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How Long Does A Credit Card Take To Arrive?

How long does it take to get a credit card? How long does a credit card take to arrive, in the UK? And, how long to get a credit card? These are all very common questions that we see regularly on this topic

How long Does it Take To Get A Credit Card

Customers generally want to know how long it takes from completing an application for a new credit card, to when their new credit card is delivered to their home address, and ready to use.

Many customers when applying for new 0 interest credit cards, are keen to know how long does it take for a credit card to arrive. This is usually because they would like to be able to use their new credit card by a specific date.

Very often, a customer will need to make a balance transfer from their existing credit card by a certain date, in order to avoid paying interest. Alternatively, you may be looking to apply for a new credit card to take on a holiday, or on a business trip, departing on a specific date.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Credit Card UK?

Customers now make most new UK credit card applications online. Generally, these online application forms take between 5 to 10 minutes, and often less, to complete.

Many credit cards are also now instant decision credit cards. These cards can show you an online decision at the end of the application process. This lets you know whether you have been accepted, or declined, for that credit card.

How long does it take to get a credit card in UK, after being accepted, is largely determined by how efficient the credit card company process is. The card company needs to first setup your credit card account in their system. After this has been done, they will then send out the physical credit card. The time that this takes, does vary between the different UK credit card companies.

So, how long does it take for a credit card to arrive? Well typically, you can expect your new UK credit cards to arrive within 5 to 10 days, after completing your application. Some UK credit card companies can now deliver the new card in less than 5 days from the application date.

Some of the most popular featured UK 0% credit cards currently available can be seen below:-


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Balance Transfers:
0% for up to 26 months
Balance Transfer Fee:
3.49%
Purchases:
0% for 3 months
Representative APR:
24.9% APR (variable)
HSBC Balance Transfer*
  • 0% interest for up to 26 months on balance transfers made within first 60 days of account opening
  • 3.49% balance transfer fee applies (minimum £5)
  • 0% interest on purchases for 3 months from account opening
  • At end of promotional period, balance transfers and purchases will revert to standard variable rate
  • Worldwide offers and discounts with HSBC home&Away
  • Manage your card online
  • Annual Fee: None
HSBC Balance Transfer*
  • You have an annual income or pension before tax of £6,800 or more
  • You are a UK resident
  • You are aged 18 or over
  • You do not hold an HSBC Basic bank account
Representative Example: 24.9% APR representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
Credit is subject to status, affordability and applicable terms and conditions. You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
No balance transfers allowed to this card from first direct, HSBC or M&S credit cards
Balance Transfers:
0% for up to 12 months
Balance Transfer Fee:
3.49%
Purchases:
0% for up to 20 months
Representative APR:
24.9% APR (variable)
M&S Purchase Plus*
  • 0% for up to 12 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening
  • 3.49% balance transfer fee, minimum £5
  • 0% on purchases for up to 20 months from account opening
  • Collect M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world with your card
  • One point for every £1 you spend in M&S and one point for every £5 you spend elsewhere
  • Manage account online
  • Annual Fee: None
M&S Purchase Plus*
  • You are a UK resident
  • You have an annual income or pension of at least £6,800
  • You are aged 18 or over
  • You have not held a credit card with M&S Bank within the previous 12 months
Representative Example: 24.9% APR representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
No balance transfers allowed to this card from first direct, HSBC or M&S credit cards
Balance Transfers:
0% for up to 26 months
Balance Transfer Fee:
3.49%
Purchases:
0% for 3 months
Representative APR:
24.9% APR (variable)
M&S Transfer Plus*
  • 0% for up to 26 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening
  • 3.49% balance transfer fee, minimum £5
  • 0% on purchases for 3 months from account opening
  • Collect M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world with your card
  • One point for every £1 you spend in M&S and one point for every £5 you spend elsewhere
  • Manage account online
  • Annual Fee: None
M&S Transfer Plus*
  • You are a UK resident
  • You have an annual income or pension of at least £6,800
  • You are aged 18 or over
  • You have not held a credit card with M&S Bank within the previous 12 months
Representative Example: 24.9% APR representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
No balance transfers allowed to this card from first direct, HSBC or M&S credit cards
Balance Transfers:
0% for up to 16 months
Balance Transfer Fee:
3.49%
Purchases:
0% for up to 18 months
Representative APR:
24.9% APR (variable)
HSBC Purchase Plus*
  • 0% interest for up to 16 months on balance transfers made within first 60 days of account opening
  • 3.49% balance transfer fee applies (minimum £5)
  • 0% interest on purchases for up to 18 months from account opening
  • At end of promotional period, balance transfers and purchases will revert to standard variable rate
  • Worldwide offers and discounts with HSBC home&Away
  • Manage your card online
  • Annual Fee: None
HSBC Purchase Plus*
  • You have an annual income or pension before tax of £6,800 or more
  • You are a UK resident
  • You are aged 18 or over
  • You do not hold an HSBC Basic bank account
Representative Example: 24.9% APR representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
Credit is subject to status, affordability and applicable terms and conditions. You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
No balance transfers allowed to this card from first direct, HSBC or M&S credit cards
Balance Transfers:
0% for up to 12 months
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.9%
Purchases:
0% for up to 12 months
Representative APR:
34.9% APR (variable)
Post Office Classic Credit Card
  • 0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months
  • 2.9% balance transfer fee
  • 0% on purchases for up to 12 months
  • Credit limit up to £8,000
  • Online account management
  • Annual Fee: None
Post Office Classic Credit Card
  • You are a UK resident
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You are aged 18 or over
Representative Example: 34.9% APR representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 34.9% p.a. (variable)
No balance transfers allowed to this card from Capital One or Post Ofice credit cards

How Long Do Credit Cards Take To Arrive?

The credit card and the PIN number, needed for the card, will arrive separately for security reasons. However, both should arrive within the time-scales, which are outlined above. Some companies, rather than posting it out, will make the PIN number available within your online account. Your PIN number may also be available within the mobile app for your credit card.

It is essential when completing the credit card application forms, that you double check all the information you provide.

Any incorrect details for example, will only make it more likely that your application could be refused, or referred for a manual check. The delivery process will be slowed down by any referral checks, which are required by incorrect information. This is very likely to increase how long it takes for your credit card to arrive.

The length of time that credit cards take to arrive can also be affected by any delays within the postal service. This could include strike action, exceptional bad weather, or delays over any bank holiday period.


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Published: December 12, 2023, Updated: January 2, 2024 by 0% Credit Card Expert

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