How long does it take to get a credit card?

While most banks can provide a near-instant preliminary decision, a final decision on approval can take up to a week or longer. Once approved, it can take 4-10 business days for the card to arrive in the post.

How long it takes for your new credit card to arrive in the post depends on the documentation required by the banks and their various approval processes.

How to speed up credit card approval

Want a faster credit card approval? Here's a fe tips to speed things along.

• Apply for what you are eligible for. Tick all the eligibility boxes. For example, if you don't earn enough or have missed a payment, do not apply. If your credit score is poor, work on that before applying.
• Gather your docs. This includes info about your job, earnings, assets, debts, and everyday expenses. Do not lie on your application.
• Avoid multiple credit enquiries. Every application for credit will be noted on your credit report. If you apply for several credit products in short order, it can be seen as problematic and result in more scrutiny.

What happens after I have applied for a credit card?

Once you have applied for a credit card, the credit card issuer will evaluate your credit score and current financial standing. Based on these two factors, the credit card issuer will decide whether you are eligible for the credit card.

Once your eligibility has been verified by the card issuer, they will allocate a credit limit based on your credit score and finances.

You could gain conditional acceptance for the card within 60 seconds of filing an online application if you meet all of the main application conditions.

If you don't, you might get a call or an email from the credit card company asking for more information or documentation.

You may have to upload supporting documentation to complete the application process.

You will get your card sooner if you upload the documents as early as possible. You would need to upload the following:

• A copy of your passport or driver licence
• Payslips from the past few months
• Bank statements from the previous few months
• Your most recent tax assessment notice or PAYG summary
• A letter from your employer confirming your employment

Credit cards with instant approval

Instant credit card approval streamlines the credit application process for those who want their credit cards quickly. When you apply for a credit card online, the credit issuer performs a preliminary credit check and sends an automated response within a few minutes.

This saves plenty of time in the process because once you have been conditionally accepted, you can proceed almost immediately by uploading your supporting documents.

Generally, instant credit cards are only for those with high credit scores since that is the deciding factor for conditional approval. If your credit score isn’t high enough, you need to improve it for instant approval.

Otherwise, you can also go the general route of applying for a credit card. Only certain banks offer instant credit cards.

Virtual credit cards with immediate access after approval

Several banks now offer virtual credit cards that are available immediately after your application has been approved. This is how it works.

• After applying, the bank decides whether or not to approve your application.
• Immediately after approval, a virtual card is made available in the bank's app or online banking.
• You can add the card to your phone's digital wallet, e.g. Apple Pay or Google Pay, and start using it.
• The physical card — if there is one — will arrive several days later.

You can compare credit cards with immediate access here.

FAQs

How long does it take to fill out a credit card application form?

Assuming you have gathered all your documents before starting, it should take 10 - 15 minutes to complete a credit card application form online.

What is a conditionally approved credit card application?

The credit issuer doesn’t entirely approve conditionally approved credit card applications. Once you send in your credit application, you receive a response within 60 seconds confirming whether or not you qualify for a credit card.

This system is used to filter applicants before moving on to the next step of requesting supporting documents. They will look at your employment status, bank accounts, and your current debts.

Providing all your documentation meets the criteria set out by the credit issuer, you will receive full approval for your credit card application and your card will be mailed to you.

Can you use a credit card number without a physical card?

You can use a credit card number without the card, especially for electronic payments. However, you will also need to add other card details, such as the cardholder’s name, expiry date, and the card verification value (CVV) number.

If you go to the store and forget your credit card, you might be able to use your credit card number and a form of identification. However, this is not advised because you should avoid giving anyone your credit card information. In this instance, it is best to use your physical card.

Are credit cards valid if they are not signed?

Most credit card companies, such as Visa, consider unsigned credit cards as invalid. Signing your credit card is a necessary security precaution if your card is stolen.

Traders need to check that your signature matches the signature on the till slip. Merchants aren’t required to process a payment with an unsigned card. Therefore, it is best to sign your credit card.