Why Was My Credit Card Application Denied?
5 min read
How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?
6 min read
Last Updated: June 4, 2025
Key Takeaways
- You can apply and get a response for a credit card within minutes; receiving your card in the mail can take 7-10 business days.
- Some credit card issuers allow qualifying customers instant access to credit.
- It can take up to 30 days to receive approval or denial from a credit issuer, depending on the need for additional information.
If you’ve found your ideal credit card, you may be eager to apply. But 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 of approval and opening your credit card account. In the meantime, some credit card issuers offer an instant credit card option so you can access your account right away. Understanding the factors that may influence your credit card approval and shipping times can give you an idea of when you may be able to start using and earning rewards with a new credit card.
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 an instant response for a credit card. With Discover, you may get a decision in as little as 90 seconds.1
But that’s not always the case. A credit card provider might not respond for several days or weeks while they review your credit report or other data to determine your creditworthiness.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) notes that federal regulations require notice of approval or denial of credit within 30 days after receiving a completed application.
Certain credit card companies may quickly approve applicants who meet or exceed the credit card requirements, depending on their credit file. So, having a strong credit history and a good, very good, or exceptional credit score could help you receive your card sooner.
If it’s not immediately clear that you meet the card issuer’s instant approval eligibility criteria, they may take a closer look at your application. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act allows credit card issuers to conduct individual reviews when analyzing your actual circumstances. This means it could take longer to get a response on your application.
Discover applicants can check the status of a credit card application online or call 1-800-347-3085.
What is credit card pre-approval?
If you’ve ever received a credit card offer in the mail without applying for the card, it’s likely that you were “pre-approved”. Credit card pre-approval means the credit card issuer has determined that you meet their basic eligibility criteria based on a soft credit check (which doesn’t impact your credit score).
Note that receiving a pre-approved credit card offer doesn’t actually guarantee approval. If you’re interested in the card, you still have to apply and trigger a hard credit check.
Credit card prequalification is a little different from pre-approval. While a credit card provider reaches out to you first with pre-approved offers, you typically have to request pre-qualification. Asking a card issuer for pre-qualification before you apply may give you an idea of your potential terms and interest rate.
Pre-qualification and pre-approval may save you time by helping you avoid applying for cards you won’t qualify for.
What if your application is denied?
A credit card issuer may deny your application if you don’t meet their requirements—maybe you have a limited credit or a lower credit score. You should receive a rejection notice with more information about the decision.
If you don’t get the card you wanted, don’t despair. You may have options.
A secured credit card may be a good fit if you’re trying to build credit history for the first time or rebuild damaged credit. A secured credit card requires a cash deposit, which is usually equal to the credit limit for the credit card account. This deposit reduces the risk for credit card issuers, so the cards usually have few eligibility requirements. A secured card could help you build credit history if used responsibly.
How long does a credit card take to arrive?
Your credit card provider determines when you’ll receive your new card. Because of printing, processing, and shipping, you can typically expect to wait at least a week for it.
If you’re wondering exactly when you’ll receive your new card, 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. Some card issuers may allow you to request expedited shipping, so you can receive your card sooner.
See if you’re pre-approved
With no harm to your credit score2
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. Sometimes, you can.
Some card issuers offer instant credit at account opening, which allows you to access your credit limit and, start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your card arrives, if eligible.
If you don’t qualify for an instant credit card, you’ll have to wait for your physical card to arrive in the mail. Then, you’ll need to activate your new card to shop and earn rewards.
Did you know?
Whether you get an instant credit card or have to wait for a physical credit card in the mail, you can begin earning rewards on each eligible transaction as soon as you activate your new card.
How long does it take for a replacement credit card to arrive?
If you lose your card or have it stolen, typically you can order a replacement credit card online through the card issuer website or mobile banking app. In that case, a replacement card usually arrives in 7-10 days. If you’re simply ordering an additional card for convenience, 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 any fraudulent purchases. Once you notify your credit card company, they’ll cancel the card to keep anyone from using it and issue you a new credit card with a new card number.
The bottom line
Applying for a new credit card is often a quick process. Depending on your card issuer and circumstances, you may have a decision on your application within a few minutes. But approval times, processing, and shipping can draw out the process, leaving you waiting by the mailbox for a few weeks. Either way, as soon as you activate your new card, you can use it to shop at your favorite places and earn rewards.
See if you’re Pre-approved before you apply
Next steps
See if you're pre-approved
View all Discover credit cards
See rates, rewards and other info
You may also be interested in
What is Discretionary Income?
6 min read
Easy-Approval Credit Cards
4 min read
What is a Cosigner on a Credit Card?
4 min read
Was this article helpful?
Was this article helpful?
Legal Disclaimer: We hope you found this helpful. Our content is not intended to provide legal, investment or financial advice or to indicate that a particular product or service is available or right for you. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with a qualified professional. Capital One does not provide, endorse or guarantee any third-party product, service, information, or recommendation listed above. The third parties listed are solely responsible for their products and services, and all trademarks listed are the property of their respective owners. By clicking on some of the links provided, you may be taken to a third-party website that is not hosted by Capital One. In those cases, the owner of the website is responsible for the website content. Their privacy practices and level of security may be different from Capital One's, so please review their policies. Some of the above information may not describe the features and offerings of your specific Discover account. Please review your account terms for details on your specific account.
Decision times may vary based on system availability and in some cases, we need to verify or collect additional information from you.
Any pre-approved offers you receive may have offer terms that vary from other offers you see elsewhere. Some card products are not eligible for pre-approval.
You are now on a Capital One webpage. Please be sure to review Capital One’s Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice.