Cole Schenewerk’s passion for credit card points and miles has led him around the globe. Following a career in corporate finance, he now helps others maximize the rewards they earn from their spending on credit cards.
Cole Schenewerk Credit Cards WriterCole Schenewerk’s passion for credit card points and miles has led him around the globe. Following a career in corporate finance, he now helps others maximize the rewards they earn from their spending on credit cards.
Written By Cole Schenewerk Credit Cards WriterCole Schenewerk’s passion for credit card points and miles has led him around the globe. Following a career in corporate finance, he now helps others maximize the rewards they earn from their spending on credit cards.
Cole Schenewerk Credit Cards WriterCole Schenewerk’s passion for credit card points and miles has led him around the globe. Following a career in corporate finance, he now helps others maximize the rewards they earn from their spending on credit cards.
Credit Cards Writer Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
| Credit Cards Editor
Updated: Aug 29, 2024, 2:52pm
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Despite being the smallest of the four main credit card payment networks, Discover’s full range of credit cards is widely accepted by merchants across the U.S. Whether you’re looking for airline miles, cash back or a secured card to help rebuild your score, Discover’s website is a great place to explore your options before applying, see if you’re preapproved and check your application status.
The easiest way to apply for a Discover card is online. Discover allows you to check if you’re preapproved after entering some basic personal and financial information. You can submit your application if you receive any preapproval offers. You’ll usually receive a response immediately; some cardholders might be instantly approved. If approved, you’ll receive your new card in the mail within about two weeks.
If you already have a card in mind, you can apply over the phone. Simply call Discover at 1-800-347-2683 and state “Apply for new card” when prompted. After confirming you’re over 18, an account manager will guide you through the application process for your card of choice.
Like most credit card issuers, Discover often mails special offers that aren’t publicly available on its website. If you received one of these, it will contain a four-word application code. Visit the Discover website to complete your application, and make sure to use the four-word code. This will ensure you receive any special perks mentioned in the mailing.
Discover offers an online Status Check Tool on its website that will allow you to view your application’s status. To identify yourself and locate your application, you’ll need your Social Security number and the ZIP code of the address used on your application. Simply enter these into the form, and Discover will instantly let you know if your application is approved, pending or rejected.
If you’d prefer to speak to a Discover representative by phone, you can call Discover at 1-800-347-2683. After providing similar identifying information to the online form, a representative will be happy to tell you the status of your application.
If your Discover application was rejected and you’re wondering what to do next, it’s important to know your options and rights. You are entitled under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to a written communication of the reasons your application for credit was rejected by the issuer, which you can expect by mail within seven to 10 business days of the decision.
Like many major card issuers, Discover allows applicants to apply for reconsideration. Sometimes an issuer may be willing to change its mind after initially denying a new card. After preparing by reading our reconsideration guide, reviewing a recent copy of your credit report and finding out the reason you were denied, try giving Discover another call at 1-800-347-2683.
There are many situations in which you might successfully get Discover to reconsider your application, especially if the information in your application is incomplete or incorrect. For example, if you’ve recently moved, your new address may not match the one on your credit report. It’s worth seeing if Discover is willing to reconsider in light of any additional information you can provide since the worst they can say is “no.”
There are various reasons your credit application might be rejected, including limited credit history, a low credit score or too much debt relative to your income. If you were rejected due to your credit history, you may be able to get approval for a different Discover card. Most issuers suggest waiting a few months before reapplying.
Borrowers new to credit or rebuilding their score might consider the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Though this card requires a security deposit equal to your credit line, it’s available to customers with lower scores. If you’re a student with limited credit history, Discover offers several cards designed for your needs, including the Discover it® Student Cash Back.
No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.
Discover makes it easy to apply for cards and just as easy to follow up about your application status. However, before you apply, make sure you have everything in order to make your application as strong as possible. If you can’t get approved for the card you want, take a few months to work on your credit score, then try again.
