How to Apply for a Credit Card

The fastest way to get a credit card is to apply online since your application could get approved instantly. You may receive a card number that can be used online right away once your application is approved, and you can request expedited shipping to get your actual card as soon as possible.

Ways to Get a Credit Card Fast:

Apply online

This is the fastest way to get your application to the issuer.

Apply for cards below your range

You're more likely to be instantly approved for cards that you're overqualified for (e.g. apply for fair credit cards if you have good credit). You could even put a deposit on a secured credit card, which has the highest odds of approval of any card type.

Check for pre-approval

Some issuers let you check online to see whether you're pre-approved for any of their cards. This means they'll tell you whether you're a good candidate to apply based on a harmless soft check of your credit. If you're pre-approved, you'll have around a 90% chance of success when you actually apply for an account.

Look for instant use cards 

Certain issuers provide your credit card number (or a temporary one) to use right after you're approved, instead of making you wait 7-10 business days until your card arrives in the mail. Some store credit cards also allow you to apply and use your card the same day. And if you get approved for a Capital One card and you are an existing cardholder, you may be able to download their app and see the number, expiration date and security code right away. 

Request expedited shipping

Most credit card issuers will give you an option for faster shipping, usually in exchange for a fee ranging from $6 to $25. You may even get it for free, depending on the issuer. This will allow you to get your hands on the card sooner than the normal 7-10 business days.

Call the issuer

If you don't get approved right away and your application is pending, you can try following up with the issuer. Calling them might get your application looked at a little sooner than if you just waited. It might not, but it's worth a try.

Regardless of whether you go for an account that gives you an instant number, your card should arrive within 7-10 business days of approval. If it doesn't get to you within that time frame, you should definitely give customer service a call to check its status.

Getting the right credit card doesn't have to be a struggle or a guessing game. Sure, shopping for plastic might seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. There are hundreds of offers with similar-sounding names to choose from. There's lots of terminology to learn. And who has either the time or the eyesight to pour through all the fine print?

But finding and ultimately getting approved for the best possible credit card is fairly easy when you know where to look. For starters, you can use WalletHub's anonymous CardAdvisor tool to get a recommendation based on your answers to a few simple questions. You can get more-personalized picks by signing up for a free WalletHub account. Or you can simply head straight for the top card in your category of choice, as selected by WalletHub's editors from 1,000+ offers (some offers are from our partners).

Here are the credit cards you should get:

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Below we have taken an exact copy of the terms and conditions of a 'Chase Credit Card' and included help question marks across the page to help you quickly interpret all the fine print included in credit card offers.

Even though the exact terms and conditions vary between credit card companies, the way they are explained is generally consistent.

Pricing & Terms

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It takes 7-10 business days to get a credit card after 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 2024's Best Credit Cards

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Yes, you can request credit card applications by mail. Some issuers will mail you credit card applications, but applying by mail is the worst option simply because it takes the longest. Instead of the issuer receiving your application immediately, you have to wait for it to physically travel to them. The quickest and one of the most convenient ways to apply is online. If you prefer submitting a physical application, visiting your nearest branch and...

Yes, you can get a credit card even if you don't have credit. There are many credit cards designed specifically for people who have no credit history, including both secured credit cards and unsecured cards for no credit.

While you don't need credit to get a credit card, you will need some sort of an income, as well as a bank account in most cases. In addition, you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security...

The most common credit card mistakes include not choosing the right card, missing a payment and even applying for too many credit cards. Credit cards can be tricky and it's common for people to make these mistakes when using them. The key is to learn from these mistakes and to avoid making them again. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of the most common credit card mistakes to help you learn from the missteps of others. So read up and find your way to sturdier financial footing.

Types of Credit Card Mistakes

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You can generally apply for a student credit card online or at a branch. In some cases, you can also apply over the phone, depending on the card. To be eligible for approval, applicants must be at least 18 years old, earn enough income to afford monthly bill payments, and have limited credit or better (just not bad credit).

To fill out a student credit card application, you will need to provide your annual income, your...

To apply for a credit card, you will need a Social Security number (in most cases), a physical U.S. address, and a source of income. Applicants under 21 years old need proof of enough independent income to make monthly payments on the account, considering other obligations such as their monthly rent/mortgage payment. Older applicants may provide shared household income if it's reasonably accessible to them. Some issuers may accept an ITIN or a passport instead of...

To apply for a credit card with no credit, begin by comparing starter credit card offers for people with limited or no credit history to find the least expensive, most rewarding option. Then, navigate to the card's online application page, provide the necessary personal and financial information, and submit the application. It takes minutes to apply, and once you submit your application, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks to...