Credit card applications in India typically clear within 7 working days, but the in-between can be frustrating — you don't hear anything for 3 days, then a verification call, then silence, then a courier notification. Every bank has a different way to check status. Below is the 2026 reference for SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak, and IDFC FIRST.
Before you check — have these ready
- Application reference number (issued on submission, 10–14 digits).
- PAN number.
- Mobile number used in application.
- Date of birth.
Any two of the above are usually enough to look up status.
SBI Card
Online: Visit sbicard.com → "Track Application" (top-right menu). Enter PAN + DOB + reference number. Status displays immediately.
SMS: Send TRACK
Customer care: 1860 180 1290 / 39 02 02 02 (prefix local STD code from non-BSNL numbers). Keep application number ready.
Typical timeline: 5–10 working days. Slowest of the majors, worth patience.
HDFC Bank
Online: hdfcbank.com → Credit Cards → Track Application. Enter reference number or date of birth + mobile.
SMS: Send CC
Customer care: 1800 202 6161 / 1860 267 6161.
Digital card: If approved, HDFC often issues a virtual card within 24 hours — visible in the HDFC mobile app before the physical card arrives. Use it for online purchases.
ICICI Bank
Online: icicibank.com → Personal Banking → Cards → Track Application.
iMobile app: Log in → "Service Requests" → "Track Application". Fastest.
SMS: Send CC to 5676766.
Customer care: 1860 120 7777.
Typical timeline: 3–7 working days. Fastest among traditional banks.
Axis Bank
Online: axisbank.com → Credit Cards → Track My Application.
SMS: Send TRACK
Customer care: 1860 419 5555 / 1860 500 5555.
WhatsApp: Send "Hi" to +91 7036 165 000 — bot responds with status options.
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Online: kotak.com → Personal Banking → Cards → Track Application.
Kotak 811 app: Log in → "My Applications" (relevant for 811 customers applying for Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent).
Customer care: 1860 266 2666.
IDFC FIRST Bank
Online: idfcfirstbank.com → Credit Cards → Track Application.
Mobile app: IDFC FIRST Bank app → "My Applications".
Customer care: 1800 10 888.
Typical timeline: 2–5 working days. IDFC's underwriting is among the fastest — see the IDFC FIRST Classic for the product itself.
Status stages — what each one means
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Under review | Documents received; underwriter has not yet started. |
| Verification in progress | Telephonic verification to you, employer, or reference. |
| Approved | Sanctioned. Card shipping within 3–5 days. |
| Dispatched | Card with courier. SMS / email with tracking number. |
| Delivered | Courier handed over. Activate within 30 days or card auto-deactivates. |
| Rejected | Application declined. See our application guide for re-apply timing. |
If status is stuck for >10 days
- Call customer care with application number. Insist on specifics — "under review" is not a useful answer.
- If verification failed, your employer or landlord may not have picked up the verification call. Reschedule proactively.
- If documents were rejected (unclear image, mismatched address), re-upload via app or email. Don't restart the application — that's a fresh CIBIL enquiry.
- For severe delays, escalate to the bank's nodal officer — details on the bank's grievance page.
What to do after approval
Activate the card within 30 days of receipt via the bank app or IVR. Set the PIN. Enable international usage if needed (disabled by default on most cards). Set up auto-debit for the full bill amount — see our credit card bill payment methods guide for the step-by-step. Log the billing cycle dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a credit card application take in India?
3–7 working days for ICICI, Axis, IDFC FIRST. 5–10 for HDFC and Kotak. 7–12 for SBI. Clean documentation and mobile verification on the first attempt speed things up significantly.
Can I check credit card status without a reference number?
Yes — PAN + DOB or mobile number + DOB works on most bank portals. The reference number is optional but makes the lookup faster.
What if I lost my application reference number?
Check the SMS confirmation the bank sent on application submission. If missing, call customer care with PAN + mobile — they retrieve the reference in 1 minute.
Can I cancel a pending credit card application?
Yes. Call customer care within 7 days of application and request withdrawal. No CIBIL impact if not yet approved. Once approved and dispatched, you have to either accept and activate, or close the card after receipt — closing untouched cards doesn't damage CIBIL but is slightly inefficient.