How long does it take to get a credit card? Best-case scenario, your new credit card will arrive at your doorstep in less than two weeks. Still, there are a couple of ways to speed up the entire process.
So, whether you’re just starting your research or you’re about to apply, here’s everything you need to know about credit cards.
Getting Approvals
A credit card provides the cardholder with a line of credit with which they can make purchases or withdraw cash. There are many different types of credit cards available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. In general, they’re issued by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.
How long does it take to get approved for a credit card? Credit issuers have to send a notice of approval or denial within 30 days. When applying, make sure that all the fields are filled out properly on the application. Missing information could slow down the process and might require a manual review.
To check the status of your application, either call the issuer’s customer service or the issuer’s website.
How long does it take to get approved for a credit card online? Much faster — a couple of minutes, to be precise.
What’s more, when you apply for a credit card, the creditor will check your credit report to determine the risk of lending you money. This process is called a “credit inquiry” and usually takes about two weeks. However, if you have recently applied for other types of loans or lines of credit, this could cause delays in getting your credit card.
After that, the creditor will either approve or deny your credit card application. And if your application is approved, the creditor will send you a notification along with your new credit card.
However, if your application gets denied, the creditor has to provide you with reasons for their decision in writing.
Getting a New Credit Card
How long does it take to get a new credit card? Once your application is approved, and the credit card is mailed to you, it will take between one week and 10 days for the card to arrive. If you are in a hurry to get your new credit card, you can always ask the creditor to expedite the process.
Now, let’s make a comparison to see how long it takes, on average, for people to get a credit card from the most popular issuers:
- Lloyds Bank: 5–7 working days
- American Express: 7–10 working days
- Bank of America: 7–10 working days
- Capital One: 7–10 working days
- Chase: 7–10 working days
- Citi: 7–10 working days
- Discover: 7–10 working days
- Wells Fargo: 7–10 working days
- Merrick Bank: within 2 weeks
Getting a Replacement Credit Card
How long does it take to get a replacement credit card and do you wait the same as when you’re ordering a new one? We have good news for you. Unlike brand new credit cards, replacement cards arrive much faster; usually within a week.
This is because they are processed soon after you make the request. Those who already have a credit card don’t have to wait for the approval.
Again, let’s see how popular banks deal with replacement cards:
- American Express: 1 business day
- Bank of America: 4–6 business days
- Capital One: 4–6 business days
- Chase: 3–5 business days
- Citi: 4–7 business days
- Discover: 3–7 business days
- Wells Fargo: 5–7 business days
3 Ways to Get Your Credit Card ASAP
The fastest way to get a credit card is by:
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- Checking your credit score — users with a great credit score are more likely to get approved.
- Looking for instant approval, which can speed up the process of getting your card. However, these cards often have higher interest rates and fees than traditional cards. The most popular banks that offer instant approvals are American Express, Bank of America, and Capital One.
- Paying extra for expedited shipping.
Why do credit cards take so long to arrive unless you take the above steps? There are a few reasons. For one, the issuer has to verify your identity and run a credit check. And once you’re approved, the issuer has to print and mail your card. All of this can take a week or two.
So, if you’re in a hurry to get your hands on a credit card, try using one of the methods mentioned above.
How to Activate Your Credit Card
Once you get your preferred credit card, you’ll need to activate it before you can start using it. To do this, you need to call the customer service number on the back of the card and provide some personal information.
You can also activate your card via Internet banking:
- Go to the bank’s website and log in.
- On the home page, find the link for “Card Activation.”
- Enter your card number, expiration date, and date of birth.
- After you have filled out that information, click “Submit.”
- Enter your ATM PIN on the next screen and click on “Submit.”
- You will then receive a one-time password (OTP) via text or phone call.
- Enter the OTP and click on “Continue.”
- Your credit card will be activated and ready for use.
Using a Card Before It Arrives
Can I use my card before it arrives? Yes, you can, but only if:
You Use Instant Cards
Instant use cards allow you to get approved very quickly. This way, you can have instant access to the account. Usually, instant use cards come in the form of a retail store card, which you can apply for in-store and use to pay for purchases right after.
Some of the most popular instant use cards are Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, and SoFi Credit Card.
You Use Virtual Card Numbers
Virtual account numbers work differently than regular credit cards. With virtual account numbers, you get a new, one-time-use credit card number for every transaction. To make a purchase, you’ll need to enter a personal identification number (PIN) to verify your identity.
Is It Hard to Get a Credit Card Right Now?
It’s no secret that the pandemic has taken a toll on the economy. As a result, credit card companies have made it harder to get a new credit card. Moreover, due to COVID-19, credit card applications managed to drop by a staggering 40%.
Yet, with so many people now getting their food delivered via DoorDash and the like or buying other household items online, credit cards are more prominent than ever before.
On that note, we recommend you apply for a new credit card if:
- Have good credit
- Have no credit card debt
- Have an emergency fund
Conclusion
So, how fast can I get a credit card from my bank? In most cases, your bank will likely send you the physical card in the mail within 7–10 business days after approval. If you need a credit card sooner than that, some banks offer an expedited option where they will overnight the card to you (for an additional fee).
Even if your bank doesn’t have an expedited option, you should still receive the card within two weeks of applying.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a credit score?
It will take you about six months to build your credit score from scratch. This score is used in 90% of lending decisions. Your FICO credit score ranges from 300 to 850, and a score of over 700 is considered good. Scores over 800 are considered excellent.
How long does it take to get a debit card in the mail?
Most banks send new debit cards within 5 to 10 business days. Call your bank or check its website to get the exact info.
You can also check the card’s whereabouts on your bank’s website. Some banks have a feature where you can track your debit card.
How long does it take to get a credit card from Chase?
New cards are sent out a few days after approval. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. On the other hand, replacement cards are sent out soon after the request.
If you need a replacement card, simply contact Chase Customer Service, and they will send you a new one. Replacement cards usually arrive within 3 to 5 business days.
How long does it take to get a credit card from Capital One?
New cards from Capital one arrive within 7 to 10 business days, while replacement cards arrive within 4–6 business days.
How long does it take for a credit card to arrive from Lloyds?
To get a new credit card from Lloyds Bank, you’ll need to wait for between 5 to 7 working days.
How long does it take for a credit card to come?
Most credit cards will arrive at your door 7–10 days after being approved by the issuer. What’s more, credit issuers are obliged to send you a notice of your approval or denial within 30 days.
On the other hand, if you want to get your card ASAP, you can ask the creditor to expedite the process, look for instant approval, or pay extra cash for expedited shipping.
How long does it take to get a credit card that’s not new (a replacement card)? A bit faster, usually within one week.
