It usually takes 14-24 business days to get a credit card, from the time you submit an application to when it arrives in the mail. But it’s possible to get a credit card in as little as a week if you apply online and request expedited delivery. Some issuers will even give you an account number to use for purchases before you receive your physical card. … read full answer
A lot depends on your credit standing, the card you pick and how you apply for it. Each credit card issuer has its own approval criteria and timelines, after all. But there are several steps you can take to speed things up.
Here’s how to get a credit card faster:
Get preapproved: If you’re interested in a card from a certain issuer, you can also see if they have a preapproval check. If you’re preapproved for a credit card, your instant approval chances increase quite a bit.
Apply online: Online applications are always best because they send your data to the issuer right away. You also have a chance of being approved instantly if your credit exceeds what the issuer is looking for. You could consider applying for credit cards that are a little below your own credit range if you want the best chance of instant approval. But it might be better to risk waiting a little longer to get a card with greater benefits.
Frequently check for approval: If you’re not approved or denied instantly, the credit card issuer needs more time to verify and evaluate your information. This could take a few weeks. But most credit card companies allow you to quickly check the status of your application online or over the phone.
Speed up delivery: In almost all cases, it’ll take 7-10 business days for your credit card to reach you. But many companies allow you to pay for expedited shipping or even pick up your card at a bank branch sooner. And some companies will let you get your number immediately. For example, by downloading the Capital One app, you can see the number and verification information for new cards right away, so you’re able to use them for online transactions.
A big part of getting a credit card is figuring out exactly which card to apply for. One way you can move through this more quickly is by signing up for a free WalletHub account. Based upon your credit, we’ll recommend cards you’re likely to be approved for.
Whichever card you choose, you should never have to wait more than a month to get a new credit card in your hand. But it’s natural to want a faster process. And you can have it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a better chance of making the total wait time closer to a week.
The best way to get a credit card fast is to apply online and then request expedited shipping once you’re approved. That way, you don’t have to wait for your application to be delivered before it’s considered. Applying online also means you could be approved instantly and perhaps even receive your card number to begin making purchases right away, though no card can guarantee either 100% of the time. Typically, it takes about … read full answer2-4 weeks from the time you apply for a card to actually receive it, depending on how long approval and shipping take. But there are certain things you can do to get your card quicker.
Here’s how to get a credit card fast:
Apply online. This is the fastest way to get your application to the issuer.
Apply for cards below your range. You’re more likely to be instantly approved for cards that’re overqualified for (e.g. apply for fair credit cards if you have good credit). You could even put a deposit on a secured credit card, which has the highest odds of approval of any card type.
Check for preapproval. Some issuers let you check online to see whether you’re preapproved for any of their cards. This means they’ll tell you whether you’re a good candidate to apply based on a harmless soft check of your credit. If you’re preapproved, you’ll have around a 90% chance of success when you actually apply for an account.
Look for instant use cards. Certain issuers provide your credit card number (or a temporary placeholder) to use right after you’re approved, instead of making you wait 7-10 business days until your card arrives in the mail. For example, if you apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi at a Costco location, they’ll give you a code to scan at checkout that acts as your card until the plastic one arrives. Some other store credit cards (e.g. Target Credit Card) also allow you to apply and use your card the same day. And if you get approved for a Capital One card, you can download their app and see the number, expiration date and security code right away.
Request expedited shipping. Most credit card issuers will give you an option for faster shipping, usually in exchange for a fee ranging from $6 to $25 (but sometimes free). This will allow you to get your hands on the card sooner than the normal 7-10 business days, shortening the time to as little as overnight in some cases.
Call the issuer. If you don’t get approved right away and your application is pending, you can try following up with the issuer. Calling them might get your application looked at a little sooner than if you just waited. It might not, but it’s worth a try.
Regardless of whether you go for an account that gives you an instant number, your card should arrive within 7-10 business days of when you apply. If it doesn’t get to you within that time frame, you should definitely give customer service a call to check its status.
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