The content is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change.
Quite often you can find a credit card you want, apply online and receive approval for your new card on the same day. However, in most cases, you'll likely to wait a while to receive your credit card after you are approved.
Getting approved for a credit card can take as little as 60 seconds after you submit your application. However, it may take a few days or weeks for the issuer to review your personal information and make an approval decision. If card issuers reach out for more information, such as proof of your income, they'll typically take longer to make a decision. In fact, per federal guidelines, issuers have up to 30 days to send you a notice of your approval or denial.
Once you are approved, your new card will typically arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. However, this period can vary depending on the card issuer you applied with and some factors beyond your control, like potential delays with the mail.
Premium cards are often shipped faster than non-premium cards. Some issuers even offer instant access to a virtual card number, meaning you don't have to wait and can start using your credit line immediately upon approval.
Here's what else you can do to get your new credit card faster:
- Look for instant approval: an instant approval credit card can shorten the process of getting a credit card for a few days. With instant approval credit cards, the issuer gives applicants response about whether they are approved or not within seconds of submitting their application.
- Ask for expedited delivery: the service is usually available upon request and at an extra fee. You can call the issuer right after approval and ask for expedited shipping of your new credit card. If expedited delivery is available, you may be able to get your card in the mail sooner than the standard shipping.
- Apply for a card you can use instantly after approval: while these cards may not provide you instant approval, you'll get your credit card number right away (online or in the issuer's mobile app) and can start using it to make purchases digitally.
Once you receive your new physical credit card in the mail, you'll need to activate it before you are able to use it. To activate your card, you simply need to call the number on the card and set your pin.
You can also download the card issuer's mobile app to be able to manage your credit card. Apps usually allow you to monitor spending, check card balance, set up autopay, redeem rewards and more.
If, for some reason, your credit card application is denied, don't get frustrated. Look for a rejection notice in your mail (or email). This notice will outline the reasons for the denial and provide additional information, such as your credit score and which credit bureau your credit report was pulled from. This information can help you understand why your application was denied and what to do to improve your approval odds.
Most issuers have a reconsideration phone number you can call to speak to a representative of the underwriting team. You can ask about the denial and if they might be able to reconsider your application. The representative might require some additional information from you, so be prepared. Sometimes calling the reconsideration line can reverse the denial into an approval.
