s best to wait at least six months before applying for another credit card after a rejection to avoid further harming your score. Each application results in a hard inquiry, which can lower your score slightly. Waiting allows your credit score to recover and gives you time to address any issues that led to the initial rejection.

4. How many points does a hard inquiry typically reduce a credit score?

A hard inquiry typically reduces a credit score by about 5 to 10 points. However, the exact impact can vary depending on your overall credit profile. While the effect is generally minor and temporary, it can be more pronounced if you have few accounts or a shorter credit history.

5. What steps can I take to avoid impacting my credit score with future credit card applications?

To avoid impacting your credit score with future credit card applications, space out your applications by several months, use pre-qualification tools to check your chances without a hard inquiry, and focus on improving your credit score by making timely payments and reducing debt. Additionally, only apply for credit cards that match your credit profile.

Bottom line

While a credit card denial can be disappointing, it should not be a cause for major concern about your credit score. The temporary dip resulting from a hard inquiry will likely bounce back within a few months, and the denial itself does not have a lasting impact on your credit report.

Use the experience as motivation to continue building and maintaining good credit habits, such as paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and managing debts responsibly. Take a pause on applying for new credit to allow your score to recover.

Remember that credit scores are dynamic and can improve with consistent, responsible financial behavior over time. With patience and diligence, your credit score should rebound, positioning you for better credit opportunities in the future.

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Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.

Does Getting Denied for a Credit Card Hurt Your Score?

Key takeaways

Jump to:

Understanding the credit application process

The impact of a credit card denial