You hit submit on a credit card form and then… the waiting. Your status says “in process.” One card shows a “possible limit.” Another says rejected. What now? Breathe — that status is just one step, not the final answer. Learn what really happens behind the scenes and what you can do while you wait.
What this article covers
- What “in process” and “possible limit” mean.
- The main steps banks take when processing credit card applications.
- Why instant rejections happen and when they might change.
- Practical steps you can take to improve approval chances.
- FAQs with short, clear answers you can use right away.
What does “in process” mean for your application?
When a bank or card issuer marks your application as “in process”, it simply means they are still checking things. It’s not a yes or a no — it’s a “we’re working on it.” The issuer may be verifying your identity, checking credit records, reviewing income details, or waiting for a vKYC (video KYC) confirmation.
This status can stay the same for hours, days, or even weeks depending on how many checks are needed and how busy the system or support team is.
The typical steps of application processing (simple version)
Below is a short, easy list of what usually happens after you submit a credit card form:
- Form review: The bank checks the personal details you entered (name, mobile, email).
- Document upload: They verify any docs you attached (ID, address proof, income proof).
- Identity check (vKYC): Many modern apps use video KYC to confirm you are who you say you are.
- Credit check: The issuer pulls your credit report (for example, from CIBIL in India) to see your credit score and history.
- Final decision: The bank approves, rejects, or asks for more info. If approved, they set your credit limit. If rejected, they should tell you why.
Each of these steps can cause the status to stay at “in process” until it’s complete.
What is a “possible limit”?
A possible limit is an early estimate of how much credit the issuer might give you. It’s based on the details you provided (income, employment, and credit history). It’s not final — the confirmed limit only arrives after the issuer finishes all checks. Think of it as a “preview,” not the final number.
Why do some applications get instant rejections?
Instant rejections happen when automated checks spot a clear problem. Common triggers:
- Very low credit score.
- Mismatched or incorrect personal data.
- Too many recent credit inquiries or existing high debt.
- Income below the card’s minimum requirement.
An instant rejection can sometimes get re-evaluated later if a human reviewer or additional checks find new information. So even a quick rejection isn’t always the last word.
Real-world example in plain terms
Imagine you applied to two cards: Card A immediately returns a rejection; Card B shows “possible limit ₹50,000” and asks you to complete vKYC. Card B’s “possible limit” is a sign the issuer sees potential, but they’ll finalize it after vKYC and credit checks. Card A’s rejection might be final — or it might be on hold for more verification. In short: keep an eye on both statuses and follow up if needed.
What you should do while your application is in process
Don’t panic — do these practical things instead:
- Check your status once or twice a day. Frequent refreshing won’t speed things up, but staying updated helps you spot requests for more info.
- Complete vKYC or other verification steps right away. That often unlocks the fastest path to final approval.
- Review your credit report. Look for errors that could hurt approval chances. In India you can check CIBIL and other bureaus. If you find mistakes, raise a dispute.
- Reach out to customer support if the status is stuck for more than a week or if you get contradictory messages.
- Consider backup cards that match your profile better, but don’t apply to many cards at once — too many applications can reduce your approval chances.
How banks decide: the main factors (plain list)
Banks weigh many things, but the main points are:
- Credit score and history (payment record, outstanding debts).
- Monthly income and job stability.
- Existing credit limits and utilization.
- Accuracy of documents and identity verification (vKYC).
- Any recent loan defaults or bankruptcies.
Improving any of these helps your approval chances.
If your application is denied: smart next steps
- Ask why. Request the rejection reason from the issuer — this helps you fix the problem.
- Check your credit report for errors. Correcting mistakes can change the outcome of later applications.
- Pay down high balances to lower your debt-to-income or credit-utilization ratio.
- Wait and reapply later after you’ve improved your credit profile (for example, after 3–6 months).
- Choose cards made for lower-credit profiles or secured cards if you need credit-building options.
Simple analogy to remember
Think of applying for a credit card like applying to join a club:
- The application form is your membership form.
- vKYC is the membership interview.
- Credit check is the club seeing if you’re a reliable member.
- Possible limit is the host saying, “You could sit at this table,” but you still need final approval.
FAQ — quick answers
Q: How long does approval usually take?
A: It varies. Some get instant responses in minutes. Others take days or a couple of weeks if more checks are needed.
Q: Can an “in process” application change to approved after a rejection?
A: Yes — in some cases a quick rejection can be revisited if extra checks or manual reviews are run. But don’t rely on it; have backup plans.
Q: Does vKYC always happen?
A: Many issuers now use vKYC, especially for digital credit cards. Completing it promptly speeds things up.
Q: Should I apply for multiple cards at once?
A: It’s better to avoid many simultaneous applications. Each application can trigger a credit inquiry, and multiple inquiries can lower short-term approval odds.
Q: Where can I check my credit report?
A: Use the major credit bureaus in your country (for example, CIBIL in India) or the official credit-report services where you live.
Action plan — what to do right now (3 steps)
- Finish any pending verifications (like vKYC) within 24–48 hours.
- Pull your credit report and check for errors; dispute anything obvious.
- Call customer support if the status is stuck for more than 7 business days or if you get confusing messages.
final advice and encouragement
Your application status and processing are part of a short journey, not the final destination. “In process” means the bank is checking things — sometimes slowly, sometimes fast. A “possible limit” is only a preview until the issuer finishes all checks. If you get a rejection, use it as feedback: check your credit report, fix mistakes, and try again with a better-prepared application. Take the three quick actions above, and you’ll either speed approval or be ready to strengthen your next application.
Good luck — and remember: the right information and a calm plan beat panic every time.
Common terms explained (one-line definitions)
- vKYC: Video-based identity check.
- Possible limit: Early estimate of credit amount.
- CIBIL/credit bureau: An agency that stores credit history and provides scores.
- Credit utilization: The percent of your available credit you’re using. Lower is better.
Need a custom strategy?
If you want, share (only) the non-sensitive bits of your situation — e.g., you saw “possible limit ₹50,000” and vKYC completed — and I’ll give a short, targeted checklist to improve approval odds.
