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CREDIT card applications usually take between 5 and 10 working days from application to when you receive the card through the post.
However, applications can often take longer as term agreement forms must be sent out to you and signed and returned by post before the credit card agreement is fully accepted. Simply signing and returning the forms as soon as possible can speed this up.
Some online applications now offer the facility to ‘electronically’ sign and accept the credit terms agreement, cutting down on the processing and application time.
There are also online applications that offer an instant decision on the credit card. The instant decision is an automatic approval, refer or decline of the credit card application, if you are accepted straight away this again cuts down application time as your application does not need to be personally reviewed.
Factors effecting application times
It is difficult to say how long it will really take for you to actually receive your credit card once you have been approved, as this depends largely on the number of cards that the provider has to send out as well as on how efficient the postal service is.
When you apply for a credit card and you are approved the card issuer will normally specify how long the whole process is likely to take, and you should use this as a guideline in terms of how long you are likely to be waiting.
Getting an instant decision on your application
Although it can be difficult to predict exactly how long it will be before you have your credit card in your hand ready to use, you can still enjoy getting an instant decision on your credit card application with many lenders.
Usually in order to get an instant decision you have to have a decent credit rating. If you have damaged credit then you may find that the application is referred and you get the decision in writing. If you have very bad credit you may still get an instance decision, but it may be a 'no'!
If you are successful in your application and you do receive an instant decision accepting your application then you should not really be waiting too long to get your hands on the card.
However, there are factors that can affect how long you will end up waiting. This includes how busy the provider is in terms of the number of applications being processes and cards being sent out, as well as on the postal service, which as many of us known from experience can result in delays.
In general you will be waiting around five to ten working days for your credit card to be sent to you. However, you should check this once your application has been successful – it will often state this on the website of the provider.
Do bear in mind though that the PIN number is sent out separately, and this could arrive several days or more after the card has arrived.
If you have waited a reasonable amount of time and you have still not received your credit card then it is advisable to call the card provider and check on the status in case it has gone astray in the post. The same goes if your card arrives but you PIN number does not follow within a week or so.
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