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How long does it take to get a credit card?

Your credit card application was approved, so what happens next?

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Amy Bradney-George
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After taking time to compare credit card offers and apply for one that suits your needs, it’s exciting to find out your application is approved. Here, we explain when you can expect to receive your card and what happens after your application gets approved. Let’s take a closer look.

HSBC Revolution Credit Card

HSBC Revolution Credit Card

Receive $200 cashback when you apply for a new credit card and get up to $150 cashback when you apply for supplementary cards.

Offer ends 31 July 2022

Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply.

HSBC Revolution Credit Card

  • Principal Annual Fee: $0 annual fee for entire membership - $0 thereafter.
  • Cashback Rate: 0%
  • Annual Interest Rate: 25.9%
  • Minimum Income (Singaporean & PR): $30,000
  • Minimum Income (Non-Singaporean): $40,000
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When will I get my new credit card?

Compare the approximate application length and standard waiting period for new credit cards by provider to find out how long you may have to wait to get your next credit card.

ProviderApplication lengthWaiting period
American Express10 minutes5-10 working days
Citibank15 minutes7-10 working days
HSBC10 minutes7 working days
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What happens after I’ve applied for a credit card?

ccf-man-application-Shutterstock-250x250

After you submit your credit card application, the credit card issuer will assess your credit history and current finances in order 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 key application criteria, you could get conditional approval for the card within 60 seconds of submitting an online application. If not, you may get a follow-up call or email from the credit card issuer asking for further information.

Providing supporting documentation

When you receive conditional approval for a credit card, the issuer may also ask you to submit supporting documents to complete the application process. The sooner you provide this information, the faster you’ll get your card. The documents you’ll need may vary between providers, but generally include some or all of the following:

  • A copy of your driver’s licence
  • A copy of your passport/NRIC or FIN Card
  • Recent payslips
  • Recent bank statements
  • Your most recent Tax Assessment Notice
  • Your employment contract
  • A letter from your employer or accountant verifying your employment and/or financial details.

The credit card issuer will let you know what documents you need to submit for your individual application. Usually, you can submit them through a secure online service, via email or by post or fax. You may also be able to provide your supporting details by visiting a nearby branch. After the issuer receives these documents, your application approval will be finalised and they can issue your new credit card.

What do I need to do when I get my credit card?

After completing the whole application process, your credit card will usually come in the mail within the timeframe outlined by your provider. In some circumstances, you may also be asked to go to your nearest branch to pick it up for security reasons.

Your new credit card issuer will also put together a “welcome pack” for you containing valuable information about the bank, the credit card and its terms and conditions of use. The welcome pack will either arrive before the card or come with it. Make sure you read through the provided information thoroughly before you start using your new credit card.

How do I activate my credit card?

Depending on the issuer, you may be able to activate your new 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 new credit card gives you the legal authority to use it and protects you against unauthorised transactions if it’s lost, stolen or compromised. So make sure you sign it when you first activate the card.

While it is exciting to be approved for a new credit card, there are a few more steps you need to know about before you can start using it. Being prepared for this process means you can tick all the boxes along the way and start using your credit card as soon as possible.

Pictures: Shutterstock

Questions you still might have

If I apply online for my credit card can I go back later to finish it?

Yes, most banks do have a feature that allows you 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 when you want to complete the application.

What is my credit card application number? Where can I find it?

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 complete the application later, check your application status or upload supporting documentation.

What kind of information will I need to provide on the application?

As with any loan-based product, you will need to give details about your income and expenses along with your personal information.

If I ordered an additional card will that need to be activated too?

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.

Can I pick up my new credit card at the branch?

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.

It’s been more than 10 business days and my card hasn’t arrived. What should I do?

If you haven’t received your card in the specified time frame, call the issuer and let them know. They will be able to review your account details and provide you with information on the status of the card and when you should receive it.

I only make purchases online with my credit card, do I still have to sign it?

Yes, an unsigned credit card is not considered valid. Plus, you want to be protected in the event of a theft.

