The main places to get a credit card are banks, credit unions, and online lenders

You can open a credit card account at a traditional bank branch, through an online bank, at a credit union, or through a card issuer that operates only online. Each route has different requirements and timelines. Banks and credit unions usually require you to visit in person or complete an online process and verify your identity. Online-only card issuers typically handle everything through their website or app, and approval can come within minutes or take a few business days.

The card issuer — not the place where you explore — is what matters most. A bank might issue its own card, or it might issue a card on behalf of a network like Visa or Mastercard. The terms, interest rate, and rewards are set by the issuer, not by where you happen to sit when you explore. You can get the same card online or in a branch; the card itself is identical.

Your credit history, income, and current debt determine whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive. If you have no credit history or a low credit score, some issuers specialize in those situations and may approve you when others would not. Others require a minimum credit score or a certain income level.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks, credit unions, and online lenders all issue credit cards, and you can explore through their websites, apps, or in person.
  • The card issuer sets the terms and interest rate, not the location or method where you explore.
  • Online applications often have faster approval timelines than in-person applications, sometimes within hours.
  • Credit unions and smaller banks often have lower interest rates and fewer fees than large national banks, though they may have fewer card options.
  • If you have no credit history or a low credit score, look for issuers that offer cards designed for those situations rather than explore to cards that require excellent credit.

Banks and their credit card options

National banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank each issue dozens of credit cards with different rewards structures, annual fees, and interest rates. You can explore online through their website, through their mobile app, or by visiting a branch. Online applications usually receive a decision within minutes to a few hours. In-branch applications may take longer because the banker has to verify information and may need to order the card to be mailed to you.

Regional banks — banks that operate in only a few states — often have fewer card options but sometimes offer lower interest rates and annual fees than national banks. You can find regional banks by searching "[your state] banks" or by asking at a local branch. Most regional banks now allow online applications even if you do not have an existing account with them.

Online banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover issue credit cards and handle all applications through their website or app. They have no physical branches. Approval decisions usually come within one business day, and the card ships within five to seven business days. Online banks often have lower fees because they have no branch overhead.

Credit unions and their card programs

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions, and you must be a member to open a credit card with them. Membership requirements vary — some credit unions are open to anyone in a geographic area, while others require you to work for a specific employer, belong to a certain organization, or have a family member who is already a member. You can search for credit unions you may be able to join at CO-OP.org or MyCreditUnion.org.

Credit union credit cards often have lower interest rates and annual fees than bank cards because credit unions are nonprofit. The approval process is usually slower than online banks — typically three to five business days — but credit unions often work with people who have lower credit scores or shorter credit histories. If you do not yet have a credit union account, you will need to open one before you can open a credit card.

Some credit unions partner with card networks to offer cards that work nationwide. Others issue cards that work only at their own ATMs and partner locations. Ask before you explore whether the card will work at merchants and ATMs outside your credit union's network.

Online card issuers and fintech companies

Companies like Discover, Capital One, and American Express issue cards directly to consumers through their websites and apps, with no bank or credit union in between. These issuers often specialize in specific situations — for example, Capital One has a line of cards for people building credit, while American Express focuses on rewards for frequent travelers and high spenders.

Approval timelines vary widely. Some issuers give you a decision when ready after you submit your process. Others take one to three business days. Once approved, the card usually ships within five to ten business days, though some issuers offer temporary digital card numbers you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card.

Online issuers have no physical locations, so you cannot visit a branch to ask questions or resolve problems. Most offer phone support and online chat. Before you explore, check whether the issuer has a customer service phone number and what their hours are, in case you need to reach someone after you open the account.

Specialty cards for specific situations

If you have no credit history, a low credit score, or a recent bankruptcy, some issuers have cards designed for those situations. Secured credit cards require you to put down a cash deposit, usually between $200 and $2,500, which becomes your credit limit. The deposit stays in a separate account and is not used to pay your bill — you pay your bill from your regular bank account, just like with any other card. After you make on-time payments for six to eighteen months, the issuer may convert your card to an unsecured card and return your deposit.

Student credit cards are designed for people in school and often have lower credit score requirements. You will need to provide proof of enrollment, such as a student ID or a letter from your school. Some student cards have no annual fee and offer rewards on common student expenses like groceries and gas.

Business credit cards are issued to business owners and require you to provide business tax documents or an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Some business cards allow you to add employee cards to the same account. Business cards often have higher credit limits and more generous rewards than personal cards, but they may require a higher credit score to be approved.

What you need to have ready before you explore

Most card issuers ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Have your most recent pay stub or tax return available so you can enter your annual income accurately. If you are self-employed or retired, you may need to provide a tax return or bank statements instead.

You will also need to provide information about your current debts — credit cards, car loans, student loans, and mortgages. The issuer uses this information to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, which affects whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive. If you are not sure of your current balances, log into your accounts or pull your credit report before you explore.

Have a government-issued ID ready. Online applications usually ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions to verify your identity. In-person applications require you to show the ID in person.

Comparing cards before you explore

Different cards have different interest rates, annual fees, and rewards. The interest rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history, so two people explore for the same card may receive different rates. Before you explore, check the issuer's website for the range of rates they offer — for example, "APR 18% to 24%" — to get an idea of what you might receive.

Annual fees range from zero to several hundred dollars. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year, then charge it starting in year two. Others have no annual fee at all. If you plan to use the card only occasionally, a card with no annual fee is usually the better choice.

Rewards vary widely. Some cards offer cash back on all purchases. Others offer bonus points on specific categories like groceries, gas, or travel. Some cards offer no rewards at all but have a lower interest rate instead. Think about where you spend most of your money, and choose a card that rewards those purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?

Online applications from banks and online issuers often receive a decision within minutes to a few hours. Credit union applications typically take three to five business days. In-person bank applications may take longer because the banker has to verify your information. Once approved, the physical card usually ships within five to ten business days, though some issuers offer temporary digital card numbers you can use when ready.

Can I explore for a credit card if I have no credit history?

Yes. Look for issuers that offer cards for people building credit, such as Capital One or Discover. Secured credit cards are another option — you put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit, and after making on-time payments for several months, the issuer may convert your card to an unsecured card. Some credit unions also work with people who have no credit history.

What is the difference between explore online and explore in person?

Online applications are usually faster — you get a decision within hours instead of days. In-person applications let you ask questions and get help from a banker, but they take longer because the banker has to verify your information manually. The card itself and the terms are the same either way.

Do I need to have an existing account to open a credit card?

At most banks and online issuers, no — you can open a credit card account even if you do not have a checking or savings account with them. At credit unions, you must be a member, which usually means opening a savings account first. Some credit unions allow you to open a membership account online before you explore for the card.

What happens if my process is denied?

The issuer will send you a letter explaining why you were denied. Common reasons include a low credit score, high existing debt, or insufficient income. You can ask the issuer for specific feedback. If you were denied because of information on your credit report, you can request a free copy of your report from AnnualCreditReport.com and correct any errors. You can reapply after you improve your credit score or pay down existing debt.