Getting Ready to Apply for Your Card
Applying for a new credit card usually requires gathering a few financial details to prove you can comfortably manage the proposed credit limit. For those looking at Bankwest’s range of cards, the application process is handled entirely online, which means you can submit your details from your phone or computer without having to schedule a branch visit.
In most cases, the bank needs to verify your regular income, your current living expenses, and your identity to make sure the card is a good fit for your financial situation. Knowing what documents to prepare ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary delays and get a faster decision from the credit assessment team.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Methods | Online via the Bankwest website or mobile app |
| Processing Time | Usually 5 to 10 business days for a full assessment |
| Eligibility | 18+ years old, Australian resident, meeting minimum income rules |
| Key Requirements | Recent payslips, valid ID, and a realistic expense estimate |
How to Submit Your Application Online
Here’s how you’d typically go about submitting your credit card application from start to finish:
- Compare the available credit cards on the Bankwest website to find the one that best matches your spending habits and fee preferences.
- Click the 'Apply now' button. If you are already a Bankwest customer, log in to pre-fill your details; otherwise, continue as a new customer.
- Fill out the digital form with your personal details, employment information, and a careful estimate of your monthly household expenses.
- Upload your supporting documents, which generally include your two most recent payslips and a form of primary ID, like an Australian driver's licence.
- Review your summary, submit the application, and save the reference number provided on the final screen so you can track its progress later.
Troubleshooting the Application Process
Sometimes the online application doesn't quite go to plan. Here is how to handle the most common technical roadblocks:
- MFA / SMS code delays: When verifying your identity, the security text might take a while to arrive. This often happens if mobile networks are busy or you have a weak signal. Step outside to catch a better connection and wait a full minute before hitting resend. If you still don't get the code, call Bankwest onboarding support to verify the phone number you entered.
- Browser or form timeout errors: You might be halfway through typing in your living expenses when the page freezes or times out. This is a standard security feature to protect your personal data if the page is left idle. Clear your browser history, click the secure "resume application" link emailed to you, and try finishing the form in one sitting.
- Locked digital access: If you're an existing customer applying through the app and you type your password incorrectly too many times, the system will lock your profile. You won't be able to finish the application while locked out. You'll typically need to use the "Forgot Password" tool online or call customer service to verify your identity and get back in.
Pro-Tip: To speed up the approval process, download your last three months of bank statements and your most recent payslips before you even start the online application. Having these PDF files saved on your desktop prevents the session from timing out while you search for paperwork, and uploading them upfront stops the assessment team from having to pause your application to ask for more proof of income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my credit card application still pending?
Let's say you submitted your application a week ago, but you haven't heard back yet. Generally, this happens because the credit team needs a human to manually review your income documents, especially if your pay fluctuates or you are self-employed. One exception is if the bank emailed you asking for clearer copies of your ID and the message went to your spam folder. Your best move is to check your junk mail first, then call the Bankwest credit card team with your reference number to see if they need any extra paperwork.
Will applying for the card lower my credit score?
When you hit submit on your application, Bankwest does a "hard inquiry" on your credit file to check your borrowing history. This action usually causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score. If you apply for three different credit cards at various banks in the same week, those multiple hard checks can seriously damage your rating. To protect your credit health, you should only apply for a card when you are confident you meet the minimum income criteria listed on the bank's website.
What happens if I make a mistake on my application form?
You might realize you accidentally typed in your weekly rent as your monthly rent, which makes your expenses look much lower than they actually are. Because the bank relies on accurate numbers to ensure you can afford the credit limit, they can't process an application with glaring errors. You won't be able to go back and edit a form once it's formally submitted online. In this situation, you'll need to call Bankwest support as soon as possible and ask them to manually update your file before the credit assessors decline it.
