How long does it take to get a credit card?

Every credit card issuer is different when it comes to its timeline for delivering a physical credit card once you’ve been approved. In general, it could take up to a week or more to receive your card. 

But if you know how, it’s possible to get a new credit card and start using it the same day. Read on to learn more about the process and ways to get your credit card faster.

Key takeaways

• The exact timeline for getting approved for a credit card can vary. But issuers must tell you their decision within 30 days.

• Once you’ve been approved, many credit card issuers, including Capital One, say you can expect to receive your new card in the mail within seven to 10 days.

• If you reported your card lost or stolen, a replacement credit card will likely be delivered within one to seven days.

• Virtual cards, sometimes called instant-use credit cards, might let you access your credit line as soon as you’re approved, without having to wait for your physical card to arrive.

Getting approved—or denied—could take anywhere from seconds to weeks. You could be approved for a credit card right away if you apply online. That’s if your application satisfies the lender’s credit policies. If the issuer needs more information to decide, it could take longer.

You could also get approved or denied quickly if you apply over the phone or in person. If you apply by mail, you’ll have to wait for your application to get to the card issuer and for them to mail back the decision.

However you apply, issuers must give you a decision within 30 days of receiving your complete application.

Sometimes, you may find out you’re approved for a new credit card almost instantly. But other times, the lender may need more time to review your application or ask for additional information. 

If you don’t get a decision right away, there are a few reasons why your application may be taking longer:

• Your credit reports could be frozen.

• Your income may need to be verified. 

• Your personal information may need to be verified.

• The credit limit you’re applying for might be above average.

• There could be mistakes in your application.

• The lender may be reviewing a lot of applications. 

You may be able to help prevent some of the above issues by filling out credit applications as completely and honestly as you can. That could help the review and approval process happen a little quicker. And if you had your credit reports frozen, you’ll have to unfreeze them—at least temporarily—to allow lenders to review your credit history.

Many issuers, including Capital One, say you can expect to receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 business days of being approved. This time frame could be even shorter for replacement cards. But exactly how long it takes to receive your credit card in the mail depends on the issuer and the Postal Service.

Keep in mind that if you’re approved for a secured credit card, you’ll have to fund the deposit before the card ships.

For most major card issuers, the standard delivery time for replacement cards is between one and seven business days. Capital One’s standard delivery time is four to six business days. You can check with your card issuer to get more specifics on what to expect. 

But to get the process started, you first need to let your card issuer know that your card is lost or stolen. 

Once your lender knows, the missing card is usually deactivated. And then the card issuer can start setting you up with a new card, which might include assigning you a new card number. If your card is damaged and you need a replacement, you may not be assigned a new number. 

Capital One cardholders can request replacement cards online. You can also report lost or stolen cards by calling 800-277-4825.

Can’t wait for your credit card? Here are some ways you can try to speed up the process:

Getting pre-approved is an optional extra step that can save you time by focusing on credit cards you’re likely to be approved for. That’s because pre-approval lets you see which cards you could be eligible for before you apply. 

To see whether you’re pre-approved, the lender will usually ask you for some basic information. Getting pre-approved involves a soft inquiry of your credit. So it won’t hurt your credit scores.

But remember, pre-approval, like pre-qualification, is just an indicator. If you decide to apply for a credit card, you may have to take a few extra steps to fill out the full application, which will result in a hard inquiry of your credit. This could affect your credit scores.

It’s important to note that instant approval doesn’t necessarily mean your card will be available for use immediately. If that’s what you’re after, you can look for credit cards that offer instant use. But instant approval could mean that you receive your credit card faster—even if you have less-than-perfect credit.

To improve your chances of getting instant approval, you need to choose a card issuer that offers application reviews in real time. It can also help to know your credit scores so you can—with help from a pre-approval tool—apply for cards designed for your credit level. 

At Capital One, pre-approval can take 60 seconds or less. Combining this with an online application could get you a response in minutes.

If you can’t wait the standard seven to 10 business days to receive your credit card in the mail, you could try asking if your issuer offers expedited shipping. Just keep in mind that you might be charged a fee for the service.

If you want to be able to use your card as soon as you’re approved, it can be helpful to consider applying for a credit card that offers instant access after approval—also known as instant use.

Depending on the card and card issuer, you might be able to access your account details as soon as you’re approved. That means you might not have to wait until you get the actual card in the mail to use it.

Here’s how you could start using your new line of credit:

• Online: You may have access to your new credit card details online or via a mobile app. Some issuers may also give you access to virtual cards for more secure shopping online. That’s the case with virtual cards from Capital One. Eligible cardholders may be able to access and use their virtual card from within the Capital One Mobile app or online to shop online immediately. You can also use your virtual card to set up recurring payments for things like streaming services, subscriptions and more.

• In person: If you can add your credit card to your digital wallet, you can use your phone, watch or other eligible smart device to make in-store purchases at participating retailers. Digital wallets also come in handy if you forget your physical card at home. Many retailers now readily accept digital wallets.

Using the Capital One Mobile app once you’ve been approved for your new credit card can also help you track where your money is going and stay organized. The Capital One Mobile app has innovative digital tools for managing your money, plus it provides access to your virtual cards to make online shopping easier and more secure.

Here are answers to common questions about how long it takes to get a credit card:

Getting a new credit card can be a process—whether it ends up taking seconds or weeks. But like many things, you can help smooth the process with a bit of preparation. Having a clear sense of your credit score and getting pre-approved can help expedite the process and get your credit card into your hands faster.

Whether you’re looking to earn rewards, build your credit or not pay an annual fee, compare Capital One credit cards to get started. (View important rates and disclosures.)

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with Quicksilver.

• Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.