If you were just approved for a new credit card, you’re likely anxious to start using it and wondering how long it takes to get a credit card. You usually have to wait at least five business days and up to two calendar weeks to receive your card. You may have to wait even longer if you applied through the mail or by phone.
For those who want to speed up the process, there are a few strategies to get your credit card sooner. Read on for tips on expediting the process and best practices for using your new card when you get it.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card Approval?
Usually, many creditors have an instant approval process if you apply for a credit card online. If you meet their approval criteria, you may qualify right away. However, if your requirements are on the border, the creditor may have someone review your application by hand, which can take a week or so to complete. This is also the case if you submit your application over the phone or through the mail.
Additionally, even if you meet the requirements, approval could take longer due to security protections. If your credit is frozen, for example, a creditor won’t be able to gather all of your credit information. Therefore, you’ll have to remove the freeze before moving forward with the approval process.
Recommended: How to Apply for a Credit Card
How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Card?
Once approved, it can take anywhere between five business days and two calendar weeks to receive your credit card in the mail. Some creditors may allow you to speed up the process free of charge. Others may charge a fee to do so.
If your card is lost or stolen, it may take anywhere from three to 14 business days for a new one to get sent out. Like with a new credit card, your creditor might be willing to expedite the process for free or if you pay a service fee.
Meanwhile, if your credit card is nearing its credit card expiration date, you can expect to get a replacement card anywhere from one to two months before it expires. If you haven’t received a new card and your card is about to expire, you should contact your credit issuer.
Recommended: How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?
Getting Your Credit Card Faster
If you’re not satisfied with this timeframe for how long it takes for a credit card to arrive, there are ways you can expedite the process.
Preapproval
Creditors often send preapproved credit card offers to consumers who meet their approval criteria. If you don’t receive a preapproval offer in the mail, you also can typically apply online through the creditor’s website. You’ll need to answer a few questions and provide some personal information, and then the creditor will offer preapproval if you qualify.
Credit card companies run soft credit inquiries to determine your qualification status, which will not impact your credit. Preapproval isn’t the final approval, but it still can indicate that you have a good chance of getting approved.
If you choose to move forward after preapproval, you must submit a formal application. At this point, the credit card company will do a hard inquiry, which can temporarily impact your credit.
Instant Approval
Similar to a preapproval, credit card companies offer instant approvals. With an instance approval, the creditor will run a preliminary check on your credit to see if you meet their approval requirements. If you have a higher credit score, it’s more likely you will qualify instantly.
Credit card companies usually look at your creditworthiness (your history of on-time payments, credit cards usage, etc.), your income, and whether you’re old enough to get a credit card. You’ll be instantly approved for a card if you meet the approval requirements.
Expedited Shipping
Another solution if you’re wondering how fast you can get a credit card is to request expedited shipping. While some companies offer expedited shipping free of charge, others may charge a fee to get your card faster. Again, check with the credit card company to make sure you understand their rules and guidelines around expedited shipping.
Applying for an Instant Use Card
Some credit card companies and retailers offer instant use credit cards. This means that you may apply and be able to use your credit card immediately after approval. You don’t need the credit card in hand to do so.
For example, if you apply for a retail credit card in the store, they may let you use it right there and then. Or, if you apply for an Apple card, you can typically add it to a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Wallet for instant use.
You can usually use instant credit cards for your online shopping transactions. However, some co-branded cards may have restrictions on where you can make purchases. Otherwise, these cards are similar to what a credit card is typically.
What to Do If the Card Does Not Arrive Within the Expected Timeframe
If you never received your credit card, call your credit card company right away. You may be able to go to a bank branch to resolve the issue if you applied for a credit card through your local bank.
Credit card companies may allow you to request a temporary credit card until your permanent credit card arrives.
Using Your New Credit Card
Now that you have your new credit card in hand, it’s smart to make sure you know the best practices for using it and fully understand how credit cards work. While using it irresponsibly could impact your credit score and overall financial situation, responsible credit use can help you boost your credit score and leverage perks.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your credit card:
• Make timely payments. Your payment history is one factor that credit bureaus use to determine your credit score. Making late payments may ding your credit and cost you a late payment fee. Setting up automatic payments is one of the easiest ways to ensure you make timely monthly payments and avoid penalties.
• Keep your balance low. Another factor that credit bureaus use to calculate your credit score is your credit utilization ratio. This is the percentage of your credit available you’re using at any given time. Aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30% to avoid any impacts to your credit score.
• Pay more than the minimum monthly payment. Only making the minimum monthly payment on your credit card may cause you to carry a balance into the next month, in which case you’ll incur interest. If you continue this cycle, it can make it hard to repay your total outstanding balance due to interest adding up. This is why it’s important to pay off your balance in full when you can.
• Only use your card when it’s within your budget. Using your credit card for purchases like gas and groceries can help you build credit (as long as you can pay it off). However, using it for large items or impulse buys may lead you to rack up a lot of debt, which could be hard to dig out of. When using your card, make sure it’s within your budget to pay off your purchases.
FAQ
How many days does it typically take to get a credit card?
It can take anywhere from five business days to two calendar weeks to receive your credit card in the mail. If you apply through the mail or over the phone, it can take longer for your card to arrive.
Can I use my credit card before it arrives?
If you get approved for an instant use card, you can usually use it immediately. However, some restrictions may apply depending on the card you choose.
What is the earliest I can get a credit card?
Some companies offer expedited shipping, which can help you get your credit card within two business days. Keep in mind that you may have to pay a fee for expedited shipping depending on the card issuer.
Why was my credit card delayed?
If you’re bordering on meeting approval requirements, such as for income or credit score, it can take longer to receive a decision on your credit card application, and thus to receive the card. It can also take longer to get your credit card if you mailed in your application as opposed to filling it out online.
1See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.
SoFi cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back rewards when redeemed to save, invest, a statement credit, or pay down eligible SoFi debt.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
The SoFi Credit Card is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
1Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on purchases. No points will be earned with respect to reversed transactions, returned purchases, or other similar transactions. When you elect to redeem rewards points as cash deposited into your SoFi Checking and Savings account, as a statement credit to a SoFi Credit Card account, as fractional shares into your SoFi Invest account, or as a payment toward your SoFi Personal Loan or Student Loan Refinance, your rewards points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per point. For more details please visit the Rewards page. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A.
Photo credit: iStock/everydayplus
SOCC0322008
