How long does it take to get a credit card?

When will I get my new credit card?

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

After you submit your credit card application, the credit card issuer assesses your credit history, income, debts and recent spending to determine if you can get a card and how much you can spend (your credit limit).

If you're lucky, you'll get approved within minutes. If your situation is more complicated it take hours or a couple of days.

What happens after I get approved for a credit card?

The real waiting time comes for the card itself. In Australia banks and card companies send out credit cards by post. Between 5 and 7 business days is the common delivery time, but you could wait up to 10.

The welcome pack may arrive before the card and contains information about the bank, the credit card and its terms and conditions of use.

How to activate your credit card

Depending on the issuer, you may be able to activate your credit card online, via app, over the phone or in person at a bank branch.

Information about card activation will also be included in your welcome pack and usually takes just a few minutes to complete.

Remember to sign your card

The signature panel on your credit card gives you the legal authority to use it and protects you against unauthorised transactions if it’s lost, stolen or compromised. Make sure you sign it when you first activate the card.

Add your card to your smartphone and use it immediately

Luckily, you don't have to wait 2 weeks for Australia Post to give you your card.

You can add a virtual version of most credit cards to your phone by:

• Google Pay
• Apply Pay
• Samsung Pay
• Your bank or card provider's app

It's very easy to set your card. Once you've logged into the app you can either take a photo of your card or enter the card details manually. Then you just need to confirm your identity via text.

"Before I got rejected for a credit card I knew I was in trouble. I got a text message within hours saying the it would take a few more days. Then I got rejected. When I re-applied as a joint applicant with my wife we got approved in under an hour. The cards took a week to arrive but we had them on our phones as soon as we got approved."

Richard Whitten

Senior Money Editor

Frequently asked questions

• Do credit card applications take longer for temporary visa holders?

  It won't necessarily take longer for temporary visa holders, but the lender may take longer to assess the application. This is because credit card providers must follow Australia's responsible lending requirements to ensure people can reasonably afford and manage the card. Lenders will also consider the applicant's visa details and may ask for financial information from overseas.

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

  Most banks do have a feature 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 to resume your application later.

• 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.

• 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. Additional cards typically arrive within the same time frames as the primary card, but may be sent separately.

• 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. A representative will 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 theft.

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Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
American Express Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $1,450	Earn 150,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Westpac Lite Card	Purchase rate p.a. 9.9%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $108	Save with 0% foreign transaction fees, a low interest rate on purchases and cashback offers through Westpac Extras.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
NAB Low Rate - Cashback Offer Most Loved	Purchase rate p.a. 13.49%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%	Annual fee $59	Offers $400 cashback when you spend $5,000 on everyday purchases within the first 150 days.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
ANZ Low Rate - Credit Back Offer	Purchase rate p.a. 13.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 21.99%	Annual fee $58	Get $400 back on your card when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months from approval.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Westpac Low Rate Card	Purchase rate p.a. 13.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $59	Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 24 months (with a 2% balance transfer fee). Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer	Purchase rate p.a. 13.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $59	A no-frills card offering up to $350 cashback: $50 each month you make at least $1,000 of eligible purchases for the first 7 months.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Latitude Low Rate Mastercard - Purchase Offer Latitude Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 0% for 9 months, then 13.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 6.99% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $69	Enjoy 0% p.a. on purchases for the first 9 months and 3% back in Latitude Rewards. T&Cs, annual card fee and other charges apply. Applies to general purchases only. Excludes any other offers. New customers only approved 02 September 2025.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Latitude Low Rate Mastercard - Annual Fee Offer Latitude Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 13.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 6.99% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $0 first year ($69 after)	$0 first-year annual fee when you make a purchase in the first 90 days + 3% back in Latitude Rewards when you set up recurring payments with participating services. Must be new customers approved by 02 September 2025. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
St.George Vertigo Card Finder Award	Purchase rate p.a. 13.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $55	Get a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 24 months (with a one-time 2% balance transfer fee).	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
St.George Vertigo Card - Cashback Offer	Purchase rate p.a. 13.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 6.99% for 12 months with 0% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $55	Get up to $500 cashback at eligible supermarkets and petrol stations in the first 180 days. Plus, a low interest rate for purchases.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Whitten as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Amy Bradney-George

Journalist

Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

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Amy has written 526 Finder guides across topics including:

• Credit cards
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