How to Apply for a Credit Card Online

The credit card application process has gotten much easier over the years. Instead of requiring you to mail in an application, call, or visit a bank branch, practically every major card issuer offers online applications. Once you know how to apply for a credit card online, you can submit an application and get approved in minutes.

Even though you can do this quickly, it's not something you want to rush. If you do, you could end up with a denied application or a card that's not a good fit. Following the steps below will help you find the right credit card and maximize your approval odds.

Check your credit score

Before you apply for a credit card, you need to know which cards you can get. That depends largely on your credit score, a three-digit number used to demonstrate your creditworthiness. You can find yours by using a free credit score tool. It's best to use one that provides your FICO® Score, as that's the type of score that most credit card companies use.

Here are two free services that provide your FICO® Score:

• Experian CreditWorks℠ Basic
• Discover® Credit Scorecard

Credit score tools provide both your score and which range it falls in, with the typical ranges being bad, average, good, and excellent credit. With your credit score and its corresponding range, you'll have a good idea of which cards are in your reach.

It usually takes at least six months of credit history, such as six months making credit card or loan payments, before you'll have a FICO® Score. If you don't have this much credit history yet, look for starter credit cards aimed at consumers who are getting started building their credit.

Decide which type of credit card you want

There are many types of cards, and picking a specific type helps narrow down your options. The type you choose will depend on your credit score, so let's look at what your options are based on that.

If you have a limited credit history or a low credit score (below 580)

The most important thing is finding a card you qualify for. Here are the types that could work for you:

• Credit cards for bad credit
• Secured credit cards
• Student credit cards

If your credit score is in the middle of the pack (580 to 669)

Look at credit cards for average credit. Another option would be to build credit first, and then apply for a card later.

If you have good or excellent credit (670 or higher)

That's enough to qualify for most cards. Since you have plenty of choices, think about what benefits you want most. Here are a few to consider:

• Earn credit card rewards, either in cash back or travel points
• A 0% intro APR offer to pay for a big purchase or to pay down credit card debt
• Get an average credit limit or go for a high-limit credit card

Pick out cards you like

Now that you've selected the card type, you can start picking out options. Here are a couple ways to do this.

Check out the best credit cards

Look at a list of the best credit cards in the category you like. Here are some lists of popular types of cards to consider:

• Best cash back credit cards
• Best balance transfer credit cards
• Best travel rewards cards
• Best 0% intro APR cards
• Best rewards credit cards
• Best no annual fee credit cards

Visit card company websites

Another option is to go to the website for each card company to see what they offer. Let's say that you're interested in travel rewards cards. You could go to the website for Chase, navigate to its travel credit card page, and see which cards you like. Then, you could repeat the process with American Express, Citi, Capital One, and any other card issuers of interest to you.

Compare credit cards based on key features

Once you have a few cards in mind, it's time to compare them and pick the one you like most.

Sometimes you'll get lucky and this is a breeze. You'll find a card with features you love and you know it's a match. If you're already sure which one you want, you can move on to the next step.

But it's not always so simple. There could be several cards you like, and you may be unsure which is the best choice. If you're in this position, my advice is to focus on a few key features that matter most.

Here are some features that could make your list depending on what you want and which type of card you're getting:

• Annual fee: The annual cost of carrying the card
• Credit score requirement: The score you need to get the card
• Welcome bonus: An introductory bonus offer for new cardholders
• Rewards rate: The amount of cash back or points the card earns on purchases
• Length of 0% intro APR offer: The amount of time a 0% introductory interest rate lasts

Make this process easier: Use a credit card comparison tool. With this tool, you can add the cards you're interested in and see how they compare in different areas side by side.

Fill out the online credit card application

After you've decided which card you want, you can apply for it online. Visit the card's webpage and click the "Apply Now" button.

Most of the application will be information you know by heart, but it helps to be prepared. Here's the personal information you can expect to provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Mailing address (this needs to be a street address and not a P.O. Box)
• Email address
• Phone number

Credit card companies also need some basic financial information. They typically ask for your:

• Employment status
• Gross (pre-tax) annual income
• Monthly housing payment

Submit the application

When you send in your online application, there are three potential responses:

• Approved
• Under review
• Denied

Approved

You have a good chance of an approval after going through all the steps above. If your application is approved, your new credit card should arrive within seven to 10 business days.

Under review

"Under review" means the card issuer needs a little more time to decide. It usually doesn't take longer than a week or two, and you'll get a response by mail, email, or both. You can also call after a few days if you want to follow up on your application.

Denied

It's disappointing if your application is denied, but there may be a way around it. Try calling the card issuer and asking for a reconsideration. It's often possible to get a denial overturned if you call and ask. If that doesn't work, you can always find a new card to apply for.

That's all you need to know about how to apply for a card online. Now that you understand the entire process, you can take steps to get the right credit card for you.

Still have questions?

Some other questions we've answered:

• How do I apply for a mortgage?
• What are the best credit cards?
• What are the best starter credit cards for no credit?