How long does it take to get a credit card?
Applying for a credit card online can take just a few minutes. But you’ll still need to wait around seven to 10 days to receive your card in the post.
Here’s what can affect waiting times, and how you can speed up the process to ensure your credit card gets to you as quickly as possible.
Applying for a credit card online can take just a few minutes. But you’ll still need to wait around seven to 10 days to receive your card in the post.
Here’s what can affect waiting times, and how you can speed up the process to ensure your credit card gets to you as quickly as possible.
How long does it take to get a credit card in the UK?
There’s no hard and fast rule on how long it takes to get a credit card. From the time you apply, to holding your new card in your hand, depends on:
- How you apply – online, by phone or by post
- How long it takes to get approval
- How long it takes the credit card provider to send out your new card.
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You may have seen ‘instant decision credit cards’ advertised online. This means you should find out if your credit card application has been approved or rejected within minutes.
But getting your application approved and receiving your card in the post are two separate things. Even if you’re instantly approved, it can still take up to two weeks to get your credit card.
In summary:
- Applying online is the quickest way to get a credit card
- Expect to wait around seven to 10 business days to get your card in the post
- The time it will take to get your credit card can vary among providers.
How long does it take to apply for a credit card?
The time it takes to apply for a credit card depends on how you apply. There are three ways to apply for a credit card:
- Online – this is the quickest and simplest way to apply for a credit card. In some cases, you could get a decision in minutes.
- Over the phone – this can be more time-consuming than applying online. But as long as you have all the required information to hand, it should be straightforward.
- By post – this can take a lot longer. You’ll need to fill in the application form, then mail it to the provider. It could take a few weeks to process your application.
If you’re looking to get a credit card as quickly as possible, applying online is the quickest way. It also means you can track the progress of your application.
How long does it take to get approved for a credit card online?
The time it takes to get approved for a credit card online varies among providers. Most providers now offer an instant decision if you apply online.
If your credit score is high enough, you could get instant credit card approval, which may only take a few minutes.
But in some cases, you may need to wait longer to find out if your application has been approved. If the information you’ve provided requires further checks, it could hold up the process.
Before making a decision on your application, the card provider may want to:
- Take a closer look at your credit file
- Confirm your identity
- Check fraud databases.
This could delay the approval process by up to two weeks.
What information do I need to apply for a credit card?
To ensure the application process runs as smoothly and quickly as possible, it’s important to have the right information to hand.
To apply for a credit card, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Your personal details – including confirmation that you’re 18 years old or over
- Proof of ID – such as your passport or driving licence
- Current UK address – as well as your address history for the past three years
- Annual income – you may need to earn over a certain amount to be approved for some credit cards
- Employment details – lenders tend to consider those with a fixed regular income less of a risk.
Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.
How long does it take to receive a credit card in the post?
Once your application is approved, your new credit card should arrive in the post within two weeks.
The timeframe can vary among providers, but most say you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 business days.
Is it possible to get my credit card sooner?
It may be possible to get your credit card sooner. Some credit card providers offer express delivery. Just be aware that you may be charged an extra fee for this.
Check the FAQs on the provider’s website to see if they offer an express delivery service and if there’s an additional charge.
How can I speed up the process?
If you need your new credit card in a hurry, here are our tips to help you speed up the process:
- Check your eligibility – use our credit card eligibility checker to see which cards you’re most likely to be accepted for, without impacting your credit score. This will save you the time and hassle of applying for cards you might not qualify for.
- Build your credit score – take steps to build your credit score before applying for a credit card. Improving your credit rating will increase your chances of getting instant approval.
- Check your credit file – regularly checking your credit file will ensure there are no errors that could lower your credit score. You can check your credit report for free with any one of the three UK credit reference agencies.
- Apply online – this is the fastest way to get a credit card.
How soon can I start using my credit card?
You can start using your new credit card as soon as you receive the card and the four-digit PIN number.
The card and the PIN will arrive separately in the post. Your card should arrive first, then the PIN a couple of days later.
You’ll need to activate your card before you can start using it. You can do this online, by phone or at an ATM machine. Once activated, you can use your card for contactless payments or with the PIN, wherever it’s accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What is an instant-use credit card?
An instant-use credit card is a virtual version of a physical credit card. You can use a virtual card straight away to make online payments and to link to payment services like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Instant-use, virtual credit cards aren’t available in the UK. Some app-based banks offer virtual cards, but these are debit cards rather than credit cards.
Can I get a credit card on the same day?
It’s possible to get approval for a credit card on the same day. But you’ll have to wait for your card and PIN to arrive in the post.
If I’m declined a credit card, will it slow down future applications?
Having your credit card application declined won’t necessarily slow down future applications. But making multiple applications for credit over a short period of time could damage your credit score. This can make it harder to get credit in the future.
The best way to avoid having your application refused is to use our eligibility checker. You’ll be able to see which cards you’re most likely to be accepted for before you apply. Using the eligibility checker won’t impact your credit score in any way.