Can I use my Capital One credit card before it arrives?

Yes, you can use a credit card before it arrives in the mail, but only with certain cards. If you want to use a credit card early, you must either have an American Express or Capital One credit card or one of a handful of other offers, including the Apple Card, and some store credit cards. Normally, you can’t use a credit card without restriction before it arrives, because you can’t see the full credit card number, expiration date and CVV until you have the card in hand.... read full answer

Credit cards that you can use before arrival

• Cards from certain issuers: If you need to start using a credit card today, you’ll likely want to consider applying for an American Express credit card. Amex is one of the few card issuers that will give out a full card number that can be used anywhere upon approval of an application. Capital One credit cards are also sometimes available for immediate use via the Capital One mobile app. But not everyone is eligible for this feature.
• Co-branded cards: Some credit cards that you can use before the actual card arrives - like the Apple Card - only allow you to add the card to a merchant-specific digital wallet. So you’ll only be able to use it with that merchant until the card arrives in the mail.
• Some store cards: There are a few credit cards that you can use instantly after approval, like the Fingerhut Credit Card. But you can only use this card for purchases at Fingerhut.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that you can ask a credit card issuer for expedited card delivery – in some cases, this will get the card to you the next day. Finding a card that you can use before it arrives in the mail might seem less important with that in mind.

It generally takes around 7 to 10 business days for a new Capital One credit card to arrive, although sometimes it can take less than that. But there is no way to request expedited shipping for new cards. To get a replacement card, on the other hand, takes 4-6 business days. Plus, if you pay for expedited delivery, it will only take 2-3 business days. ... read full answer

Here’s how long it takes for a Capital One credit card to arrive:

• New cards take around 7-10 business days to arrive, following account approval. You can’t pay to speed this up.
• Replacement cards take 4-6 business days to arrive. You can cut that timeframe in half by paying the expedited delivery fee.
• You may receive a decision instantly. However, sometimes it can take 7-10 business days for Capital One to process your application.
• You can expect to have your Capital One credit card in hand anywhere from 2 weeks to a month after you apply.
• Eligible cardholders can use their Capital One credit card before it arrives if they download the Capital One app. The app shows you all the card details. Keep in mind that not everyone is eligible for this feature.

If you’re in the market for a Capital One credit card, there are plenty of good options. You can check out our editors’ latest picks for the best among them and weigh your options.

To get a Capital One virtual credit card number, log in to your Capital One account and sign up for Capital One Eno. Once Capital One generates a virtual card number, you will be able to make online purchases with increased protection against credit card fraud.

How to Get a Capital One Virtual Credit Card... read full answer

1. Log in to your online Capital One account.
2. Go to the page for Capital One Eno, the virtual card program offered by Capital One.
3. Download the Capital One Eno browser extension. Follow the prompts to create a virtual card number.
4. Accept the 16-digit virtual card number that’s generated for you. Take note of the expiration date and security code that are generated as well.
5. Make purchases with your Capital One virtual credit card at eligible online retailers. Capital One Eno works with nearly all online merchants.

The Capital One virtual credit card information is tied to your credit card but is not the same as your actual card number. This way, any hackers who get ahold of the merchant’s records won’t be able to see your real card information. In other words, virtual credit card numbers help prevent fraud by adding an extra layer of protection to your credit card purchases.

Keep in mind, however, that not all cards issued by Capital One have access to Capital One Eno. Make sure you read through your card’s guide to benefits to see whether it qualifies. If your card isn’t eligible, you can use Click to Pay to get a virtual card number. Click to Pay works with credit cards on all four major card networks.