Getting a credit card can be incredibly exciting, and incredibly liberating.
While, of course, you will want to keep credit card use under control to avoid incurring debts, having a credit card can help make purchasing all kinds of items much easier and simpler.
However, before you can start making use of a new credit card, and get spending, you first need to wait for the credit card to arrive.
The prospect of waiting for a credit card can be quite daunting, so you’ve probably found yourself wondering how long do credit cards take to arrive.
If so, you will definitely want to stick around, because today we are going to take a deep look at exactly how long credit cards take to arrive, and when you can finally get to use yours!
How Long Do Credit Cards Take To Arrive?
Most issuers of credit cards generally suggest that it will take around 7 to 10 working days for your new credit card to arrive.
However, this is not always the case and isn’t a hard and fast rule. Some people have received their new credit cards in the mail in as few as 3 days after first requesting them.
However, before your new credit card can even be sent your way, you will need to make sure that you have been approved even to receive one! But how long does that take?
How Long Do You Have To Wait To Be Approved For A Credit Card?
Luckily, applying to get access to a credit card of your own is a lot easier than it used to be.
You could get started on applying for a credit card today by heading online, making a phone call, or mailing in an application. Of course, each of these methods will take slightly different times to fulfill than others.
Applying online will have your application sent instantly to the appropriate party while mailing in your application will require that you wait for your application to reach the correct party.
Regardless of how you make your application, you will need to include information such as your social security number, your employment status, and your bank account details.
Of course, if you already have access to this information, then the application process will be much more streamlined!
If you apply online, certain credit card issuers will be able to accept your application in a matter of minutes, which is fantastic if you need access to a credit account sooner rather than later!
Credit card issuers like Capital One and American Express all offer instant approvals.
If you apply for a credit card via mail, then your application will take much longer, as your information will first need to reach the company, and then it will need to be entered into the company system before approval can be made.
This is why it is recommended to make applications either online or via the phone to receive an instant response. However, the mail-in option is great for those with limited access to the internet.
The amount of time it takes for your credit card application to be accepted can also massively depend on the type of credit card you are applying for.
If you are applying for a card that requires an exceptional credit score, then you will want to make sure to allow time for your application to be manually reviewed by a trusted party.
If you are sure that you meet the criteria for such a card, then the time investment required should be more than worth it.
What Kinds Of Things Do Issuers Of Credit Cards Consider Within Your Application?
So what kinds of things are credit card issuers taking note of when assessing your application? There are a number of things that they take a look at, so let’s take a look at them now.
Your Credit Score
This is easily the most important factor that credit card issuers will consider, as it instantly gives the issuer a sense of how well you manage your debts and your credit, which lets them know whether you can be trusted with a credit card.
Make sure that your credit score is as strong as possible to have your application approved at a faster rate!
Your Debts
If you have any debts still left to pay, and if those debts prove significant, then this may impact whether your application is accepted.
If an issuer gets the sense that your debts are not likely to be repaid anytime soon, then this could very well make them hesitant to accept your application.
Thus, you should try to keep the number of debts you incur down as much as possible, and if you do incur any debts, make an effort to repay them as soon as you can.
Delinquencies
Whenever you incur debts that are not quickly repaid, these will be marked against your account as ‘Delinquencies.’ If your delinquencies pile up too much, this will significantly impact whether your application is accepted.
Income
This is generally the last thing that is checked when applying for a credit card, as it is the least likely to pose any risk to the credit card issuer.
Credit card issuers will want to know your income level, as this will give them a sense of whether you can afford to take on credit.
To Wrap Up
Waiting for your new credit card can be quite arduous, but luckily, most credit cards should take no longer than 10 days to be approved upon requesting one, so your new card should be with you much sooner than you may expect.
In fact, some credit cards can arrive in as few as 3 days after an application has been accepted, but in general, they tend to arrive within 7 days at the earliest.
As a current Mortgage Underwriter with 15 years of experience, I have seen my fair share of money-related issues. Whether that be high levels of debt, not enough credit, or simply a lack of funds - I’ve had clients who fit into these categories.
Here I will share tips, tricks, and experiences on how you can get yourself back in control of your finances.
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