How Long Does It Take To Get A Credit Card?

It can take anywhere from less than a minute to a few weeks to get approved for a credit card. The amount of time depends on how you apply, how good your credit is relative to the requirements of the card, and whether the issuer can immediately verify your information. You could be instantly approved if you apply online and are obviously qualified. But if you don't get instant approval, it'll typically take at least 7-10 business days to hear back.

Here's what affects how long it takes to get approved for a credit card:

• The way you apply. You can apply for most credit cards by mail, by phone or online. If you apply by mail, that's going to add an extra 1-7 days just for your application to get there. The other two methods both allow for instant approval.
• Your credit and income. No credit card guarantees instant approval. You'll only get it if you exceed the issuer's credit, income and other requirements. If you're right on the border of qualifying, the issuer will probably take longer to consider your application. The typical wait time is 7-10 business days, which translates to around two weeks.
• Your personal info. You'll need to enter details like your name, date of birth, address and Social Security number when you apply for any card. That information also is present on your credit reports, which the issuer will check during the approval process. If the information on your application doesn't match the information on your report, or if it gets flagged as fraudulent, it will hold up the process until the issuer can verify your identity.

So the standard timeframe in which you can expect to be approved for a credit card and receive it by mail is approximately 3-4 weeks. If you're not approved instantly, count on 7-10 business days for approval and 7-10 business days for delivery. And if you're itching to get your card faster, don't forget to ask the issuer about expedited delivery.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

It takes 7-10 business days to get a credit card from Chase once your application has been approved. But you can get it in 1-2 business days if you ask for expedited delivery, at no extra cost. It's also worth noting that you may receive a decision instantly after approval, however it can sometimes take up to 30 days to receive a response.

Getting a replacement credit card from Chase takes 3-5 business days, in most cases. But, again, you can ask for free expedited delivery and get your card in 1-2 business days.  

Chase Credit Card Approval and Delivery Timeframe

• New Credit Card: 7-10 business days after approval (1-2 business days expedited for free).
• Replacement Credit Card: 3-5 business days (1-2 business days expedited for free).
• Online Approval: You may get an instant decision when you apply for a Chase credit card. However, it can take up to 30 days for Chase to make a ruling in some cases. You can check the status of your Chase credit card application over the phone at (888) 338-2586.
• Mailed Applications: You'll get a decision within 7-10 business days of Chase receiving your application.  

Chase's credit card approval and delivery timeframes are pretty standard. The fastest way to get a Chase credit card in your hands is by applying online and requesting expedited delivery. You can also call Chase for free expedited delivery once approved.

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. 

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.

It takes around 2-3 weeks to get your Capital One Platinum Secured in the mail after paying your refundable security deposit ($49, $99 or $200). The card will be sent to you immediately after making the payment. Generally, secured credit cards take longer to arrive due to the nature of the account. 

Capital One Platinum Secured Approval and Delivery Time

Getting approved for the Capital One Platinum Secured may be instant, but certain applications require further review, which can take 7 to 10 business days. So, at the very longest, it can take up to 5 weeks from applying to get your Capital One Platinum Secured card in the mail. 

Unfortunately, new accounts aren't eligible for express shipping on credit cards. But if you already have a Capital One Platinum Secured account and just need a replacement card, other delivery options may be available to you upon request.

It takes 7 - 10 business days to receive a TD credit card once the application is approved. The timeline is the same for replacement cards, though replacement cards have the option of 48-hour expedited delivery, which may incur a fee of up to $25. TD Bank does not offer expedited delivery for new credit cards.

The total time it takes to get a TD credit card ultimately depends on how quickly you're approved for the card. In most cases, you'll receive an instant decision if you apply for a TD credit card online, by phone, or in person at a TD Bank branch. In some cases, however, TD Bank will need more time to review your application.

Plus, if you apply for a TD credit card by mail, it could be 7 to 10 business days before you receive a decision on your application. That's in addition to the time it would take to get your new TD credit card in the mail if you're approved.

Once you receive your TD credit card, you must activate the card before you can use it. It only takes a few minutes to activate, and you can do so either by phone or online.

It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 10 business days to get approved for the Best Buy® Credit Card. Certain applications that meet the issuer's exact criteria may be approved instantly. However, if you don't get a decision immediately after applying, it doesn't mean you won't have a shot after your application is reviewed in more detail. Most applicants are notified by mail of the issuer's final decision within 10 business days of applying.

You can also check your Best Buy® Credit Card application status online or by by calling customer service at (888) 574-1301.

Provided your application is approved, you can expect your new card to arrive by mail within 14 days of approval.

It takes 7 to 10 business days for a Bank of America credit card to arrive, under normal circumstances. Bank of America credit card customers who need a card sooner can call customer service at (800) 421-2110 to request expedited shipping, which will take 1 to 3 business days.

If your card doesn't arrive within the typical Bank of America credit card delivery time window, you should call customer service to check on it. They'll be able to send you a replacement card if the original got lost in the mail.

Once you receive your new Bank of America card, you can activate it either over the phone at (800) 276-9939 or online.

It can take 7-10 business days to get approved for a Walmart Credit Card if you're not approved instantly when you apply. Once you are approved, you will receive your Walmart Credit Card by mail within 10 business days. So from the moment you apply, it can take up to 20 business days to get the Walmart Credit Card.

If your application has been approved, but your card does not arrive within 10 business days, get in touch with Walmart Credit Card customer service for further assistance.

Once you're approved for a Merrick Bank credit card, it should take up to 2 weeks to arrive by mail. However, keep in mind that the application process might take up to 2 weeks as well. 

If you're not tied to Merrick Bank as an issuer, you should consider applying for an instant approval credit card that you can use right away. This way, you'll get an instant decision and you don't need to wait for the physical card to arrive to make purchases.