Where to Check Your Card Status
You can check the status of your Bank of America credit card in three places: your online account, the mobile app, or by calling customer service. The fastest method is logging into your account at bankofamerica.com — you'll see your card status on the dashboard when ready, along with your current balance, available credit, and recent transactions.
If you're checking on a card you've recently requested, the status will show whether it's been approved, is pending review, or has been denied. For cards already in your wallet, the status page shows whether the account is active, frozen, or closed.
The Bank of America mobile app mirrors the online account, so you can check from anywhere. Open the app, tap your card, and scroll to see the same status information. This is useful if you need to verify your card is active before making a purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app to see your card status when ready, including whether it's active, pending, or denied.
- A pending status usually means Bank of America is reviewing your request and will contact you within a few business days with a decision.
- If your card shows as frozen or closed, you can contact customer service to learn why and what steps to take next.
- You can call 1-800-432-1000 to speak with a representative who can explain your status and answer questions about your account.
What Different Card Statuses Mean
Active means your card is open and ready to use. You can make purchases, pay your bill, and manage your account normally. This is the standard status for a card you've been using.
Pending
Denied
FrozenClosed means the account is no longer active. A frozen card may be temporary — often due to suspected fraud or a missed payment. A closed account is permanent and cannot be reopened; you would need to request a new card. Contact customer service to find out which one applies and why.
How to Check Status by Phone
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. A representative can tell you your card status, explain any holds or denials, and answer questions about next steps.
Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning on weekdays. If you're calling about a pending request, the representative can sometimes tell you whether a decision has been made even if your online account hasn't updated yet.
If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the relay service: dial 711 and provide the Bank of America number. TTY users can call 1-800-788-0988.
What to Do If Your Card Status Is Pending
Pending status means Bank of America is reviewing your request. This stage usually lasts three to five business days, though it can take longer if the bank needs additional information from you.
Check your email and mail for messages from Bank of America. If they need more details — such as proof of income, employment verification, or clarification about your process — they will contact you directly. Respond as quickly as you can; delays on your part will extend the pending period.
Do not submit a second request while the first is pending. Multiple requests in a short time can actually hurt your chances. Instead, wait for a decision on the first request, then explore again if it was denied.
If your status has been pending for more than a week with no contact, call 1-800-432-1000 to check whether the bank is waiting for information from you or whether there's a delay in processing.
What to Do If Your Card Was Denied
Bank of America will send you a letter explaining the reason for denial. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, high existing debt relative to income, recent late payments, or a low credit score.
Request your free credit report from annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. Review it for errors — mistakes on your report can be corrected. If you find inaccuracies, dispute them with the bureau that reported the error.
If your denial was due to credit score or payment history, wait at least three to six months before requesting another card. Use that time to pay down existing balances and make all payments on time. These actions will improve your credit profile and increase your chances on a second request.
You can also ask Bank of America whether a different card product might be a better fit. Some cards have lower credit requirements than others. A representative can discuss options with you.
What to Do If Your Card Is Frozen or Closed
If your card shows as frozen, call 1-800-432-1000 when ready. A frozen account usually means the bank suspects fraud or you've missed a payment. The representative can tell you the reason and what you need to do to unfreeze it.
If the freeze is due to fraud, the bank will walk you through verifying recent transactions. You may need to confirm which charges are legitimate and which are unauthorized. Once verified, the freeze is usually lifted within 24 hours.
If the freeze is due to a missed payment, bring your account current by paying the full amount due. The freeze should lift once the payment posts, usually within one to two business days.
If your card is closed, you cannot reopen it. You would need to request a new card. However, if the account was closed due to missed payments or fraud, Bank of America may deny a new request until you've resolved the underlying issue. Ask the representative what you need to do before requesting another card.
Tracking a Card You've Recently Requested
After you request a Bank of America credit card, you can track its progress through your online account. Log in and look for a section labeled "Card Status" or "Pending Applications." This shows whether your request is pending, approved, or denied.
Once approved, the status will change to show that your card is being printed and shipped. Bank of America typically ships cards within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You'll receive an email when it ships, along with an estimated delivery date.
Your card will arrive in a security envelope. Open it and verify that the name and card number match your request. You'll need to set up the card before using it — you can do this through your online account, the mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card.
If your card doesn't arrive within the estimated timeframe, log into your account to confirm the shipping address. If the address is wrong, contact customer service to update it and request a replacement card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a decision on a Bank of America credit card request?
Most decisions are made within three to five business days. You'll receive notification by email or mail. If your request is pending after a week, call 1-800-432-1000 to check whether the bank is waiting for information from you or if there's a processing delay.
Can I use my card while it's in pending status?
No. You cannot use a card until it arrives and you set up it. A pending status means the card hasn't been approved yet, so it won't be issued or shipped. Wait for approval and delivery before attempting to use it.
What does it mean if my card status says "active" but I can't make a purchase?
An active card may still have a temporary block if the bank suspects fraud or if you've reached your credit limit. Check your available credit in your online account. If you have available credit but transactions are still declining, call 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether there's a fraud hold on your account.
Can I reopen a Bank of America credit card that was closed?
No. Once a card account is closed, it cannot be reopened. You would need to request a new card. However, if the account was closed due to missed payments or fraud, you may need to resolve that issue first before the bank will approve a new request.
Why was my card frozen without warning?
Bank of America freezes cards for two main reasons: suspected fraud or a missed payment. The bank doesn't always notify you in advance because fraud freezes are meant to protect your account when ready. Call 1-800-432-1000 to find out which reason applies and what you need to do to unfreeze it.