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How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

4 min read
Last Updated: August 22, 2024
Getting a credit card

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Key Takeaways

  1. You can apply and get approval for a credit card within minutes; receiving your card in the mail can take 7-10 business days.

  2. Some credit card issuers allow qualifying customers instant access to credit.

  3. It can take up to 30 days to receive approval or denial from a credit issuer, depending on the need for additional information.

While you may be ready to get a new credit card, the process from application to access could take longer than you may think. Usually, you can expect to receive your credit card within a couple of weeks after approval. But a few factors can affect how long it takes to get your card. This process can include a review of your credit history and shipping timelines.

How long does it take to get credit card approval?

To receive a credit card (or gain access to instant credit), you need to fill out a credit card application and submit it for approval to a credit card issuer. An application will ask for personal information, like your income, Social Security number, and address. 

 

When you apply online, you might get instant approval for a credit card, though credit card issuers may not send confirmation for several days or weeks. This could be because they are reviewing your credit report or other data to determine your creditworthiness.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau® notes that federal regulations mandate notice of approval or denial of credit within 30 days after receiving a completed application.

Certain credit card companies may instantly approve applicants who meet or exceed the credit card requirements. So, having a strong credit history and a good, very good, or exceptional credit score could help you receive your card sooner.

See if you’re pre-approved

If it’s not immediately clear that you meet the card issuer’s instant approval requirements, they may individually review your application. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act allows for individual review when analyzing your actual circumstances instead of using statistical measures derived from a group. This means it could take longer to get credit card approval.

Discover applicants can check the status of a credit card application online or call 1-800-347-3085.

For those trying to build credit history for the first time (or rebuild a damaged credit history), a secured credit card may be a good option. A secured credit card requires a cash deposit which is usually equal to the credit limit for the credit card account. This reduces the risk for credit card providers and could help you build credit if used responsibly.

How long does a credit card take to arrive?

Your credit card issuer plays a role in when you’ll receive your new card. Because of printing, processing,  and shipping, you can expect to wait at least a week before your new credit card comes.

 

If you’re wondering how long it will take for your credit card to arrive, the best thing to do is contact the card issuer directly. They’ll be able to give you a more specific timeline based on their processing and shipping times.

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Can you use your card right away?

Once you’re approved for a new credit card, you may want to start using it right away.

 

Some card issuers offer instant credit at account opening, which means you can access and start using your account to shop online, through mobile banking, or with your digital wallet before your new credit card arrives.

 

If you don’t qualify for instant credit, you’ll have to wait for your credit card to arrive in the mail before using it to make a purchase. Then, you’ll need to activate your new card to shop and earn cash rewards.

Did you know?

As soon as you activate your credit card, you could begin earning rewards on eligible purchases.

Learn More

How long does it take for a replacement credit card to arrive?

Whether you’ve lost your credit card (or had it stolen), it usually takes about 7-10 days for your replacement card to arrive. If you’re simply ordering an additional card, you may be able to request that your card issuer uses overnight shipping.

It’s important to report a lost card or stolen card as soon as possible to minimize the chance of an fraudulent purchases. Once you notify your credit card company, they will cancel the card to keep anyone from using it and issue you a new credit card with a new card number.

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  1. There is no hard inquiry to your credit report to check if you’re pre-approved. If you’re pre-approved, and you move forward with submitting an application for the credit card, it will result in a hard inquiry which may impact your credit score. Receiving a pre-approval offer does not guarantee approval. Applicants applying without a social security number are not eligible to receive pre-approval offers. Card applicants cannot be pre-approved for the NHL Discover Card.

  2. NO PURCHASE OR CREDIT CARD APPLICATION OR ACCOUNT NECESSARY. Sweepstakes open to residents of the 50 United States (DC) and the US Territories 18 years or older. Sweepstakes starts 9/3/2024 and ends 8/31/2025. See Official Rules for eligibility and entry requirements, entry deadlines and drawing dates, details including odds, list of eligible colleges and universities, prize descriptions and an alternate method of entry. Void where prohibited.

    Sponsor: Discover Products Inc. 2500 Lake Cook Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015

  • Legal Disclaimer: This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.

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