Updated: October 29, 2025
TL;DR
Denied for the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite®? You may still get approved by building a relationship with the issuer and requesting a manual reconsideration. In one real-world case, the applicant was denied for too many inquiries and no bank relationship, opened a Bank of America checking account, then sent a short physical reconsideration letter—and was ultimately approved. If you’ve already applied during a promo window, issuers typically honor the offer attached to that application once you’re approved.
The Backstory (What Happened)
- Initial outcome: Denied with reasons including “too many inquiries” and “limited or no deposit balances.”
- Phone recon: Reconsideration via phone didn’t help.
- Fix attempted: Opened a Bank of America personal checking account and funded it.
- Final step: Mailed a brief reconsideration letter explaining the new relationship and need for the card.
- Result: Approval letter arrived weeks later and the card followed by mail.
Why This Works
Banks weigh risk and relationship. If your denial cites “no relationship,” opening a deposit account can help. A manual underwriter reviewing a simple, clear letter plus a new banking relationship may be enough to flip a denial.
The Step-By-Step Reconsideration Playbook
1) Read Your Adverse Action Letter Carefully
Identify the stated reasons (e.g., too many inquiries, no deposit relationship, high total available credit, identity verification, etc.).
2) Try Phone Reconsideration Once
Be polite, concise, and ready to answer: business purpose, expected monthly spend, existing cards with the bank, and why this card fits your needs. If they’ll process recon, great; if not, move to Step 3.
3) Establish a Bank Relationship (If Cited)
Open a Bank of America checking account (personal or business as appropriate). Fund it responsibly. This directly addresses the “no relationship” reason.
4) Mail a Short Reconsideration Letter
Keep it to 5–7 sentences:
- State the product you applied for and the denial date.
- Reference the reason(s) for denial.
- Note your new checking account and why the card’s features are important for your use case (e.g., travel perks, partner-booking fee waiver, abroad spending).
- Ask for manual reconsideration.
Simple letter template (copy/paste):
To Whom It May Concern,
I recently applied for the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card and was declined due to limited or no deposit balances and recent inquiries. I have since opened a Bank of America checking account to establish a relationship and intend to use this card for regular travel and partner award bookings, where its category bonuses and fee waivers are uniquely valuable to me.
I respectfully request a manual reconsideration of my application in light of this new information.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
(Include your full name, address, phone, email, and the last 4 digits of any reference/application ID if available.)
5) Be Patient
Manual mail reviews can take several weeks. Avoid sending multiple letters; one clear letter is best. Keep copies of everything.
If You’re Worried About A Promo Ending
If you applied during the promo period, issuers generally honor the offer associated with that application once you’re approved. Keep a record of the exact offer terms and your submission date. (If in doubt, note this in your letter.)
Common Denial Reasons & Practical Fixes
- Too many recent inquiries: Space out applications; consider waiting 90–180 days before a new try.
- No deposit relationship: Open a checking account and fund it.
- High total available credit / low utilization need: Consider lowering unused limits at other banks before applying.
- Identity/security flags: Ensure your address, phone, and income are consistent across credit files; be ready to provide documentation.
- Thin profile / limited history: Add on-time payments and age accounts; a relationship with the bank can still help.
Why The Atmos Summit Card Draws Interest
Per current marketing (always verify details directly with the issuer):
- Annual fee: $395
- Notable earn angle: 3 points per dollar on all foreign transactions, with no foreign transaction fees (a strong “one-card-abroad” use case).
- Award booking perk: Waiver of the $12.50 each-way partner booking fee when redeeming Atmos points.
- Ecosystem goodies: Send/receive points to other members; 10% bonus if you have an eligible Bank of America banking account.
- Status earning: 1 status point per $2 spent; at $60K annual spend, unlock Alaska Gold (Oneworld Sapphire) benefits (priority services, extra-legroom seating at booking where available, and 2 checked bags, among others).
- Companion award boost: At $60K spend, 100K points certificate off any companion award (terms apply).
- Travel extras: 8 annual Alaska lounge passes and inflight Wi-Fi passes, select free premium drinks in Alaska lounges, same-day change fee waiver, trip delay/cancellation protections, a free checked bag, priority boarding, 20% in-flight savings, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, primary rental car coverage, and more.
Heads-up: Benefits can change. Always confirm the latest terms, eligibility rules, and partner perks before you apply or rely on them.
Pros & Cons Snapshot
Pros
- Strong international everyday earn (3x abroad + no FTF).
- Valuable award-booking fee waiver and lounge/Wi-Fi perks.
- Path to airline elite status via spend.
- Relationship bonus potential (10% with eligible banking).
Cons
- High annual fee—make sure you’ll use the perks.
- Manual recon can be slow; mail adds time.
- Some benefits are most valuable to travelers who actually fly Alaska/Oneworld or redeem partners frequently.
- Big-spend benefits ($60K) won’t fit every wallet.
FAQs
Will opening a checking account guarantee approval?
No, but it can directly address “no relationship” denials and improve your odds.
If I was denied for “too many inquiries,” should I still mail a letter?
It can help, but issuers often want time between pulls. If the letter won’t move the needle, consider waiting 3–6 months before reapplying.
Can I downgrade later if the annual fee isn’t worth it?
Product changes are often available; availability and options vary. Ask the issuer after your first year.
Do I need to use the card for the award-fee waiver?
Policies vary. As a best practice, plan to pay the taxes/fees with the Summit card to trigger any card-linked waivers.
Bottom Line
A denial isn’t necessarily the end. If the issuer cites no relationship, open a checking account and send a clear, concise reconsideration letter. Be patient—manual reviews can take weeks—but the payoff can be a premium travel card that’s particularly compelling for international spenders, Alaska/Oneworld flyers, and award bookers who will actually use the card’s niche perks.
Disclosures
- Advertiser Disclosure: Some recommendations may result in compensation if you apply and are approved. Opinions are the author’s alone and not provided or endorsed by any bank.
- Offer Accuracy: Details and benefits are accurate as of October 29, 2025 and may change at any time. Verify current terms with the issuer.
- Responsible Use: Avoid carrying balances; interest charges can erase rewards value. Apply only if the card aligns with your travel patterns and spending.
