Credit Card Reconsideration Letter
In the past I have written about reconsideration strategies for when calling in fails. I definitely recommend reading my original post for more detailed ideas, but reconsideration can be done via chat, secure message and as a last resort, sending in a letter.
While Citi used to famously require you to send in a letter to their Executive Department for reconsideration, just about every bank has an address you can mail to. This address is found on the denial letter that you receive in the mail. I have personally written letters to Capital One, Citi and Bank of America among others.
One of my readers recently asked me for a copy of a letter that I have written, so I found one and took out any specific references so I can post it here. This letter did work to get me reconsidered several times in the past. (I’m not sure if I am going to write one for my latest Citi denial.)
Things to Include
Before I post the sample, let me talk about a few things I believe should be in every credit card reconsideration letter:
- No credit pull: I specifically mention that I am not authorizing an additional credit pull. You may feel this isn’t necessary, but one bank re-ran my credit after receiving a letter and the application was less than 2 weeks old. (Note: Most banks will re-use a credit report for 30 days after your application.)
- Specific features: Always make sure to include the features of the card and how they will benefit you. You will notice that I use generic language in the letter, but you should be specific.
- Small credit line: Who cares about the size of the credit line? At this point you just want to salvage the application. Desperate people want big lines. By saying the opposite you look better to the bank.
- Shift credit or close another account: If you are willing to close another account or shift credit, then mention it. I did this once in a secure message with Chase and it was all done without me needing to talk to anyone.
Sample Credit Card Reconsideration Letter
Without drawing this out further, here is the letter. Please know this letter is not guaranteed to work for anyone, but it has worked for me. I highly suggest using it as a guide only and writing a letter in your own voice that is more specific to your circumstances.
Your Name
Your Address
City, State
Date
Executive Review Department
123 Maple Lane
Los Angeles, CA 91326
To Whom It May Concern:
Hello, I am writing in regards to my application for _____________card with reference #5454545454545. I was disappointed to hear of my denial considering my stellar credit history and my past relationship with your bank.
Recently, I have been traveling quite a lot and thus feel the features and benefits of this card would be useful for me. (Insert specific features.) I am not asking for a large amount of credit, but simply enough to enjoy this card’s wonderful benefits while also continuing to prove my value to you as a customer. (Optional: I am even willing to shift credit from XYZ card if that is required.)
I am hoping this letter finds its way to someone who can help me get this application reconsidered, however I am not authorizing an additional credit pull. Thank you in advance and please know that I sincerely appreciate your time and any help you can provide. If you have any further questions I can be reached at 702-555-1212 or via email at youremail@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Your Name
Conclusion
So there it is. As you can see there really isn’t anything overly complicated about it. In fact, the more concise your letter is the better. Have you ever had success writing a reconsideration letter? Let us know in the comments.
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This was helpful!
thank you! How old does the credit inquiry have to be for this to work?
For most banks they won’t pull again if it is within 30 days.
[…] have posted a sample letter here, but here are the credit card reconsideration letter […]
I’ve observed the same thing about the unluipbshed links they seem to die quicker than usual. Perhaps the banks are actively tracking them now?@Tammy Horvath Unfortunately, the transferred points don’t count towards the Companion Pass. I tried! But points from the Southwest personal and business card still appear to be counting.@InACents Thanks for the link!@corinne – Thanks for helping out!@BillyBob – I believe that the Chase Sapphire and Sapphire Preferred are considered different products so it is possible to get the bonus on both those cards. @Derek Thanks for sharing. Miles don’t expire only as long as you have the United Explorer card.@Have Points Will Travel Agreed. There’s no point doing anything stupid just for 10,000 points.@Jake If you regularly stay with Choice, it could be a good deal, though I believe you get only 8K points (which can be used for a free night in certain hotels). Here’s a more detailed @Anjum – Chase usually doesn’t give you the bonus again for the same type of card (i.e. if you had the United Explorer it may be hard to get the bonus again on it, but you could get it on a different type of United card). But I don’t have any personal experience with the United Explorer.@PatMike That’s great to know. Thanks for sharing.
Regarding letters to Citi, do you recall how long it took to receive a response? Mailed my letter a bit over two weeks ago and not sure if it’s been reviewed, received by the right department, etc. Maybe try SM to recon before 30 days have lapsed?
It took about two weeks for me. It couldn’t hurt to send a secure message or even call their reconsideration line to see if there are any notes.
Has never worked for me. Tried only 2 times.
Thank you for your reply, says a lot about your newsletter.
I appreciate your posting,
Call the re con line, other wise forget it…
They will ask a few questions, and 99 % of the time give you the CC, a letter does not allow for quick answers.,,
Be organized, and never take it personal, it is just a business decision,,,
Bill this is meant to be a last resort when reconsideration denies you. Of course you should call in before writing a letter, but phone reps only have so much power. It is possible to reach executives with a letter who have the ability to manually approve you.
Done recon calls about 12 times in the last 4 years. Been successful about 75% of the time. I’ve been denied on a recon call with Citi, wrote a letter and was approved. So it does work. Or you can call multiple times I suppose as well.