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How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

6 min read

Last Updated: June 4, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

You can apply and get approval 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 instant approval for a credit card. With Discover, you may get a decision in as little as 60 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 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.

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 history 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 still 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 a damaged credit history. 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 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.

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 shop with your credit card online, through your mobile app, or with your digital wallet before your new physical card arrives.

With an Instant Use card from Discover, you can experience the convenience of a virtual card by using your card before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.³

If you don’t qualify for instant credit, you’ll have to wait for your physical credit 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.

Learn More

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

If you lose your card or have it stolen, 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 go from beginning your credit card application to shopping online with your new credit limit 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.

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