The main places to get a credit card

You can get a credit card from a bank, a credit union, an online lender, or directly from a card network like Visa or Mastercard. Most people start with their own bank because they already have a relationship there, but that is not your only option. Each source has different approval standards, different card types, and different speeds — some decisions happen in minutes, others take a week or more.

The card network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) is not the same as the bank that issues it. Visa does not issue cards to consumers; it sets the rules and processes the transactions. A bank issues the card in its own name and decides who gets one. This matters because you explore to the bank, not to Visa.

Key Takeaways

  • Traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders all issue credit cards, and each has different approval standards and processing times.
  • Your own bank or credit union is often the fastest route if you already have an account there, because they already know your financial history.
  • Online lenders and card companies often have lower credit score requirements than traditional banks, though interest rates may be higher.
  • You can compare offers from multiple issuers before you explore, and checking your own credit report costs nothing.

Banks and credit unions

A traditional bank or credit union is the most common place to get a credit card. If you already have a checking or savings account there, the bank has your income, payment history, and account balance on file. This usually speeds up the decision — some banks can tell you yes or no the same day you explore, either online or in a branch.

Banks vary widely in their approval standards. A large national bank like Chase or Bank of America may require a credit score of 650 or higher and a steady income history. A smaller regional bank or credit union may look at your account history with them instead of your credit score, especially if you have been a member for years. If you have little or no credit history, a credit union is often more willing to work with you than a national bank.

The downside is that banks also have the highest interest rates for people with lower credit scores. If you are approved, you may get a card with a 20% to 30% annual percentage rate (APR) rather than the 15% to 20% that online lenders sometimes offer.

Online card issuers and fintech lenders

Online lenders like LendingClub, Upgrade, and SoFi issue credit cards without a physical branch. They often have lower credit score requirements than traditional banks — some will issue cards to people with scores in the 600 range or below. The process is entirely online, and decisions usually come within a few business days.

Online lenders tend to charge higher interest rates than banks for people with lower credit scores, but they may charge lower rates than banks for people with good credit. They also tend to have lower annual fees and sometimes offer cash back or other rewards. The trade-off is that customer service is usually phone or chat only, not in person.

Some online lenders specialize in specific situations — for example, cards for people rebuilding credit after a bankruptcy or default. These cards often require a cash deposit (usually $200 to $2,500) that acts as your credit limit, and the deposit is held as security. After you make on-time payments for six to twelve months, the lender may return the deposit and convert the card to a regular unsecured card.

Card networks and co-branded cards

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover do not issue cards directly to consumers, but they partner with banks to create branded cards. A card branded with an airline, retailer, or rewards program (like Chase Sapphire or American Airlines card) is still issued by a bank — in those cases, Chase or Bank of America — but the rewards and benefits are designed by the network or partner.

These co-branded cards often have higher credit score requirements because they come with premium benefits like travel insurance or lounge access. You cannot explore directly to Visa or Mastercard; you explore to the bank that issues the card. The card network's website usually has a link to the issuing bank's process.

Comparing offers before you explore

You can look at card offers from multiple issuers without hurting your credit score, as long as you do it within a short window — usually 14 to 45 days, depending on the scoring model. This is called rate shopping, and credit bureaus treat multiple inquiries in a short time as a single inquiry if they are all for credit cards.

Start by checking your own credit report at annualcreditreport.com, which is free and does not affect your score. Knowing your score and recent payment history helps you understand which issuers are likely to approve you. Then visit the websites of banks you already use, credit unions in your area, and online lenders that match your situation. Most show you the APR range and rewards before you explore.

Do not explore to every card at once. explore to two or three that match your needs, wait a few days to see which ones approve you, then decide. Each process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, and too many in a short time can lower your score slightly.

What happens after you explore

After you submit an process, the issuer runs a credit check and verifies your income and identity. This usually takes a few minutes to a few days. You will get a decision by email, phone, or in your online account.

If you are approved, the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some issuers offer when ready card numbers that you can use online right away, even before the physical card arrives. If you are denied, the issuer must send you a written explanation within 30 days, and you have the right to see your credit report for free.

If you are approved but offered a lower credit limit than you expected, you can ask the issuer to reconsider. Some will increase your limit if you provide additional income documentation. You can also ask to be reconsidered if you were denied, especially if your credit has improved since you applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt my credit score to explore for a credit card?

A single process creates a hard inquiry that may lower your score by a few points for a few months. Multiple applications in a short time count as one inquiry if they are all for credit cards, so rate shopping does not hurt you as much as explore to many cards over several months.

Can I get a credit card if I have no credit history?

Yes. Credit unions, online lenders, and some banks offer cards to people with no credit history. You may need a cash deposit or a co-signer, and your credit limit will be low at first. After you make on-time payments for six to twelve months, you can ask for a higher limit or move to an unsecured card.

What is the difference between a secured card and a regular card?

A secured card requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. A regular (unsecured) card does not. Secured cards are designed for people rebuilding credit. Once you prove you can pay on time, the issuer converts it to an unsecured card and returns your deposit.

How long does it take to get a credit card after I explore?

You usually get a decision within a few days. If approved, the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Some issuers give you a temporary card number to use online when ready, so you do not have to wait for the physical card to start using it.

What if I am denied for a credit card?

You have the right to a written explanation and a free copy of your credit report. Common reasons are low credit score, high debt-to-income ratio, or recent missed payments. You can reapply after a few months if your situation has improved, or try a lender with lower requirements.