Question 1

What to consider before applying for a credit card

Accepted Answer

If you’re thinking about applying for a credit card, consider your credit needs, financial habits, priorities, and lifestyle. If you’re new to managing credit, or you want to improve a less-than-ideal credit score, you may consider an option designed to help you build credit with responsible use, like secured credit cards or student credit cards. Or maybe you’ve worked hard to build your credit, and now you want to earn more rewards on your everyday purchases. If you often drive long distances, you may want a gas rewards card. Or if you’re always checking out the local food scene, you might want a card that offers bonus rewards at a restaurant. You should also consider whether you’d be willing to pay an annual fee for a rewards card, or if you’d prefer a no annual fee option. Maybe you’re a frequent traveler who needs a card with travel rewards redemption options and no foreign transaction fee. Perhaps you have high-interest credit card debt and you’re looking for a balance transfer credit card offer with a lower interest rate. You could find cards tailored to your credit profile and find the best credit card rewards program for you, whether that’s one with cash back, travel rewards or some combination of features.

Question 2

Is it safe to apply for a credit card online?

Accepted Answer

A vital way to help protect your personal information when applying for credit cards online is to ensure the website is secure. One way you can do that is by making sure that the URL in the address bar begins with "https" rather than "http". The "s" stands for "secure" and means the connection between the web server and your browser is encrypted. According to the U.S. Chief Information Officers Council, encryption obscures your information from third parties, protecting it from hackers. You should also avoid completing a credit card application while you're using unsecured, public wi-fi networks. It's safer to apply at home or at a trusted friend's house than to apply at a café or airport, for example. Public wi-fi networks aren't always encrypted, so they may leave you vulnerable to identity theft.

Question 3

How to accurately fill out your credit card application

Accepted Answer

Filling out a credit card application doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. Take your time and read through the application questions carefully. If a section of the application is unclear and you’re not sure how to answer, contact the credit card issuer for clarification. Answering a question incorrectly may delay the application process, so it’s better not to take a guess. When you apply for a credit card account, all details must reflect your current financial and personal situation. For example, if something might be changing in a few weeks (like you’re getting a pay raise or starting a new job) you typically still need to state the details that currently apply to you. If you’d like your application and credit limit to reflect changes in your income, you may want to wait to complete the application until after those changes happen.

Question 4

What information do you need for a credit card application?

Accepted Answer

Each credit card issuer may require slightly different information as part of the application process, whether you're filling it out online or another way. In most cases, though, you'll have to provide some combination of the following: Social Security number (SSN) Full legal name, as well as any other names you've used Home address Email address Date of birth Employment information (employment status, company name, and business address) Annual income Housing costs

Question 5

How long does a credit card application take?

Accepted Answer

Filling out a credit card application online or over the phone may not take long if you've already gathered the documents and information you need. Once you submit your application, a response might come within minutes depending on the issuer. It could take longer if the credit card company needs you to provide additional information not available in your credit profile, like income verification. Applying by mail may take longer, since your application might take time to reach the card issuer.

Question 6

How do I check my credit card application status?

Accepted Answer

There are a few ways to check your credit card application status, depending on the credit card company you apply to. You may be able to call customer service or check a page on the issuer's website to determine your approval status. If you've applied for a Discover Card, you can easily check the status of your application through our online banking platform. Once you've received credit approval, you'll be able to access your credit account with the Discover mobile app.

Question 7

How to get a Discover® Card

Accepted Answer

You can apply for a Discover credit card online. You may want to fill out a pre-approval form to see the APR and offers you might qualify for before you apply. But again, keep in mind that even if you receive a pre-approved offer, you'll still need to complete an application.

How to Apply for a Credit Card Online

Key Takeaways

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See if you're pre-approved

Why Was My Credit Card Application Denied?

Find the best Discover rewards credit card for you

Easy-Approval Credit Cards

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