Generally, you can apply for a credit card online in 10 to 20 minutes and if you're approved the card will arrive in the post within 5-10 working days. The time it takes to apply and get a new credit card depends on factors including the lender, the type of card and the details you include on your application.
Some Australian banks and brands also have their own guidelines. So, here we've got details of how long it takes to get a credit card with major lenders including ANZ, CommBank, NAB, Westpac and St.George.
When will I get my new credit card?
| 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 |
| Citi | 10 minutes | 7-10 working days |
| Commonwealth Bank | 20 minutes | Within 10 working days |
| HSBC | 10 minutes | 7 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 |
| Suncorp | 10 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 will assess your credit history and current finances 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 application criteria, you could get approved for the card within 60 seconds of submitting an online application. You could also get "conditional approval" and be asked for further information before the credit card issuer's assessment can be completed.
Providing supporting documentation
If you're conditionally approved for a credit card, the issuer may also ask you to submit more supporting documents to complete the application process. The sooner you provide this information, the faster you can get approval and receive your card.
The documents you'll need to provide 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 happens after I get approved for a credit card?
After successfully completing the application process, you'll usually get your new credit card and a welcome pack in the mail within 5-10 working days. Or within the time frame set by your credit card provider, if that's different.
The welcome pack may arrive before the card and contains information about the bank, the credit card and its terms and conditions of use. Make sure you read this information before you start using your credit card. In some cases, you may also be asked to go to your nearest branch to pick up the card and welcome pack for security reasons.
How to activate a credit card
Depending on the issuer, you may be able to activate your 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.
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.
Can I get a temporary card for immediate use?
If you have Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay on your phone, you may be able to set up and start using a virtual card while you wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail.
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.
But many other banks in Australia require you to wait until a replacement card has arrived and been activated.
How long does it take to apply for a virtual card?
If you're applying for a credit card and want fast access, you could consider a virtual card. These cards store your account details online or on an app and may be completely virtual or come with a physical card as well.
Once your application for credit has been approved you could access your virtual card details straight away.
The application is typically fast, with some lenders saying you can apply "within minutes" and others taking around 15 minutes. Make sure you have all your details on hand so you can keep the process as simple as possible.
Many virtual credit card providers also offer an outcome within moments of submitting your application, but it does depend on the application details and your financial circ*mstances.
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Frequently asked questions
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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.
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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.
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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 finish the application later, check your application status or upload supporting documentation.
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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 will typically arrive within the same time frames as the primary card, but may be sent separately. So if you have questions about receiving an additional card, contact your credit card brand directly.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, an unsigned credit card is not considered valid. Plus, you want to be protected in the event of a theft.
You might also be interested in:
- How to check on your credit card application
- Instant decision on application credit cards
- How to get approved for a credit card
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Joelle Grubb as part of our fact-checking process.
Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio
Amy's expertise
Amy has written 583 Finder guides across topics including:
- Credit cards
- Frequent flyer
- Credit score
- BNPL
- Money management
- Sustainability
