How long will it take to receive my bank card?

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The time it takes for you to apply and get a new credit card depends on lots of different factors, but most banks and providers have guidelines so you know what to expect. We have put a table together to show you how long it usually takes with different credit card providers in Australia, including ANZ, CommBank, NAB, Westpac and St.George.

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 Express 10 minutes 5-10 working days
ANZ 5 minutes Within 5 business days
Bank Australia (bankmecu) 10-15 minutes 7-10 business days
Bank of Melbourne 10 - 20 minutes 5-7 business days
Bank of Queensland 20 minutes 7-10 working days
Bankwest 15 minutes Within 10 working days
Citi 10 minutes 7-10 working days
Commonwealth Bank 15-20 minutes Within 10 working days
Diners Club 10 minutes 5-10 working days
Latitude Financial Services 10 minutes 5-10 working days
HSBC 10 minutes 7 working days
MoneyMe Minutes Instant (virtual card)
NAB 15 minutes Within 5 business days
St.George 10-15 minutes Around 5-7 business days
Suncorp 10 minutes 5-7 business days
Virgin Money 10 minutes Within 10 working days
Westpac 10 minutes Within 7 business days

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What happens after I've applied for a credit card?

How long will it take to receive my bank card?
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're conditionally approved 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 or passport
  • Recent payslips
  • Recent bank statements
  • Your most recent Tax Assessment Notice or PAYG summary
  • A letter from your employer or accountant verifying your employment and/or financial details

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.

Can I get a temporary card for immediate use?

Waiting for a new card to arrive can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are some banks that will provide digital versions of the card straight away. If you have Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay on your phone, you may be able to add a virtual card and tap away as normal.

For example, if you're waiting for a replacement of an existing card, Bankwest will automatically update your card details as soon as it has been issued, so you can use it before the physical card arrives.

For many banks however, you will need to wait until your replacement card has arrived and has been activated before the details are updated.

How long does it take to apply for a virtual card?

If you're applying for a new credit card, you might want to consider a virtual card. There is no physical card to worry about; instead, your card details are stored online or on an app.

Once your application for credit has been approved you are normally able to access your virtual card details straight away.

The applications themselves are also normally fast, with lenders boasting that you can apply "within minutes", with some taking up to around 15 minutes. Make sure you have all your details to hand so you can keep the process as simple as possible and to avoid any delays.

Many virtual credit card providers say they will respond moments after your application, but it can depend on the applicant's financial circumstances.

Pictures: Shutterstock

Compare credit cards with 60-second approval

Frequently asked questions

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How long does it take to get a bank card sent to you?

You can usually get a new credit card within 5 to 10 working days. Check how long it will take with your bank or provider here. Updated Mar 4, 2022 .

How do I track my debit card delivery?

Track Debit Card Status Via Internet Banking Log in to the internet banking portal and go to the card section. Select debit card status and choose the 'track card delivery status' option. The portal will show you either of the tracking stages: Dispatched: The bank hands over the debit card to the courier company.

How long does it take to receive my ATM card?

When will I receive my ATM-cum-Debit Card and PIN? A. You will receive your card within 7 working days after submitting the application, directly by Speed post at your recorded address. Kindly collect your PIN from the card issuing branch after receipt of the card and carry your card / passbook as identity proof.