Bearded worker sits in a plant shop looking at a digital tablet

How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

Last Updated: August 22, 2024

4 min read

Table of contents

Key Points:

You can apply and get approval for a credit card within minutes; receiving your card in the mail can take 7-10 business days.
Some credit card issuers allow qualifying customers instant access to credit.
It can take up to 30 days to receive approval or denial from a credit issuer, depending on the need for additional information.

While you may be ready to get a new credit card, the process from application to access could take longer than you may think. Usually, you can expect to receive your credit card within a couple of weeks after approval. But a few factors can affect how long it takes to get your card. This process can include a review of your credit history and shipping timelines.

How long does it take to get credit card approval?

To receive a credit card (or gain access to instant credit), you need to fill out a credit card application and submit it for approval to a credit card issuer. An application will ask for personal information, like your income, Social Security number, and address.

When you apply online, you might get instant approval for a credit card, though credit card issuers may not send confirmation for several days or weeks. This could be because they are reviewing your credit report or other data to determine your creditworthiness.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau^® notes that federal regulations mandate notice of approval or denial of credit within 30 days after receiving a completed application.

Certain credit card companies may instantly approve applicants who meet or exceed the credit card requirements. So, having a strong credit history and a good, very good, or exceptional credit score could help you receive your card sooner.

See if you’re pre-approved

If it’s not immediately clear that you meet the card issuer’s instant approval requirements, they may individually review your application. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act allows for individual review when analyzing your actual circumstances instead of using statistical measures derived from a group. This means it could take longer to get credit card approval.

Discover applicants can check the status of a credit card application online or call 1-800-347-3085.

For those trying to build credit history for the first time (or rebuild a damaged credit history), a secured credit card may be a good option. A secured credit card requires a cash deposit which is usually equal to the credit limit for the credit card account. This reduces the risk for credit card providers and could help you build credit if used responsibly.

How long does a credit card take to arrive?

Your credit card issuer plays a role in when you’ll receive your new card. Because of printing, processing, and shipping, you can expect to wait at least a week before your new credit card comes.

If you’re wondering how long it will take for your credit card to arrive, the best thing to do is contact the card issuer directly. They’ll be able to give you a more specific timeline based on their processing and shipping times.

Can you use your card right away?

Once you’re approved for a new credit card, you may want to start using it right away.

Some card issuers offer instant credit at account opening, which means you can access and start using your account to shop online, through mobile banking, or with your digital wallet before your new credit card arrives.

If you don’t qualify for instant credit, you’ll have to wait for your credit card to arrive in the mail before using it to make a purchase. Then, you’ll need to activate your new card to shop and earn cash rewards.

Did you know?

As soon as you activate your credit card, you could begin earning rewards on eligible purchases.

Learn More

How long does it take for a replacement credit card to arrive?

Whether you’ve lost your credit card (or had it stolen), it usually takes about 7-10 days for your replacement card to arrive. If you’re simply ordering an additional card, you may be able to request that your card issuer uses overnight shipping.

It’s important to report a lost card or stolen card as soon as possible to minimize the chance of an fraudulent purchases. Once you notify your credit card company, they will cancel the card to keep anyone from using it and issue you a new credit card with a new card number.

Important Information >

Five friends taking a selfie smiling together in the city.

Enter to win a $5,000 scholarship for school

Discover^® is giving away one $5,000 college scholarship every month until August 2025.²

Enter to Win

See Official Rules for sweepstakes eligibility and entry requirements, entry deadlines and drawing dates, details including odds, list of eligible colleges and universities, prize descriptions and an alternate method of entry.²

Next steps

See if you're pre-approved

Check Now

View all Discover credit cards

See rates, rewards and other info

Learn More