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.

How long does it take to get a credit card?

If you meet all the criteria, a credit card application can take 10 to 20 minutes from completion to approval. Some card companies give you a yes or no within 60 seconds.
It will take between 5 and 10 business days for the physical credit card to arrive in the mail.
But you can use a virtual version of the card right away on your smartphone.

When will I get my new credit card?

Search by brand

Provider	Application length	Time to get credit card once approved
American Express	10 minutes	5-7 working days
ANZ	20 minutes (approx.)	2-7 business days
Bank Australia	Not provided	5-7 business days
Bank of Melbourne	10 minutes	5-7 business days
Bank of Queensland	20 minutes	7-10 working days
Bankwest	15 minutes	Within 10 working days
Bendigo Bank	15 minutes	Within 10 working days
Commonwealth Bank	20 minutes	Within 10 working days
ING	20 minutes	5-7 working days
Latitude Financial Services	10 minutes	5-10 working days
MONEYME	5 minutes	Instant (virtual card)
NAB	15 minutes	Within 5 business days
St.George	20 minutes	5-7 business days
Virgin Money	10 minutes	Within 10 working days
Westpac	15 minutes	4-6 working days

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

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.

Compare credit cards with 60-second approval

11 of 92 results

Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
Latitude Low Rate Mastercard - Balance Transfer Offer	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 25 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 29.99%	Annual fee $69	Balance Transfer offer only available to new customers approved by 31 Jan 2027. Balance Transfer must be submitted by 31 Mar 2027. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selection Compare	loading
ANZ Platinum Credit Card	20.99%	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 $0 first year ($87 after)	Earn $450 back to your new card when you spend $4,500 on eligible purchases in the first 4 months from approval. Plus, a $0 annual fee in the first year.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Explorer Credit Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	23.99%	Bonus points 115,000	Points per $ spent 2	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $395	Partner offer: Get 115,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply via the link on this page and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. Ends 6 Oct 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Velocity Platinum Card Finder AwardMost LovedVelocity Frequent Flyer	23.99%	Bonus points 100,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. N/A	Annual fee $440	Get 70,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months and additional 30,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2. New American Express card members only. Ends 13 Oct 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
American Express Platinum Card Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards	N/A	Bonus points 340,000	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	Partner offer: Earn 240,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you apply via the link on this page and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months and additional 100,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2. New American Express card members only. Ends 6 Oct 2026. T&Cs apply.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ING Orange One Low Rate Most Loved	12.99%	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 $48	This card comes with a loyalty program with built-in cashback offers. It also offers instalment plans to help you pay off purchases over time at a lower interest rate.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Westpac Low Rate Card	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 20 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $84	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
ING Orange One Rewards Platinum Most Loved	16.99%	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 $149	Up to $30 cashback per month and $0 ATM fees. Available when you hold or open an Orange Everyday bank account.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas Money Everyday Qantas Frequent Flyer	20.99%	Bonus points 8,000	Points per $ spent 0.75	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $99	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas Money Titanium Qantas Frequent Flyer	20.99%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 6 months with 0% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $1,200	Receive 20% bonus Status Credits on eligible flights and 2 Qantas First Lounge Invitations.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Qantas Money Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	20.99%	Bonus points 80,000	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 24 months with 3% balance transfer fee, then 21.99%	Annual fee $349 first year ($399 after)	Receive 2 single-entry complimentary lounge invitations per year.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

Showing 10 of 17 results

Sources

Thank you for your feedback!

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

Add to Preferred Sources

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

Amy's expertise

Amy has written 459 Finder guides across topics including:

Credit cards
Frequent flyer
Credit score
BNPL
Money management
Sustainability

More resources on Finder

More guides on Finder

Best credit cards for first timers
What to look for when choosing your first credit card, including insights and tips from Finder’s experts.
Wizitcard Review
The Wizitcard offers an alternative to traditional credit cards and buy now pay later, with no interest charges, a monthly fee and a virtual account – is it right for you?
Apple Card: Key details and alternatives in Australia
What Australians need to know about the credit card that integrates with your iPhone.
Gold credit cards
Gold credit cards are a step up from basic cards, with more perks like rewards, complimentary insurance and airport lounge invitations.
Visa credit cards – compare Australian cards that use the Visa network
With contactless payments, exclusive entertainment offers and online shopping benefits, Visa credit cards offer a wide range of benefits you can enjoy with most issuers in Australia.
Joint credit cards in Australia – your options
Learn which credit card issuers allow joint-account credit card applications so you can decide if this option is right for you.
Can a business refuse credit card payments?
Most businesses accept credit card payments, but some do not. Here’s why and how you can pay instead.
What is a credit card CVV or CVC number?
Shopping online with your credit card? Here's why you'll need your card's CVV – and where to find it.
Why is my credit card declined when I have money?
Understand why your bank may decline your credit card transaction and what you can to do avoid this embarrassing and inconvenient issue.
Credit card repayment calculator
Calculate how much you're paying in interest based on your current credit card repayments and discover how much you should pay each month to meet your financial goal.

How long does it take to get a credit card?

The time to complete a credit card application and get approval can take less than an hour, especially if you have a strong credit score. But the card itself can take up to 10 business days to arrive in the post.