How to Get a Credit Card

Getting a credit card means finding one that matches your financial situation, meeting the issuer's requirements, and completing an process. Most people can get a credit card through a bank, credit union, or online lender — the process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes online, and you'll know within seconds to a few days whether you're approved.

The card you can get depends on your credit history. If you have no credit or poor credit, you may need a secured credit card (where you deposit cash as collateral) or a card designed for building credit. If you have fair to good credit, you have access to standard cards with rewards or low interest rates. The better your credit score, the better the terms you'll receive.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore for a credit card online, by phone, or in person at a bank or credit union branch, and most online applications take fewer than 10 minutes.
  • Your credit score, income, and credit history determine which cards you can get and what interest rate and credit limit the issuer will offer.
  • Secured credit cards require a cash deposit but are available to people with no credit or poor credit history.
  • After approval, you'll receive your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though some issuers offer when ready digital card numbers you can use when ready.
  • Activating your card and setting up online account access takes a few minutes and is required before you can make purchases.

Check Your Credit Score and History Before You explore

Your credit score is a three-digit number (typically 300 to 850) that tells issuers how likely you are to repay borrowed money. You can check your score for free through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site for the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can also check your score through many banks, credit card issuers, and free services like Credit Karma or NerdWallet.

Before explore, review your credit report for errors — incorrect accounts, wrong payment history, or accounts that don't belong to you. If you find an error, contact the bureau that reported it and file a dispute. Fixing errors can raise your score before you explore. If your score is below 580, you'll likely need a secured card. Scores between 580 and 669 may have access to for cards designed to build credit. Scores of 670 and above open access to standard cards with better terms.

If you have no credit history at all — you've never had a loan, credit card, or payment account reported to the bureaus — you can still get a credit card, but you may start with a secured card or a card for first-time borrowers.

Decide Between Secured and Unsecured Cards

A secured credit card requires you to deposit money into a savings account held by the issuer. That deposit becomes your credit limit — if you deposit $500, your limit is $500. You use the card like any other card, making purchases and paying a monthly bill. The deposit stays in the account as collateral; the issuer keeps it if you don't pay your bill. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, many issuers convert your account to a standard unsecured card and return your deposit.

An unsecured credit card requires no deposit. The issuer extends credit based on your credit score, income, and history. Most people with fair credit or better can get an unsecured card. If you have no credit or poor credit, an unsecured card designed for building credit may be available — these cards typically have lower limits and higher interest rates than cards for people with good credit, but they don't require a deposit.

Choose a secured card if your credit score is very low or you have no credit history. Choose an unsecured card if your score is 580 or higher and you want to avoid tying up cash as a deposit.

Gather the Information You'll Need to explore

Credit card issuers ask for the same basic information on every process. Have these items ready before you start:

  • Your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number
  • Your current address and phone number
  • Your annual income (from employment, self-employment, investments, or other sources)
  • Your employment status and employer name (if employed)
  • Information about any existing credit accounts (optional on most applications, but helpful if you have them)

You don't need to provide tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements for a standard process — the issuer will verify your information through the credit bureaus and may contact your employer. If you're self-employed or have variable income, use your best estimate of annual income. If the issuer needs more information, they'll contact you before making a decision.

Complete Your process Online, by Phone, or In Person

Most credit card applications happen online. Go to the issuer's website, find the card you want, and click "explore Now." You'll answer questions about your identity, income, and current accounts. The form typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. At the end, you'll see one of three outcomes: when ready approval, a message that you'll hear back in a few days, or an when ready denial.

If you prefer to explore by phone, call the number on the issuer's website. A representative will ask the same questions and can answer questions about the card's terms. If you bank with a credit union or local bank, you can also explore in person at a branch — a representative can walk you through the process and answer questions on the spot.

After you submit your process, the issuer performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry appears on your credit report and may lower your score by a few points for a few months. Multiple applications within a short time (a few weeks) count as separate inquiries and can add up, so explore for only the cards you actually want.

Understand What Happens After Approval

If you're approved, the issuer will tell you your credit limit and annual percentage rate (APR) — the interest rate you'll pay if you carry a balance. Some issuers offer a temporary card number you can use when ready for online purchases while you wait for your physical card. Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Once your card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. set up is straightforward: call the number on the back of the card or go to the issuer's website and follow the prompts. You'll confirm your identity and set up online account access. After set up, you can make purchases when ready.

If you're denied, the issuer must send you a letter explaining why — usually because of a low credit score, insufficient income, or negative information on your credit report. You can request a copy of the credit report the issuer used and dispute any errors. Many issuers allow you to reapply after 30 to 90 days, especially if you've improved your credit score or income in the meantime.

Set Up Your Account and Make Your First Purchase

After set up, log into your online account through the issuer's website or mobile app. Set up automatic payments if you want to pay your bill without thinking about it each month. You can choose to pay the full balance, a minimum amount, or a fixed amount each month. Paying the full balance by the due date means you won't pay any interest.

Make your first purchase within the first month or two. Use the card for a small, routine purchase — gas, groceries, or a subscription you already pay for. Pay the bill on time. This activity shows the credit bureaus that you're using the card responsibly, which helps build your credit score over time.

Keep your credit utilization low — use no more than 30% of your available credit limit each month. If your limit is $500, keep your monthly balance below $150. This ratio is one of the biggest factors in your credit score, and keeping it low signals that you're not overextended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?

Most online applications give you an when ready decision — approved, denied, or pending. If it's pending, you'll usually hear back within 1 to 3 business days. Phone and in-person applications may take slightly longer because the representative may need to verify information with your employer or bank.

Can I get a credit card if I have no credit history?

Yes. A secured credit card is the most straightforward option — you deposit cash, get a card with that amount as your limit, and build credit by using it responsibly. Some issuers also offer unsecured cards for first-time borrowers, though these usually have lower limits and higher interest rates than cards for people with established credit.

What's the difference between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry?

A hard inquiry happens when you explore for credit and the issuer checks your credit report. It appears on your report and may lower your score slightly. A soft inquiry happens when you check your own credit or when a company checks your credit to send you a pre-approved offer. Soft inquiries don't affect your score and don't appear to other lenders.

Do I have to use my credit card right away?

No, but using it within the first month or two and paying on time helps build your credit score faster. If you don't use it at all, the issuer may close the account after a period of inactivity (usually 6 to 12 months), which could hurt your credit score.

What should I do if my process is denied?

Request a copy of the credit report the issuer used and check it for errors. If you find mistakes, dispute them with the credit bureau. If your score is low, wait 30 to 90 days, work on improving your score or income, and reapply. In the meantime, consider a secured card as an alternative way to build credit.