How to Get a Credit Card

Applying for a credit card can be a quick and easy process if you know what you’re doing. Whether it’s your very first credit card or you’re looking to add another to your wallet, use the information in this article to better understand the process, from preparing to apply all the way through acceptance.

Before you apply for a credit card, it’s important to educate yourself and practice good credit habits from the beginning. Follow these seven tips to help lessen the stress involved in the application process and to help keep your financial future healthy.

Step 1: Before you apply to get a credit card

Understand your credit score

Know the essentials about your credit report and score before applying for credit. Your credit score¹ is a three-digit number calculated based on multiple factors that can possibly include:

• Payment History (35%): the historical record of whether you’ve paid your credit accounts on time. This includes records from credit cards, retail accounts, mortgages and other types of loans.
• Amounts Owed (30%): the total amount of money you owe lenders as well as how that compares to the total amount of credit you’ve been extended, called your credit utilization ratio. Typically, the lower your credit utilization, the better.
• Length of Credit History (15%): the length of your credit history. Those with a longer record of repaying loans are seen as being more creditworthy. A credit agency looks at the age of your oldest account, as well as the average age of all your accounts.
• Credit Mix (10%): the different types of credit accounts you have open, including credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, vehicle loans, and a home mortgage.
• New Credit (10%): the number of new credit accounts you’ve applied for or opened.

Whether it’s through your bank or elsewhere, many financial institutions offer tools to check your credit score and identify which, if any, of these areas are weaknesses in your credit profile.

Check your credit report

Regardless of when you plan to apply for a credit card, get into the habit of reviewing your credit report on an annual basis. Mistakes on your report may impact your score, so you’ll want to take care of any errors before you apply for any form of credit. You’re legally entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies.

Reduce your debt

Since the amounts you owe make up a whopping 30 percent of your credit score, it can be helpful to make an attempt to pay down your debts before trying to get a credit card. Put together a plan to pay off debt, or at least reduce your balances to lower your credit utilization ratio, potentially help your credit score, and improve your chances of a successful credit card application.

Be Ready to prove you can make payments

To get approved for a credit card, you’ll also need to provide proof that you have the ability to make payments. Credit card companies may need to verify your income to determine if you qualify for credit. They may also review your current financial obligations, like rent or mortgage payments.

Understand terms and conditions

When you sign a credit card application, you’re agreeing to the terms and conditions in a contract. Just like any contract, you probably shouldn’t sign it without first understanding what’s in it.

By reading about the associated fees, interest rates, reward program details, and other specifics that apply to your credit card, you’ll not only be better prepared to understand what you’re agreeing to and learn the consequences of not using the card properly.

Once you feel prepared to apply for a credit card, it’s time to search for and select the card that’s right for you.

Step 2: Where can you get a credit card?

Applying for a credit card is a simple process that can usually be done online, over the phone or in person, depending on the issuer. Applying online is usually the fastest route to a decision, but applying in person also has its benefits.

It’s easiest to apply for a credit card online. If you’re not sure which specific credit card you’d like to go with, you can compare the features of different cards before you apply.

There may be some benefit to applying in person if you’re worried about being denied. Applying in person — like calling an issuer — also allows applicants to easily ask specific questions about a card so that they’re confident in their choice.

Ultimately, there’s really no wrong way to apply for a credit card. It all starts with knowing where you can get a credit card, and it all comes down to what you’re most comfortable with and applying for the right card.

Choose a card that matches your needs

In the end you’ll want to narrow your search down to cards that both fit your lifestyle and needs, and cards for which you’ll have a good chance of being accepted. When you’re just beginning to build your credit, look into cards that require little or no credit history. The best first-time credit card for you may be a secured card or student credit card. If you have an established credit history, consider what you want out of a rewards credit card and apply for cards that make the most sense for your lifestyle and spending habits.

• Secured Cards: A secured credit card can help those with no credit or poor credit. These cards require a refundable security deposit in exchange for a line of credit. If cardholders later qualify for a regular, unsecured card, they can get their deposit back.
• Student Cards: Getting a student credit card will require submitting proof that you’re a student, but doesn’t require any security deposit. These cards typically offer rewards in a variety of categories.
• Rewards Cards: Credit card rewards are a great way to turn your everyday spending go further. Choose a rewards card that matches your habits and goals—whether it’s a travel credit card that earns you airline miles, or a cash back credit card that earns rewards on purchases at gas stations and restaurants.

Step 3: How to get a credit card: application time

You’ve studied your credit score and more. You’ve narrowed it down to your credit card of choice. Now it’s time to apply. Here’s what to expect during the actual application process. 

What you need to apply

The credit card application process is actually quite simple, so long as you know what sort of details you may get asked. Be prepared to provide information such as your:

• Full name
• Email address (usually optional)
• Current employer (and how long you’ve worked there)
• Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number

How Long does it take to get a credit card?

Getting a credit card decision is a relatively quick process, especially when you apply online. After you’ve submitted your application, the credit card issuer checks your credit with at least one of the three major national credit bureaus. This process can take from a few seconds to a minute or more depending on your internet speed and network conditions. After the credit check is complete, you may get a decision on the screen.

At this point, there are three possible outcomes: You can be instantly approved, instantly denied, or you can receive a message that your application needs further review. With an instant approval, the issuer will typically deliver the card in 7-10 business days.

Not All approvals are instant

The credit card issuer may need a human, rather than a computer, to review your application and make a decision. In these instances, it will take longer to hear back on an approval decision.

The credit card approval time can be extended by something as trivial as verifying your personal information due to some discrepancies between your application info and your credit file, but it may also mean that the issuer is concerned about its exposure (especially if you already have another credit line with them). If you are in no rush to receive a new card, just let the review run its course.

Step 4: After you’ve applied to get a credit card

There are obviously only two possible outcomes after you apply for a credit card: acceptance or denial. If your application is denied, don’t despair. Instead, find out the reason for your denial and work to put yourself in a better position for future applications.

Why was my credit card application denied?

Having a credit card application denied can be a sign of issues with your finances. If you understand some of the key factors that are considered in the credit card application process, you can work to improve your financial situation so you can reapply in the future.

All hope is not lost if your application for a secured credit card is rejected. If you didn’t before, make sure your credit report is error-free, and explore your options to stay on top of your credit score. With time and concerted effort, you can put yourself in a better position to re-apply for a credit card.

After you receive your credit card

A credit card is an important tool that can help you reach your financial goals. Whether it took you one or many applications to get your credit card, the guidelines are the same: use your credit card responsibly in order to make the most of your new credit card.