How long does it take to get a credit card?
Written byEmily Tye
Updated:May 21, 2026
4 min read
How long it takes to get a credit card varies by lender but ultimately depends on two things: how quickly the lender reaches a decision, and whether you need a physical card or can use it digitally. Digital access can be granted within minutes. A physical card sent by post can take anywhere from a few days to up to two weeks to arrive.
The two stages of getting a credit card
The total time it takes to get a credit card breaks down into two separate waits:
The first is the decision: how quickly the lender assesses your application and tells you the outcome.
The second is getting access to your card: how long it takes for the physical card to travel to your letterbox after approval, or how long it takes to get access to your card virtually (if available).
How long does a credit card application decision take?
Decision times vary between lenders. Some offer a quick online decision within minutes (read more about instant-decision credit cards). Others take longer, particularly if your application needs a manual review, which can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a few working days, depending on the provider.
Manual reviews happen when something in your application needs a person to look at it rather than an automated system.
What usually triggers a manual review:
You're not registered on the electoral roll at your current address. The electoral register is one of the primary sources UK credit reference agencies use to verify your identity and address automatically, as confirmed by Experian. If your name and address aren't on it, lenders often need to carry out the check manually instead.
Your stated income needs additional verification.
You've recently moved and your new address hasn't yet updated on your credit file.
There's a discrepancy between the details in your application and what's on your credit report.
How long does a credit card take to arrive in the post?
Once your application is approved, the card is dispatched by post. Delivery typically takes up to 7 working days, though some providers can take up to 2 weeks.
How your PIN reaches you depends on the provider. With some traditional lenders, your PIN arrives in a separate envelope, sent a few days after the card. The two are dispatched independently for security reasons, so your card and PIN can't be intercepted together.
With app-based providers, the process is different: you can set your own PIN during the application itself, and can view or change it in the app at any time, with no postal PIN letter at all.
If your card hasn't arrived during the provider’s specified timeframe, check in with the provider directly. They can check whether it was dispatched and, if needed, cancel the original and arrange a replacement. With some providers, you’ll be able to manage this process online or via an app.
Can I use a credit card before it arrives?
Some providers let you access your card digitally the same day your application is approved, if you’re eligible to do so. Where this is available, you can typically view your card number, expiry date and CVV in the banking app and add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay, so you can start spending before the physical card arrives.
If instant access matters to you, it's worth checking whether a provider offers virtual credit cards before you apply, rather than assuming it's included as standard.
How can I speed up getting a credit card?
Register on the electoral roll
This is one of the most effective steps you can take before applying. UK credit reference agencies use the electoral register as one of the main ways to automatically verify your name and address. You can register to vote on GOV.UK in around 5 minutes.
Use a soft search eligibility checker first
Running a credit card eligibility check before you apply uses a soft search, which has no impact on your credit score. It shows you how likely you are to be accepted before you commit to a full application. Going straight to a full application without checking first means risking a hard search and a potential decline.
Have your documents ready
If the lender asks for proof of income or ID, having payslips, bank statements or a passport to hand means your application isn't held up waiting on you.
FAQs
There are a range of financial products available that may suit your needs. We encourage you to research your options carefully and consider seeking independent financial advice before making any decisions. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
