Writer: Lauren Keys
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
I was in college when I first realized the importance of establishing a credit history, and I began to explore how to apply for a credit card online. At the time, there weren’t as many guides and resources around like there are today. So I took to my laptop to peruse numerous applications and read the fine print on card offerings.
I selected a card that seemed suitable for someone with a limited credit history and waited. It wasn’t until I finally saw my name printed along the bottom of my first credit card that I realized the process of applying wasn’t as difficult as I once believed. Since that day, I’ve applied and been approved for over 50 credit cards.
Using what I’ve learned from my personal experiences, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps for getting a new credit card in your wallet as quickly and easily as possible. Because your credit rating ultimately determines which cards you’ll be approved for, I’ve also rounded up the best credit cards to apply for based on your current credit score. So, let’s dive in as we explore how to apply for credit cards online and take a look at some top picks for excellent credit, good credit, fair credit, bad credit, and even no credit.
It’s important to note that the terms “pre-qualified” and “pre-approved” are generally interchangeable and result in a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. However, a pre-approval does not guarantee an actual approval for the card of your choice. With that said, if you’ve been prescreened for a card, you are more likely to be approved. In that instance, the issuer looks at available information to make a good estimate of your creditworthiness.
3. Submit Your Application
When you submit your credit card application online, by mail, or over the phone, you’re giving the issuer permission to do a hard pull on your credit, which has the potential to negatively affect your credit score, especially if you’re not approved.
Submitting your application online tends to be the most common and preferred method because you can easily compare multiple offers across issuers to ensure you get the best available rewards and rates. You can use our reviews as a shortcut and click the “Apply Now” button to go to each card’s official application:
- 2016’s Best Overall Cards
- Air Miles
- Cash Back
- 0% Intro APR
- Low Ongoing APR
- For Limited / No Credit
- For Bad Credit
Once you click “Submit,” your application will be sent to the issuer for approval.
4. Wait (Up to 2 Weeks) for a Decision on Your Credit Card Application
Many people with good to excellent credit will find they’re approved immediately after they submit their application online. If you apply by mail or phone, regardless of credit score, you may find it takes a little longer to hear back from the issuer. Applicants with fair to bad credit could end up waiting nearly two weeks for a decision from the credit card company.
If you’re not approved, you should wait about six months before applying again to give yourself time to rebuild your credit. Plus, requesting more credit too quickly could raise an avoidable red flag. Hard inquiries, such as credit card applications, remain on your credit report for two years.
However, if you believe you should have been approved or don’t understand why you were denied, you can reach out to the issuer directly for reconsideration. Each issuer will provide its own reconsideration phone number, and you’ll need to be prepared to answer additional questions as to why they should reconsider you. Also, be sure to call within 30 days or you may have to reapply, resulting in another hard inquiry.
5 Best Credit Cards to Apply for Online
It’s important to only apply for cards you think you can qualify for or risk not being approved, which can knock your score down a few points. By starting the search for you next credit card within your credit qualifications, you can feel more confident submitting your application.
Below are some of the best cards currently available, broken down by the different credit score ranges.
Apply for a Credit Card with “Excellent Credit” (720+)
If you have excellent credit, then you’ve likely paid your bill on time without overextending your credit allowance, and if you continue those practices, a new card can be a responsible way to earn additional rewards. Check out this top pick for applicants with excellent credit:
+ See more cards for excellent credit
Apply for a Credit Card with “Good Credit” (680 – 719)
While factors such as your credit utilization ratio and payment history can keep you out of the excellent credit range, you can still qualify for cards with excellent benefits, including cash back, rewards points, and no annual fee. Below is a popular credit card for those with good credit:
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
+ See more cards for good credit
Apply for a Credit Card with “Fair Credit” (620 – 679)
Sending in a late payment, or missing one altogether, may account for lower scores in the fair range. However, there are cards that, when used responsibly, can help you build your credit score. This top card for fair credit offers benefits attractive to any cardholder, regardless of credit score:
+ See more cards for fair credit
This card is currently not available.
+ See more cards for bad credit
Apply for a Credit Card with “No Credit” (0 Credit Score)
If you’ve never opened a line of credit, it’s hard for issuers to judge whether you’ll be a good credit risk or not. However, you can still be approved for a credit card with no credit history — you may just have to provide additional details about yourself, such as proof of income. Below is one of my favorite cards for applicants with no credit:
+ See more cards for no credit
Time to Make Room in Your Wallet
It’s easier than ever to research and apply for a credit card online. The most important part of applying for a new credit card is figuring out what you can effectively qualify for based on your credit score, otherwise, you may end up with a hard inquiry on your report with no card to show for it. Use this guide to help you stay organized and on track as you prepare to apply for a credit card. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can soon see your name along the bottom of a new card, too.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
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