How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card? (2024)

It takes 7-10 business days toget a credit cardafter being approved for one, in most cases. Most people get an instant decision when they apply for a credit card online, but it can take up to two weeks to get approved after submitting a credit card application, depending on the issuer and your particular situation.

On the other hand, if you need a replacement credit card because the original was lost, stolen or damaged, it will take 3-7 business days, depending on the issuer. Most credit card companies offer free expedited shipping for replacement cards (often overnight), and a handful extend the benefit to new cards. You just have to ask. Others charge a fee for faster delivery, while some don’t offer the service at all.

See 2023's Best Credit Cards

How Long it Takes to Get a New Credit Card in The Mail

How Long It Takes to Get a Replacement Credit Card

How to Get a Credit Card Faster (and Get By in the Meantime)

There’s really no way around the timeframes quoted by credit card companies for new and replacement cards. That's why it’s important to plan for the period in which you may be card-less. Here are some tips for getting by while your card is on the way, and perhaps speeding up the process just a bit:

• Make The Request as Soon as Possible:The sooner you apply for a new card or request a replacement, the faster you’ll get it. That’s obvious. But it’s important, especially if you’re replacing a lost, stolen or damaged card. You don’t want to lose a shipping day, for one thing, and putting it off will increase the burden on your finances in the interim. You shouldn’t have to ask just because your current card is about to expire, as the issuer will likely send a replacement automatically. But it can’t hurt to ask, just to be sure.
• Apply Online: Applying online is the most dependable way to make sure you get your credit card as quickly as possible. It ensures the issuer receives your application immediately, and you could be approved instantly if you clearly meet your chosen card’s requirements.
• Ask for Branch Pick-Up:Some issuers may let you get a new or replacement card from a branch location. In the case of a replacement card, they may even issue temporary plastic until your new card comes in.
• Withdraw Cash From a Branch:You should be able to get acash advancefrom your credit card account at a branch location if you absolutely need money in the absence of a physical card. Don’t do this on a whim, though, as cash advances are very expensive. We only recommend doing them in emergency situations.
• Get a Tracking Number:This won’t make your card come any quicker, but knowing where it is while in transit will make planning easier.

Can I Use My Credit Card Before It Arrives?

Certain credit card issuers offer instant use credit cards, which allow you to make purchases with your credit card immediately after approval, before the physical card arrives by mail. You will be given the credit card’s information right after approval, including the card number, expiration date and security code. Since you don’t have the physical card yet, you can use the information only for purchases online and over the phone.

Issuers That Offer Instant Use Credit Cards

• American Express – On all credit cards
• Barclays – On certain co-branded credit cards
• Bank of America – On certain credit cards
• Capital One – For existing cardholders getting new credit cards
• Chase – On certain co-branded credit cards
• Citibank – On Costco credit cards
• Synchrony Bank – On certain store cards

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide on instant credit cards.

Finally, if you haven’t picked a card yet, you can’t go wrong with one ofWalletHub’s editors’ best credit card selections. We regularly compare 1,500+ credit card offers to identify the top cards in the most popular categories for people of all credit levels. And if you want a personalized recommendation, justsign up for a free WalletHub account. We’ll find you the best cards with high approval odds, based on an analysis of your credit history.

Was this article helpful?

WalletHub is committed to transparency and editorial independence. The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: Best Buy® Credit Card