How long does it take to get a credit card?

After taking time to compare credit card offers and applying for one that suits your needs, it’s exciting to find out your application was approved. Here, we explain when you can expect to receive your card and what happens after your application is approved. You can also find out what you'll need to do when you get your new card, compare credit cards with 60-second approval and get answers to frequently asked questions so that you can be as prepared as possible when it finally arrives.

When will I get my new credit card?

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.

What happens after I've applied for a credit card?

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:

• A copy of your driver’s licence or passport
• Recent payslips
• Recent bank statements
• Your most recent Tax Assessment Notice or PAYG summary
• A letter from your employer or accountant verifying your employment and/or financial details

What do I need to do when I get my credit card?

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.

How do I activate my 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.

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.

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Compare credit cards with 60-second approval

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Name	Product	Purchase rate	Balance transfer rate	Annual fee
American Express Velocity Platinum Card		20.74% p.a.		$375	Get 50,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 for the first 3 months. Plus, 100 Status Credits and luxury travel perks.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
St.George Vertigo Classic		0% for 7 months, reverts to 13.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 22 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee	$0 annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter)	Get 0% p.a. promotional purchase and balance transfer rates and save with a first-year annual fee waiver.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
St.George Amplify Platinum		0% for 7 months, reverts to 19.74% p.a.	0% p.a. for 22 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee	$0 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)	Save with 0% p.a. interest rates on purchases and balance transfers. Plus a $0 first-year annual fee.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card		20.49% p.a.	0% p.a. for 18 months with 1% balance transfer fee	$99 annual fee for the first year ($150 p.a. thereafter)	Earn 80,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days. Plus, a first-year annual fee discount and a long-term balance transfer offer.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Coles Rewards Mastercard - Exclusive Offer		19.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 18 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee	$0 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)	Finder Exclusive. Ends 29 October 2020 Save with $100 off a Coles Supermarket shop and a $0 first-year annual fee. Plus, 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months (1.5% fee applies).	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NAB Low Rate Credit Card		12.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 20 months with 2% balance transfer fee	$59	Get a 0% p.a. interest rate for 20 months on balance transfers, Visa Offers + Perks and a competitive $59 ongoing annual fee.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BankSA Vertigo		0% for 7 months, reverts to 13.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 22 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee	$0 annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter)	Enjoy a 0% p.a. for up to 22 months on balance transfers and up to 7 months on purchases. Plus, $0 first-year annual fee.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BankSA Amplify Platinum - Qantas		19.74% p.a.	0% p.a. for 15 months with 1% balance transfer fee	$99	Receive 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $1,500 each month for the first 3 months. Plus a 0% balance transfer offer.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Coles Low Rate Mastercard - Exclusive Offer		12.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 6 months	$58	Finder Exclusive. Ends 29 October 2020 Receive $100 off a Coles Supermarket shop when you make an eligible purchase within the first 30 days. Plus, a 0% balance transfer offer.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
St.George No Annual Fee		20.74% p.a.	0% p.a. for 12 months with 1% balance transfer fee	$0	Receive up to 55 days interest-free on purchases, a low minimum credit limit of $500 and a long-term balance transfer offer.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BankSA No Annual Fee		20.74% p.a.	0% p.a. for 12 months with 1% balance transfer fee	$0	Offers 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months, up to 55 days interest-free on purchases and an ongoing $0 annual fee.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
St.George Vertigo Classic Rainbow		0% for 7 months, reverts to 13.99% p.a.	0% p.a. for 22 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee	$0 annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter)	All the great low cost features of the Vertigo Visa with a rainbow design in support of the LGBT community.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
St.George Rainbow Vertigo Platinum		0% for 15 months, reverts to 12.99% p.a.	6.99% p.a. for 12 months	$49 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)	All the platinum features of the Vertigo Platinum Visa with a rainbow design in support of the LGBT community.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Frequently asked questions

• If I start to apply online for my credit card can I go back later to finish it?

  Yes, most banks do have a feature that allows you to save an application and complete it at a later date. Just check first to see how long they will store your application and make a note of any reference number you may need to provide when you want to complete the application.

• What is my credit card application number? Where can I find it?

  
  Credit card issuers usually assign you an application number when you apply for a credit card online, and will be shown on the application page. It may also be emailed to you once you have submitted your details. This number can be used to complete the application later, check your application status or upload supporting documentation.

• What kind of information will I need to provide on the application?

  
  As with any loan-based product, you will need to give details about your income and expenses along with your personal information.

• If I ordered an additional card will that need to be activated too?

  
  Yes, all cards issued will need to be activated before they can be used. This is done to verify that they were delivered to the correct person.

• Can I pick up my new credit card at the branch?

  This will depend on the bank you are getting the card through. Some prefer to mail it as a way of confirming your physical address.

• It’s been more than 10 business days and my card hasn’t arrived. What should I do?

  If you haven’t received your card in the specified time frame, call the issuer and let them know. They will be able to review your account details and provide you with information on the status of the card and when you should receive it.

• I only make purchases online with my credit card, do I still have to sign it?

  Yes, an unsigned credit card is not considered valid. Plus, you want to be protected in the event of a theft.