Advice needed

Im not even sure if this is the right platform for this, ...Like many of us, i never cared about my credit record, the importance of finance, ...lets just say i was reckless. I paid off alot and my credit began to look good, to built up a good credit record, you need credit. I app**** online, got approved, not pre approved, i got approved. Today i got a sms, saying my application was denied, i called customer service. The gentleman told me that i took to long to authenticate my account. Is that allowed? my credit score has now been negatively affected.