We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
The time it takes for you to apply and get a new credit card depends on lots of different factors, but most banks and providers have guidelines so you know what to expect. We have put a table together to show you how long it usually takes with different credit card providers in Australia, including ANZ, CommBank, NAB, Westpac and St.George.
Compare the approximate application length and standard waiting period for new credit cards by provider to find out how long you may have to wait to get your next credit card.
| Provider | Application length | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | 10 minutes | 5-10 working days |
| ANZ | 5 minutes | Within 5 business days |
| Bank Australia (bankmecu) | 10-15 minutes | 7-10 business days |
| Bank of Melbourne | 10 - 20 minutes | 5-7 business days |
| Bank of Queensland | 20 minutes | 7-10 working days |
| Bankwest | 15 minutes | Within 10 working days |
| Citi | 10 minutes | 7-10 working days |
| Commonwealth Bank | 15-20 minutes | Within 10 working days |
| Diners Club | 10 minutes | 5-10 working days |
| Latitude Financial Services | 10 minutes | 5-10 working days |
| HSBC | 10 minutes | 7 working days |
| MoneyMe | Minutes | Instant (virtual card) |
| NAB | 15 minutes | Within 5 business days |
| St.George | 10-15 minutes | Around 5-7 business days |
| Suncorp | 10 minutes | 5-7 business days |
| Virgin Money | 10 minutes | Within 10 working days |
| Westpac | 10 minutes | Within 7 business days |
After you submit your credit card application, the credit card issuer will assess your credit history and current finances in order to determine whether or not you are eligible for the card. They also use this process to determine how much credit they will offer you (in the form of your credit limit).
Providing you meet all the key application criteria, you could get conditional approval for the card within 60 seconds of submitting an online application. If not, you may get a follow up call or email from the credit card issuer asking for further information.
Providing supporting documentation
When you're conditionally approved for a credit card, the issuer may also ask you to submit supporting documents to complete the application process. The sooner you provide this information, the faster you'll get your card. The documents you'll need may vary between providers, but generally include some or all of the following:
After completing the whole application process, your credit card will usually come in the mail within the timeframe outlined by your provider. In some circumstances you may also be asked to go to your nearest branch to pick it up for security reasons.
Your new credit card issuer will also put together a "welcome pack" for you containing valuable information about the bank, the credit card and its terms and conditions of use. The welcome pack will either arrive before the card or come with it. Make sure you read through the provided information thoroughly before you start using your new credit card.
Depending on the issuer, you may be able to activate your new credit card online, over the phone or in person. Information about card activation will also be included in your welcome pack and usually takes just a few minutes to complete.
The signature panel on your new credit card gives you the legal authority to use it and protects you against unauthorised transactions if it’s lost, stolen or compromised. So make sure you sign it when you first activate the card.
While it is exciting to be approved for a new credit card, there are a few more steps you need to know about before you can start using it. Being prepared for this process means you can tick all the boxes along the way and start using your credit card as soon as possible.
Waiting for a new card to arrive can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are some banks that will provide digital versions of the card straight away. If you have Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay on your phone, you may be able to add a virtual card and tap away as normal.
For example, if you're waiting for a replacement of an existing card, Bankwest will automatically update your card details as soon as it has been issued, so you can use it before the physical card arrives.
For many banks however, you will need to wait until your replacement card has arrived and has been activated before the details are updated.
If you're applying for a new credit card, you might want to consider a virtual card. There is no physical card to worry about; instead, your card details are stored online or on an app.
Once your application for credit has been approved you are normally able to access your virtual card details straight away.
The applications themselves are also normally fast, with lenders boasting that you can apply "within minutes", with some taking up to around 15 minutes. Make sure you have all your details to hand so you can keep the process as simple as possible and to avoid any delays.
Many virtual credit card providers say they will respond moments after your application, but it can depend on the applicant's financial circumstances.
Pictures: Shutterstock
Finder’s Future of Credit Cards report explores the trends shaping credit cards and digital payments, including the rise of BNPL.
If you are overcharged by a taxi in Australia, chasing a refund is hard work. Here's why the industry needs to change if it is to survive.
With a 300,000 bonus Membership Rewards points offer, lounge access and management tools, is this Amex account right for your company?
This Amex charge card offers a mix of management tools and perks for big companies – including a 50,000 bonus Membership Rewards offer.
Designed for big companies, this Amex charge card offers a mix of management tools and perks – including a 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards points offer.
With a 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards offer and complimentary Qantas Business Rewards membership, is this the right card for your business?
Compare the features of the Bank of Melbourne Vertigo including a 0% promotional offer on purchases and a first-year annual fee waiver.
Offers no annual fee in the first year and 0% introductory rate on purchases for the first 18 months.
This BankSA credit card offers 0% introductory interest rates for purchases, plus a $0 first-year annual fee. Is it right for you?
Virtual credit cards are finally here, with options for everyday use and business spending – so how do they work and how secure are they?
How come there is no Bendigo Bank time frame outlined here?
Hello Josh,
Thank you for pointing that out. :)
Bendigo application usually takes 10 minutes and waiting period is 5-10 business days. You can refer to our page about Bendigo Bank credit cards for more details and compare your options.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Correction: After online approval, ANZ takes 5 business days just to get your application to their own assessment team.
They take another 2-3 business days to make a decision on it. Then if it’s approved, it takes another 5 business days to get the card to you, and they don’t even guarantee that. So it’s actually more like 3 weeks, not 5 working days.
They told me this on the phone today. The way they have it written on the website is misleading.
Hi Maree,
Thanks for your comment and honest feedback.
As confirmed by ANZ, for credit card online application, you would usually receive a response in 60 seconds, with an online application reference number. Once you’re approved, you will receive your card and welcome kit within five business days. If you have not received any, please contact ANZ directly to inquire about the status of your application.
I hope this information has helped you in any way.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Hi How do I find out if my card has been delivered to branch without actually going in as its quite a drive
Hi Lewis,
Thanks for your question.
You may ring the bank to check whether your card is already available. Usually, if you’re applying for a credit card, once you’re approved, you need not go to the branch to pick it up. The bank will send the card right to your indicated address instead.
Cheers,
May
What does it mean when your application has been finalize
Hi Sam,
Thank you for your question.
For credit card applications, after you have submitted the pertinent documents to the bank and they have already reviewed them, usually, if they consider your application, they will finalise your application approval and you will soon receive your credit card.
Cheers,
May
I applied for a debit card with ANZ on the 7/16/2016 and received an email saying that my debit card should arrive within 5 business days. But it has been almost three weeks since i received anything from the bank, I check my mail and email everyday and still nothing. Any advice?
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comment.
Just to confirm, you have applied for an ANZ Debit Visa card? If so, usually, when you’re approved, the account will be active within 2 days and the card will be delivered to your home address.
As for the ANZ credit card, usually, you would receive a response in 60 seconds, with an online application reference number. Once you’re approved, you will usually receive your card and welcome kit within five business days. If you have not received any but you’re sure you were approved, please contact ANZ directly to enquire.
Cheers,
May