What happens if you’re denied?

Bilt says a small share of Card 1.0 members may see declines during the transition—and explains what to do next.

Updated: January 19, 2026

The most important point: A decline does not automatically mean you did something wrong. Bilt’s CEO says that in a small number of cases (less than 10%), the financing partner was unable to extend a new credit line. Bilt asks affected members to contact support so they can try to resolve it.

Bilt’s transition is designed to be seamless for existing Wells Fargo–issued Bilt Mastercard holders, but approval still isn’t guaranteed. If you see a “declined” message—even with strong credit—Bilt has published guidance on why this can happen and what you should do next.

✅ What Bilt has said publicly about declines

• Bilt’s CEO says that in less than 10% of cases, the financing partner was unable to extend a new credit line for the Card 2.0 transition.
• Bilt says there is no hard credit pull for Card 1.0 members transitioning to Card 2.0.
• If you believe the decline is an error, Bilt instructs you to contact support at support@card.bilt.com so they can try to resolve it.

🧭 First: figure out which ‘denied’ situation you’re in

• Denied during the seamless window (through January 30): You can view card options without a hard inquiry, but approval still isn’t guaranteed.
• Denied after January 30: Applying is treated as a standard credit card application and requires a hard credit inquiry.
• Denied for a specific tier: Bilt says you can change your card selection any time before January 30 by contacting Cardless customer service.

🛠️ What to do immediately if you’re denied (step-by-step)

1. Take screenshots of the decline screen, the date/time, and the card tier you selected.
2. Contact Bilt support at support@card.bilt.com and ask them to review the decline. Mention you are a Card 1.0 member transitioning to Card 2.0.
3. If Bilt requests verification, respond quickly. Many transition issues are solved by completing or re-checking verification steps.
4. If you still want a Bilt card, consider switching tiers before January 30 by contacting Cardless customer service.
5. Make a backup plan before February 6: decide whether you will keep or close the Wells Fargo account that may convert to Autograph.

Expert advice: Don’t wait until the last day. If you’re denied early, you have time to work through support. If you wait until January 30, you’re leaving yourself no runway.

💳 What happens to your existing Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard if you’re denied?

• You can continue using the Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard through February 6, 2026. After that, it’s retired and transactions will be declined.
• If you do not close the Wells Fargo account, Bilt says it will remain open and be converted into a Wells Fargo Autograph Card that you manage separately.
• Bilt says payments to the Wells Fargo account will stop being supported in the Bilt app after February 6; at that point you’ll pay Wells Fargo directly.

📌 Will you lose your Bilt points if you’re denied?

No. Bilt says that if you decide not to move to a new Bilt Card, nothing changes with your Bilt membership or your points. You keep the points you’ve earned and can still redeem through the Bilt app or website.

📈 Credit impact: hard pulls, new accounts, and credit limits

• If you select a new Bilt Card by January 30, Bilt says the transition does not trigger a hard credit inquiry.
• Even without a hard inquiry, Bilt says your new card will appear as a new account on your credit report with a new line of credit.
• If you apply after January 30, Bilt says a standard hard credit check is required and may temporarily affect your score.
• Bilt says your new credit limit is determined by the issuing bank partner, and your current limit is considered as part of that decision process.

🧠 How to think about your next move

If you’re denied, the ‘right’ move depends on what you value most:

• If you mainly wanted Bilt points for long-term value, push support to review the decline during the seamless window.
• If you don’t want extra complexity, you can do nothing and let the Wells Fargo account convert to Autograph (while keeping your Bilt points in your Bilt account).
• If you care about your credit profile, think carefully before closing an older account—closing can affect utilization and, over time, account age.

❓ FAQs

Will a denial trigger a hard inquiry?

Bilt says there is no hard credit pull for Card 1.0 members transitioning to Card 2.0 during the seamless window. After January 30, applications require a hard credit inquiry.

Why would I be denied even with good credit?

Bilt’s CEO says that in a small number of cases (less than 10%), the financing partner was unable to extend a new credit line. Bilt asks affected members to contact support to try to resolve it.

Who do I contact if I think the denial is an error?

Bilt’s CEO directs members to contact support at support@card.bilt.com.

Can I try a different card tier?

Yes. Bilt says you can change your card selection any time before January 30 by contacting Cardless customer service.

Do I lose my Bilt points if I’m denied?

No. Bilt says your membership and points remain even if you don’t move to a new card.

Can I reapply later or upgrade later?

Bilt says switching between Bilt Cards isn’t currently supported; to move to a different card later, you must close and submit a new application, which is subject to standard credit review.