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 forfair credit cardsif you havegood credit). You could even put a deposit ona 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’repre-approvedfor any of their cards. This means they’ll tell you whether you’re a good candidate to apply based on a harmlesssoft checkof 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.Somestore credit cardsalso allow you to apply and use your card the same day. And if you get approved for aCapital One cardand you are an existing cardholder, you may be able to download theirapp and see the number, expiration date and security code right away.
Request expedited shipping
Most credit card issuers will give you an option forfaster 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.
This answer was first published on 01/22/18 and it was last updated on 03/08/24. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
