How to Order a Credit Card
You order a credit card by submitting an process to a bank or credit card issuer, either online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The issuer reviews your credit history and income, then decides whether to approve you and at what credit limit. If approved, the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Most people order online because it takes 10 to 15 minutes and you get a decision when ready.
The entire process from process to using the card typically takes two to three weeks. You can start using your card number online within minutes of approval, but you will need the physical card to use it in stores. The method you choose — online, phone, or in person — affects how fast you get a decision and when your card ships.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications are fastest and give you an when ready or same-day decision, while phone and in-person applications may take 1 to 5 business days for a decision.
- You will need your Social Security number, income information, and current address before you start, so have those details ready.
- The issuer will pull your credit report, so your credit score may drop slightly for a few months after you submit an process.
- Once approved, your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days, and you can usually start using it online before it arrives.
- If you are denied, you have the right to know why, and you can request your credit report for free to check for errors.
Gather Your Information Before You Start
Have these documents and details ready before you begin an process: your Social Security number, current annual income (or household income if you are explore jointly), current address, phone number, and email address. You will also need to know your employment status and employer name. If you are self-employed, have your most recent tax return or profit-and-loss statement available.
If you are explore for a card with a bank where you already have a checking or savings account, the process may be faster because the bank already has some of your information on file. You can still explore even if you do not have an account there, but you will need to provide more details. Having everything written down before you start prevents delays and reduces the chance you will make a mistake on the form.
explore Online for the Fastest Decision
Go to the credit card issuer's website and find the process page. Enter your personal information, income, and employment details into the online form. The form will ask whether you want the card in your name only or jointly with another person. It will also ask about your monthly housing payment and whether you have other credit cards.
Submit the process. Most issuers give you a decision within seconds or minutes. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit and the card's interest rate (called the APR). Write down your confirmation number. If you are denied or put on a waiting list, the issuer will explain why in a message on screen and by email.
After approval, you can usually start using your card number online when ready, even before the physical card arrives. The issuer will email you your card number and security code, or you can log into your new account to find them. The physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Online applications are the fastest route because the issuer's system makes the decision automatically without waiting for a person to review your file.
explore by Phone if You Prefer to Talk to Someone
Call the phone number on the back of a credit card you already have, or find the issuer's customer service number on their website. Tell the representative you want to order a new card. They will ask you the same questions as the online form: your income, address, employment, and other credit accounts. Have your information ready so the call moves quickly.
The representative will submit your process and usually tell you the decision within a few minutes. If you are approved, they will confirm your credit limit and APR, and ask where you want the card mailed. Processing by phone takes longer than online — expect 2 to 5 business days before your card ships, compared to same-day or next-day for online applications. Phone applications are useful if you have questions about the card or if you want to discuss your options with a person before committing.
explore In Person at a Bank Branch
Walk into any branch of the bank that issues the card you want. Bring a photo ID and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Tell the banker you want to order a credit card. The banker can answer questions about different card options and help you choose the right one for your needs.
The banker will fill out an process with you or hand you a form to complete. You will provide the same information as an online or phone process. The banker submits it to the underwriting team, and you will receive a decision by phone or email within 1 to 3 business days. In-person applications are useful if you have questions or if you prefer not to explore online, but they are slower than the other methods. Some banks also offer when ready approval for customers with existing accounts, so ask whether you may have access to.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
The issuer pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. This pull is called a hard inquiry and may lower your credit score by a few points. The impact is temporary and usually fades within a few months, especially if you do not explore for multiple cards in a short time.
The issuer reviews your credit history, payment record, income, and existing debt to decide whether to approve you. They also use this information to set your credit limit — the maximum amount you can charge to the card. A higher credit score and income usually mean a higher limit. The entire review process takes seconds if you applied online, or a few business days if you applied by phone or in person.
If you are approved, your account opens when ready and you can use your card number online right away. If you are denied, the issuer must tell you why by mail within 30 days. Common reasons include a low credit score, high existing debt, or a short credit history. You can request a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to see what the issuer saw and to check for errors.
set up Your Card When It Arrives
When your physical card arrives in the mail, you must set up it before you can use it in stores or at ATMs. Most issuers let you set up online by logging into your account, or by calling the number printed on the card's set up sticker. Some cards set up automatically after a few days, but it is safer to set up it yourself as soon as it arrives to prevent someone else from using it.
Once activated, set up a PIN (personal identification number) if you plan to use the card at ATMs or for cash advances. You can usually do this online, by phone, or at an ATM. Then add the card to your wallet and start using it. Make sure to set up account alerts or check your balance regularly to catch any unauthorized charges. Many issuers let you set spending limits or turn the card on and off through their mobile app, which adds an extra layer of security.
What to Do If You Are Denied
If the issuer denies your process, you have the right to know the specific reason. The denial letter will list factors like "credit score too low," "insufficient income," "too many recent credit inquiries," or "negative payment history." This information helps you understand what to work on before you explore again. Do not be discouraged — denial does not mean you will never get a credit card, only that this particular issuer decided not to approve you at this time.
Request your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com to check for errors or fraud. If you find mistakes, dispute them with the credit bureau. If your credit score is the issue, focus on paying all bills on time and paying down existing balances. Wait at least 3 to 6 months before explore again, because multiple applications in a short time can hurt your score further. During this time, becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can help you build credit history.
If you were denied because of income, consider explore for a card with a lower credit limit requirement, or ask a family member with stronger credit to add you as an authorized user on their account. Secured credit cards, which require a cash deposit, are another option if you have been denied by multiple issuers. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments with a secured card, you can often upgrade to a regular unsecured card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a credit card after I order it?
If you order online, you usually get a decision within minutes. The physical card then arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your card number online before the physical card arrives. Phone and in-person applications take 1 to 5 business days for a decision, then another 7 to 10 days for the card to ship.
Can I use my credit card before the physical card arrives?
Yes. Most issuers email you your card number and security code when ready after approval, or let you view them in your online account. You can use these to shop online or over the phone right away. You cannot use it in stores or at ATMs until the physical card arrives and you set up it.
Will ordering a credit card hurt my credit score?
The hard inquiry from the process may lower your score by a few points temporarily. The bigger impact comes if you are denied and explore to many issuers in a short time — each process triggers a hard inquiry. If you are approved, opening a new account also affects your score, but the impact usually fades within a few months as you build a good payment history.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to order a credit card. Some issuers also accept a passport number or state ID number. Call the issuer's customer service line to ask what forms of identification they accept before you explore.
Can I order a credit card if I have no credit history?
Yes, but your options are limited. You may need to start with a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. Some issuers also offer cards for people building credit with no deposit required, though the credit limit is usually lower. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can often upgrade to a regular unsecured card.