How Bank of America processes credit card requests
Bank of America handles credit card requests through their website, by phone, or in a branch. You'll provide personal and financial information, and the bank will review your credit history and income to decide whether to approve you. The decision usually comes within minutes if you request online, though some applications take a few business days.
The bank uses your credit report, income, and existing account history (if you're already a customer) to assess risk. They don't may provide approval based on pre-qualification offers — those are indicators only. The actual decision depends on what they find during the full review.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America processes most online requests when ready, but approval is not may provide even with a pre-qualification offer.
- You'll need your Social Security number, income information, and employment details to complete the request.
- The bank pulls your credit report during the review, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
- If you're denied, you can request the specific reason from Bank of America and reapply later after addressing that issue.
What you need before you start
Gather your Social Security number, current income, and employment information before beginning. Have your address and phone number ready. If you're explore for a card that requires a deposit (like a secured card), know how much you can deposit upfront.
If you already have a Bank of America checking or savings account, the request process is faster because the bank already has some of your information on file. If you don't have an account with them, you'll enter more details during the request.
Requesting online through Bank of America's website
Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the credit cards section. Select the specific card you want and click the request button. You'll be asked to sign in if you have a Bank of America account, or create a login if you don't.
Fill in your personal details, income, and employment information. The form asks for your annual income, current employment status, and housing situation. Answer accurately — the bank verifies this information. After you submit, you'll see a decision on screen or receive one by email within a few business days.
Requesting by phone or in a branch
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to request a credit card over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions you'd answer online. This route takes longer — you won't get an when ready decision — but some people prefer speaking to someone directly.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring your ID, proof of income (like a recent pay stub), and your Social Security number. A banker can submit your request and explain the different card options available to you.
What happens after you submit
Bank of America will pull your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus. This inquiry appears on your credit report and may lower your score by a few points temporarily. The bank reviews your credit history, payment patterns, and debt levels alongside the information you provided.
You'll receive a decision by email or mail. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, the bank sends a letter explaining the reason — usually insufficient credit history, high debt levels, or recent negative marks on your report. You can request more details by calling the number on the letter.
If you're denied or want to reapply later
A denial doesn't prevent you from requesting again. Wait at least 30 days before reapplying to the same card, and address the reason you were denied first. If the issue was high debt, pay down balances. If it was insufficient credit history, use a secured card or become an authorized user on someone else's account to build history.
Bank of America also offers secured credit cards, which require a cash deposit but are designed for people rebuilding credit. If you were denied for an unsecured card, a secured card may be a better starting point.
Understanding the different Bank of America cards
Bank of America offers cash-back cards, travel cards, and cards for people building credit. Each has different income requirements and credit score ranges where approval is more likely. The pre-qualification offers you saw were based on a soft inquiry — a check that doesn't affect your credit score — so they're a reasonable indicator of your chances, but not a may provide.
Read the terms for the specific card you want. Some cards have annual fees, others don't. Some offer rewards when ready, others after you meet a spending threshold. Knowing these details before you request helps you decide whether that card is right for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a decision?
Online requests usually get a decision within minutes. Phone and in-branch requests take one to three business days. Once approved, the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, though you may be able to use it online sooner.
Will requesting a credit card hurt my credit score?
The hard inquiry Bank of America runs will lower your score by a few points, usually 5 to 10 points. This effect is temporary and fades over time. Multiple requests within a short period (like two weeks) typically count as one inquiry, so don't worry if you request different cards close together.
Can I request if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Bank of America requires a valid Social Security number to process any credit card request. If you're a non-citizen with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), contact the bank directly to ask about your options.
What if I was denied but have a pre-qualification offer?
Pre-qualification offers are based on limited information and don't may provide approval. If you were denied, the full review found something that changed the bank's decision. Call the number on your denial letter to understand the specific reason before requesting again.
Can I request a credit card if I'm already carrying a balance with Bank of America?
Yes. Existing debt doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it does factor into the bank's decision. High debt levels relative to your income make approval less likely. Paying down existing balances before requesting improves your chances.