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The credit card approval process can take several minutes to 30 days, and the mailing process takes seven to 10 business days. You may be able to request instant access or expedited delivery if you need your card urgently.
If you’re considering getting a new credit card, you may wonder how long you’ll have to wait before you can start using your card and building credit. Typically, it takes a few weeks after application to receive the card in the mail.
Most of the time, applying and getting approved for a card happens within minutes. The main holdup is waiting for the card to come in the mail, which may take up to 10 business days. You may also wait longer if you applied for a card that requires exceptional credit, which requires issuers to manually review your application and credit history.
Continue reading to learn how long it takes to get a credit card and discover tips for speeding up the process.
Table of contents:
- How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?
- How does the credit approval process work?
- How to increase your chances of approval
- How to check your application status
- How long does it take to get a credit card in the mail?
- How long does it take to get a replacement credit card?
- How to get a credit card faster
How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?
Getting approved for a credit card can take anywhere from several minutes to several weeks. Keep in mind that the law requires creditors to give you an answer within 30 days.
You can apply for a credit card online, in person or over the phone. You’ll need to enter personal information like your name, address, income, employment status and identifying information, like a Social Security number. To avoid slowing down the process, ensure all the information you submit is accurate and valid.
How does the credit approval process work?
If you are preapproved or apply for credit cards with preset criteria, you’ll likely know if you’re approved or denied within minutes. However, if you apply for a credit card that requires exceptional credit, you won’t receive an instant verdict. The credit card issuer must manually review your application and credit history, which can take a few days to a week or longer. They may look at:
- Negative items: Derogatory marks like late payments and delinquent accounts
- Debt load: Including your debt-to-income ratio and credit utilization ratio
- Credit score: A high-level indication of your credit health
- Income information: How much you earn
Additionally, instead of an immediate approval or denial, applicants will sometimes receive a message that their application needs further review. This usually happens for one of the following reasons:
- You’ve frozen your credit reports.
- Your income needs to be verified.
- Your personal information needs to be verified.
- The credit limit you’re applying for is high for your profile.
- There are mistakes on your application.
- The lender is currently reviewing an unusually high number of applications.
If one of the above issues occurs, there’s likely little you can do until you hear from the company. If there’s an issue with your application, such as a frozen credit report or difficulty verifying your income, you can take the necessary steps to move the process along.
Generally speaking, it’s recommended to try to be accurate and careful when filling out your application so you can avoid unnecessary delays.
How to increase your chances of approval
Make sure to only apply for credit cards with criteria that fit your credit health. For example, some credit cards are designed for people with bad credit, while others require excellent credit. Overall, if you have a short credit history or bad credit, you likely won’t be approved for cards with great rewards and interest rates.
How to check your application status
If you’re waiting on a mail-in application or approval that’s hard to get due to high standards, you may be able to check your application’s status online. If that option isn’t available to you, or if you prefer talking to someone, call the issuer’s card services number.
How long does it take to get a credit card in the mail?
Unless you applied for a card requiring excellent credit, most of the waiting time goes toward the mailing process, which typically takes seven to 10 business days.
How long does it take to get a replacement credit card?
If your original card has been misplaced, stolen or damaged, you can request a replacement card from your issuer. In this case, the card will typically take 3 – 8 days to arrive.
How to get a credit card faster
If you urgently need the credit card, consider taking the following steps:
1. Get preapproved
Getting preapproved or prequalified for a credit card will help you get a card faster because it automates the approval process. You may either receive a preapproval offer in the mail or complete an online form with some personal and financial information.
Filling out preapproval forms doesn’t impact your credit and allows your credit card offers to be more personalized. Keep in mind that if you choose to apply through a preapproval offer, the creditor may then initiate a hard inquiry into your credit report, which would likely temporarily affect your credit.
2. Expedite shipping
Expedited delivery for new and replacement cards is offered by many issuers—and sometimes, it’s even free. Expedited shipping can take as little as 1-2 business days.
3. Request instant access
If you need to pay bills or make important transactions before your card arrives in the mail, you may be able to access your card number immediately after approval. Check with your issuer to see if it offers this feature, and request an instant card number as soon as you’ve been approved. Then, you can use your card via your issuer’s mobile app or add your card number to your digital wallet.
What to do after you get your card
As soon as you receive your card in the mail, make sure you follow the steps to activate it. If your card comes with an app, download it too so you can monitor transactions and keep an eye out for suspicious activities. If your credit card came through your bank, confirm the card is showing up under your online or mobile banking so you can track it easily.
Maintain responsible credit card habits with Lexington Law
Applying and getting approved for a credit card has never been easier, especially if you’ve been practicing good credit management. Remember to use your new card responsibly to keep your credit in the best shape possible. Get your free credit snapshot today to see your credit score, credit report summary and credit repair recommendations.
Note: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.