How long does it take to get a credit card?

Every credit card issuer is a little different when it comes to how long it might take to deliver the card once you’re approved. In general, it could take up to a week or more to receive the physical card.

But there may be ways you can start using a new account sooner than that.  

What you’ll learn:

• 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 business days.

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

• Virtual card numbers 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—for a credit card could take anywhere from seconds to weeks. You could be approved for a credit card right away if you apply online. But 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 issuer 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 pending or taking longer:

• Your credit reports could be frozen.

• Your income or 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. 

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 one to 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 report lost or damaged cards and request replacement cards online.

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.

Despite its name, instant approval doesn’t mean approval is guaranteed. Instead, it refers to how quick of a decision you may receive after applying.

And 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.

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 card numbers from Capital One. 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.

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

Once you get your card in the mail, you’ll need to activate it, which you can usually do through the card issuer’s website or mobile app or by calling. 

Many card issuers also provide specific activation instructions with the physical card. But if you need help, you can always call the number on the back of your credit card.

For a Capital One card, you can use the Capital One Mobile app to activate your card.

There are many reasons a credit application can be denied. But no matter the reasons, the credit card issuer is required by law to tell you what they are or tell you how you can get that information.

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

Getting access to a new credit card can take 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.