How much time does it typically take to receive a credit card?

If you’re planning to apply for a new credit card, you might be curious about the time it takes before you can begin using it and establishing credit. In most cases, once your application is submitted, approval can happen within minutes. However, receiving the physical card in the mail usually takes a couple of weeks. The main holdup is waiting for the card to come in the mail, which may take up to 10 business days. You may also wait longer if you applied for a card that requires exceptional credit, which requires issuers to manually review your application and credit history.

Keep reading to find out how long it typically takes to receive a credit card and explore useful tips to help expedite the process.

How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?

The approval process for a credit card can range from just a few minutes to several weeks. Keep in mind that the law requires creditors to give you an answer within 30 days.

You have multiple options for applying for a credit card, including online, in person, or by phone. You’ll need to enter personal information like your name, address, income, employment status and identifying information, like a Social Security number. To avoid slowing down the process, ensure all the information you submit is accurate and valid.

How does the credit approval process work?

If you are preapproved or apply for credit cards with specific eligibility requirements, you’ll usually find out whether you’ve been approved or denied within minutes. However, if you apply for a credit card that requires exceptional credit, you won’t receive an instant verdict. The credit card issuer must manually review your application and credit history, which can take a few days to a week or longer. They may look at:

• Negative items: Derogatory marks like late payments and delinquent accounts
• Debt load: Including your debt-to-income ratio and credit utilization ratio
• Credit score: A high-level indication of your credit health
• Income information: How much you earn

Additionally, instead of an immediate approval or denial, applicants will sometimes receive a message that their application needs further review. This typically occurs due to one of the following factors:

• You’ve frozen your credit reports.
• Your income needs to be verified.
• Your personal information needs to be verified.
• The credit limit you’re applying for is high for your profile.
• There are mistakes on your application.
• The lender is currently reviewing an unusually high number of applications.

If your application encounters a problem, like a frozen credit report or challenges in verifying your income, you can address these issues to help speed up the process.

Generally speaking, it’s recommended to try to be accurate and careful when filling out your application so you can avoid unnecessary delays.

How to increase your chances of approval

Make sure to only apply for credit cards with criteria that fit your credit health. For example, some credit cards are designed for people with bad credit, while others require excellent credit. In general, individuals with a limited credit history or poor credit may find it difficult to qualify for credit cards that offer excellent rewards and low interest rates.

How to check your application status

If you’ve submitted a mail-in application or are awaiting approval for a card with strict requirements, you might have the option to track your application’s status online. If that option isn’t available to you, or if you prefer talking to someone, call the issuer’s card services number.

What is the typical wait time to receive a credit card in the mail?

For most credit cards, the primary waiting period is due to the mailing process rather than the approval itself. Unless you’re applying for a card that demands excellent credit, you can generally expect to receive your card within seven to ten business days.

How much time does it take to receive a replacement credit card?

If your original card has been misplaced, stolen or damaged, you can request a replacement card from your issuer. Under these circumstances, the card usually arrives within 3 to 8 days.

How to get a credit card faster

If you need the credit card quickly, here are some steps you can take:

1. Get pre-approved

Obtaining preapproval or prequalification for a credit card can speed up the process, as it streamlines the approval procedure. You may either receive a pre-approval offer in the mail or complete an online form with some personal and financial information.

Filling out preapproval forms doesn’t impact your credit and allows your credit card offers to be more personalized. Keep in mind that if you choose to apply through a pre-approval offer, the creditor may then initiate a hard inquiry into your credit report, which would likely temporarily affect your credit.

2. Expedite shipping

Expedited delivery for new and replacement cards is offered by many issuers—and sometimes, it’s even free. With expedited shipping, your card may arrive in just 1 to 2 business days.

3. Request instant access

If you need to pay bills or complete urgent transactions before your card arrives, you might be able to use your card number right after approval. Check with your issuer to see if it offers this feature and request an instant card number as soon as you’ve been approved. Then, you can use your card via your issuer’s mobile app or add your card number to your digital wallet.

What to do after you get your card

Once your card arrives in the mail, be sure to follow the necessary steps to activate it.If your card offers an app, be sure to download it so you can track transactions and watch for any unusual activity. Additionally, if your credit card is issued by your bank, make sure it’s listed under your online or mobile banking account for easy monitoring.

Maintain responsible credit card habits with Cent savvy

Applying for and getting approved for a credit card is now simpler than ever, especially if you’ve been maintaining good credit habits. Be sure to use your new card wisely to ensure your credit remains in top condition. Get your free credit snapshot today to see your credit score, credit report summary and credit repair recommendations.

For more information, please visit Cent Savvy Credit Repair Counseling