How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?
4 Min Read | Published: March 28, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
See how soon can you get a new credit card, including application and delivery. Find tips to help speed up the process to get a new credit card sooner.
At-A-Glance
- Some card issuers may approve your credit card application within minutes unless it’s denied or moved to a pending status.
- It can take seven to ten business days to receive your new credit card via mail.
- You may be able to get a credit card faster by requesting expedited shipping or using an Instant Card Number until your physical card arrives.
If you’re approved for a credit card, how long are you going to have to wait to receive your new card? And how can you use your card for expenses that are coming up in the next few days? In this article, we’ll help you understand how long it takes to get a credit card and ways to expedite the process if needed.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for a New Credit Card?
The approval process for a credit card can vary by the card issuer, but if you apply online, you may receive a decision within a few minutes. However, if your application moves to a “pending” status, it may take the card issuer several days to review your information and make a decision. This shift to “pending” status may happen if there’s something unusual on your credit report or if the company can’t verify your identity based on the information provided.
You may be able to improve your chances for approval by checking your credit score to ensure it meets the card issuer’s criteria.
Did you know?
You can apply for a U.S. American Express Personal Card and know if you’re approved with no impact to your credit score.
A hard credit check only occurs after you’ve accepted the Card, not during the application process itself. If you choose to accept the Card, the information we provide to the credit bureau(s) may impact your credit score.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a New Credit Card?
It can take seven to ten business days to receive your new credit card in the mail after approval.1 A card may take more or less time to get to you based on your location, the card issuer, and if you’ve requested a specialty card design, an offering with some card issuers.
How to Get a Credit Card Faster
If you need to expedite delivery of your credit card, there are a few options to consider, including:
- Request Expedited Shipping
Some card issuers may offer faster shipping for a price. If you don’t see expedited shipping when you apply for the card online, contact the card issuer directly to ask about expedited shipping options. - Get an Instant Credit Card
Some card issuers may be able to provide an instant approval credit card with an Instant Card Number that allows you to begin making purchases the same day you’re approved. If you’re eligible for an Instant Card Number, you can use the card number to make purchases online or add it to your digital wallet to use digital payment services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some card issuers offer an instant credit card number that you can use the same day you’re approved for a card if you’re eligible.
The only way to get a credit card in one day is by accessing an instant credit card number. If eligible, your card issuer can share a virtual card number, which can be used for online purchases or set up for use in a virtual wallet.
The Takeaway
The time it takes to get a credit card varies depending on several factors, but many cards arrive within two weeks. If you need to expedite receiving your card for emergency purchases, consider using an Instant Card Number or contacting the card issuer to request expedited shipping if it’s available.
Brooke Joly is a writer on a mission to unravel the mysteries of personal finance and make them accessible to the everyday reader. When she’s not behind the keyboard, you can find her enjoying the outdoors in Charleston, SC.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
Related Articles
How to Apply for Instant Approval Credit Cards
With an instant card number, you could start using your card instantly after approval. See how instant approval credit cards work.
How to Get a Credit Card
Looking to apply for a credit card? See how to get a credit card and factors to consider before applying for a credit card to make an informed decision.
How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time
Start your financial journey! Learn how to get a credit card for the first time with our guide featuring great credit cards for beginners and helpful tips.
The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