Compare Credit Cards for July 2022

Name Product Reward Cashback Offer Annual Fee Min Income - Singaporean and PR
HSBC Revolution Credit Card
HSBC Revolution Credit Card
Earn up to 10X Reward points or 4 miles per $1 spent on qualifying purchases.
Receive up to $200 cashback. T&Cs apply. Ends 30 April 2022.
$0 annual fee
$30,000
New cardholders will be awarded with $200 cashback upon $500 minimum spend and up to $150 cashback when you apply for supplementary cards. Existing HSBC credit cardholders are eligible to receive $50 cashback. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 July 2022.
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HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
Earn 1 Reward point for every $1 on all spend.
Up to 5% cash rebates on groceries, dining and fuel with minimum monthly spend of at least $600.
$0 annual fee for the first 2 years and $192.60 thereafter
$30,000
New cardholders will be awarded with $200 cashback upon $500 minimum spend and up to $150 cashback when you apply for supplementary cards. Existing HSBC credit cardholders are eligible to receive $50 cashback. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 July 2022.
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HSBC Advance Credit Card
HSBC Advance Credit Card
Receive up to $200 cashback when minimum spend requirements are met.
Enjoy up to 3.5% cashback on all purchases with no minimum spend
$0 annual fee for the first 1 year (permanently waived for HSBC Advance banking customers) and $192.60 thereafter
$30,000
New cardholders will be awarded with $200 cashback upon $500 minimum spend and up to $150 cashback when you apply for supplementary cards. Existing HSBC credit cardholders are eligible to receive $50 cashback. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 July 2022.
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More Info
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card
For every $1 spent, earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles on local purchases, 2 KrisFlyer miles on overseas spend in June and December, Singapore Airlines and KrisShop and 3.2 KrisFlyer miles on Grab.
N/A
$337.05 annual fee
$50,000
Get a complimentary one-night stay at Hilton Singapore Orchard (worth up to $418++) upon annual fee payment, an additional one-night stay at Hilton Singapore Orchard (worth up to $418++) when you spend $3,000 within the first three months. Valid until 30 June 2022. Also, earn 3,600 KrisFlyer miles based on the $3,000 spend above (based on 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per $1 spent locally). T&Cs apply.
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American Express Platinum Credit Card
American Express Platinum Credit Card
Up to 50% off your food bill for unlimited visits at hotels around Singapore
N/A
$321 annual fee
$80,000
Get a complimentary 1-night stay at Conrad Centennial Singapore (worth up to $300+) with a minimum spend of $3,000 in your first 2 months of card membership, and an additional $100 worth of CapitaVouchers upon annual fee payment. Also, receive 3,750 Membership Rewards points from your base earn rate for the $3,000 spent. T&Cs apply. Valid until 30 June 2022.
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American Express True Cashback Card
American Express True Cashback Card
Enjoy 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no minimum spend or cap. Plus receive up to $80 CapitaVouchers when a minimum spend of $250 is made in the first month.
Earn 1.5% cashback on all eligible spending with no minimum spend or cap
$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and $171.20 thereafter
$30,000
Apply today and get a 3% Cashback bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first six months.
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More Info
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
For every $1 spent, earn 1.1 KrisFlyer miles on all eligible purchases, 2 KrisFlyer miles in foreign currency spent overseas during June & December and 3.1 KrisFlyer miles on eligible Grab Singapore transactions.
$150 cashback for use at singaporeair.com when you spend a minimum of $12,000
$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and $176.55 thereafter
$30,000
Get up to 5,000 KrisFlyer miles with a minimum spend of $1,000 in the first 2 months and an additional complimentary one-night stay at Hilton Singapore Orchard (worth up to $418++) if you are new to American Express. Valid until 30 June 2022. Also, receive 1,100 KrisFlyer miles based on the $1,000 spending above (based on 1.1 KrisFlyer miles per $1 spent locally). T&Cs apply.
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More Info
Citi Cash Back+ Credit Card
Citi Cash Back+ Credit Card
Get up to 14% fuel discounts at Esso and Shell and 1.6% cash back on eligible retail purchases.
1.6% cash back on selected retail purchases
$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and $192.60 thereafter
$30,000
Receive 6% cash back (up to $240 cash back) on up to $4,000 spend in the first 2 months. T&Cs apply. Valid until 31 July 2022.
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More Info
Citi Lazada Card
Citi Lazada Card
Earn 10x rewards on eligible Lazada purchases and 5x rewards on qualifying dining, entertainment and commute purchases
Enjoy shipping rebates on eligible purchases of at least $50 at Lazada.
$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and $192.60 thereafter
$30,000
New customers can get up to $250 Lazada & RedMart vouchers upon minimum spend of $250. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 July 2022.
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More Info
Citi Rewards Credit Card
Citi Rewards Credit Card
10X Rewards on eligible online (except travel), fashion shopping, department stores, taxi/ride hailing apps, food delivery and online groceries, capped at 9,000 points per statement month.
1X Rewards for other retail purchases.
Up to 26% cashback at selected merchants
$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and $192.60 thereafter
$30,000
Get up to 30,000 Citi Thank You points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 July 2022.
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