Where To Get a Credit Card

Banks, credit unions, and online lenders all issue credit cards, and where you apply matters because approval odds and card features vary by issuer

You can get a credit card from a traditional bank branch, an online bank, a credit union, or a fintech company that partners with a bank to issue the card. Each route has different approval standards and different cards available. A bank like Chase or Bank of America offers hundreds of branches where you can walk in, but they also approve online applications instantly. Credit unions often have stricter membership rules but may approve people with thinner credit histories. Online-only banks and fintech apps move fast and sometimes have lower credit score requirements, though you manage everything through an app rather than visiting a location.

The card you want determines where you can get it. If you want a specific rewards card or a card tied to a particular bank's checking account, you go to that issuer. If you have limited credit history or a lower score, you might search for cards known to approve people in your situation rather than applying to the first place you think of.

Key Takeaways

• Traditional banks, online banks, credit unions, and fintech companies all issue credit cards, and each has different approval standards and card options.
• You can apply online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and most decisions come back within minutes to a few days.
• Your credit score, income, and existing debts affect approval odds, and different issuers weight these factors differently.
• Comparing cards before you apply helps you find one you will actually use and understand the fees and rewards structure.
• If you are denied, you can ask why, wait a few months, and try again, or look for cards designed for people building credit.

Traditional banks and what they offer

Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank issue dozens of credit cards each, from basic cards to premium rewards cards. You can apply online on their website, call their phone number, or walk into a branch and apply in person. Online applications usually get a decision within minutes; in-person applications may take longer because the banker has to verify information and run your credit report while you wait.

Traditional banks typically require a credit score in the 600s or higher for approval, though some cards are designed for people with scores in the 500s. They also look at your income and how much debt you already carry. The advantage is that if you already bank there, they have your account history and may approve you faster. The disadvantage is that traditional banks have stricter approval standards than some online lenders, so if your credit is thin or damaged, you might be turned down.

Most traditional banks offer both rewards cards (which earn cash back or points on purchases) and basic cards (which have no rewards but lower fees). They also often offer cards tied to a checking account, which can give you a small bonus if you open both at the same time.

Online banks and fintech companies

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and LendingClub, plus fintech apps like Chime and Current, issue credit cards without requiring you to visit a physical location. You download the app or visit the website, fill out an application, and get a decision in minutes. The entire process happens on your phone or computer.

Online issuers often approve people with credit scores in the 500s or even lower, because they use different approval models than traditional banks. Some focus on your income and banking history rather than your credit score alone. This makes them a realistic option if you have been denied by traditional banks or have limited credit history.

The trade-off is that you manage everything through an app—you cannot walk into a branch to ask questions or deposit checks in person. Most online banks do offer phone support, but response times vary. Cards from online issuers tend to have fewer rewards options than cards from traditional banks, though some offer solid cash-back rates.

Credit unions

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions, and they issue credit cards to their members. To get a credit card from a credit union, you first have to become a member, which usually means opening a savings account and meeting a membership requirement (like living in a certain area or working for a certain employer). Membership fees are typically low or free.

Credit unions often approve people with credit scores in the 500s or 600s, and some focus more on your relationship with the credit union than on your credit score alone. If you have been banking with a credit union for a while, they may approve you for a card even if a traditional bank would not. Credit union cards also tend to have lower fees and lower interest rates than cards from traditional banks.

The downside is that credit unions have fewer card options than large banks, and you have to be a member first. You can find credit unions near you through the CO-OP network or by searching your state's credit union league.

How the application process works

Most credit card applications ask for your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment information. The issuer then pulls your credit report from one or more of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and makes a decision based on your credit score, payment history, and current debts.

Online applications usually give you a decision within minutes. If you are approved, you may be able to use a temporary card number immediately or receive a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, the issuer sends you a letter explaining why, which usually cites your credit score, length of credit history, or the amount of debt you already carry.

In-person applications at a bank branch take longer because the banker has to verify your information and may ask follow-up questions. You typically get a decision within a few days, and if approved, you can sometimes pick up a card at the branch or have it mailed to you.

What happens if you are denied

If you are denied, you have options. First, ask the issuer why you were denied—the letter they send will explain the main reason. If it was your credit score, you can wait a few months, work on paying down existing debt, and apply again. If it was your income, you may need to wait until your income increases or apply with a co-signer.

You can also look for cards designed for people building credit or rebuilding credit. These cards have higher interest rates and lower credit limits, but they are easier to get approved for and can help you build a better credit history. Secured credit cards, which require a cash deposit, are another option if you have been denied for unsecured cards.

Applying multiple times in a short period can hurt your credit score, so space out applications by at least a few months. Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and too many inquiries in a short time signal to lenders that you are desperate for credit.

Comparing cards before you apply

Before you apply anywhere, spend time comparing cards to find one that matches how you actually spend money. If you eat out and travel a lot, a card with bonus points on dining and travel makes sense. If you want simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card is easier to understand. If you are rebuilding credit, a basic card with no annual fee and a reasonable interest rate matters more than rewards.

Read the fine print on fees: annual fees, foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, and balance transfer fees. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year or waive it if you meet a spending threshold. Others charge $95 or more per year, which only makes sense if you earn enough rewards to cover it.

Also check the interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate). If you plan to carry a balance, a lower APR saves you money. If you plan to pay in full every month, the APR matters less, but it is still worth knowing in case you need to carry a balance unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for multiple credit cards at the same time?

You can, but it is not a good idea. Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and multiple inquiries in a short time can lower your score and signal to lenders that you are taking on too much debt. Space applications out by at least a few months.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

It varies by issuer and card. Traditional banks usually want a score of 600 or higher, but online lenders and credit unions may approve scores in the 500s. Some cards are designed for people with scores below 500. Check the card's requirements before you apply.

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

If you are approved online, you may get a temporary card number to use immediately, and a physical card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person applications may take a few days to process, and the card arrives by mail after that.

Do I have to have a checking account at a bank to get a credit card there?

No. You can apply for a credit card from any bank without having a checking account. However, some banks offer bonuses if you open both a checking account and a credit card at the same time.

What should I do if I am denied?

Ask the issuer why you were denied. If it was your credit score, wait a few months and try again. If it was your income, look for cards designed for people building credit or consider a secured card that requires a cash deposit.