Depending on the credit card you apply for, you may receive an instant decision, an email later that day, or notification in the mail in one to two weeks.

Most online credit card applications automatically run your social security number through a computer that automatically evaluates your creditworthiness for the credit card.

If you meet the credit card’s requirements and there are no discrepancies between your application and your credit report (such as you changed addresses or employers), you may receive an instant online approval.

Many times, after completing the online credit card application, the site will say that you will receive a decision within one to two weeks. You may receive an email faster.

If the credit card company needs to verify any information on your application, they may also call you.

Typically, credit card decisions take no more than two weeks.

If you are denied a credit card, you will receive a letter with a very vague reason why you were denied. You can only guess why you were denied for a particular credit card, but you can follow instructions in the denial letter to request a copy of your credit report to check for errors.