Where to Get a Credit Card: Banks, Online Lenders, and Credit Unions

You can get a credit card from a bank, credit union, or online lender — each has different approval standards and card types

The place you go depends on what kind of card you want and what your credit history looks like. Banks offer the widest range of cards but often require good credit. Credit unions typically have lower fees and may work with people building credit. Online lenders and fintech companies move faster and sometimes have more flexible approval rules. The process is the same everywhere: you fill out an application (online or in person), they check your credit, and you get a yes or no within minutes to a few days.

You do not need to visit a physical location anymore. Most banks let you start the application on their website and finish it on your phone. Some still require you to visit a branch to sign final paperwork, but many have moved entirely online. The key difference between places is not convenience — it is what they are looking for when they decide whether to say yes.

Key Takeaways

• Banks offer the most card choices but usually require a credit score of 650 or higher, though some have cards for lower scores.
• Credit unions often approve people with thinner credit histories and charge lower annual fees than banks do.
• Online lenders and fintech companies can approve you in minutes and may work with people who have no credit history yet.
• You can start most applications online, but some banks still require you to visit a branch or provide documents by mail.
• The application itself is free — if someone asks for money upfront to get you a card, that is a scam.

Banks: The widest selection, but stricter approval

Banks are where most people get credit cards. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi, and Capital One all offer multiple card types — rewards cards, cash-back cards, cards for travel, cards for students. You can walk into a branch, call their customer service line, or go to their website and start an application in minutes. The application asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details. They pull your credit report and score, and you usually hear back within a few minutes to a few hours.

The catch is that most bank cards require a credit score of around 650 or higher. If your score is lower, many banks will reject you outright. Some banks — Capital One, Discover, and a few others — offer cards specifically for people building credit, and these have lower limits and higher interest rates, but they do not require a high score. You can find these cards on the bank's website under labels like "Secured Card" or "Credit Builder Card." A secured card requires you to put down a cash deposit (usually $200 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit.

Banks also require you to have a checking or savings account with them, or at least be willing to open one. Some waive this, but most prefer it. If you already bank somewhere, start there — they already know your account history and may approve you faster.

Credit unions: Lower fees and more flexibility

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions, not for-profit companies. They tend to have lower annual fees, lower interest rates, and more willingness to work with people who have limited credit history. If you belong to a credit union — through your employer, your school, or your neighborhood — you can ask about their credit card options.

The approval process is similar to a bank: you fill out an application, they check your credit, and you get a decision. But credit unions often look at more than just your credit score. They may consider how long you have been a member, whether you have a savings account with them, or whether you have a loan history with them. This means someone with a lower score but a solid relationship with the credit union might get approved where a bank would say no.

To find a credit union you can join, use the CO-OP Network locator or the Shared Branch locator on the Credit Union National Association website. You can also search by employer, school, or location. Some credit unions have open membership (anyone can join), while others require you to work for a specific company or live in a specific area.

Online lenders and fintech companies: Speed and flexibility

Companies like Chime, Revolut, LendingClub, and SoFi offer credit cards entirely through apps and websites. They do not have physical branches. The application takes 5 to 10 minutes, and you often get approved or denied on the spot. They tend to be faster than banks because they use automated systems and do not require as much paperwork.

These companies often have lower approval thresholds than traditional banks. Some will approve you with no credit history at all, or with a lower credit score. They may also offer features banks do not — like real-time spending notifications, automatic savings tools, or the ability to freeze your card instantly from your phone. The trade-off is that their card selection is smaller (most offer one or two card types), and their rewards programs are usually less generous than what you get from major banks.

The application process is entirely digital. You download the app or visit the website, enter your information, and they check your credit. You can usually start using the card within a day or two, either through a virtual card number (for online shopping) or by waiting for the physical card to arrive by mail.

What you need to have ready before you apply

Whether you go to a bank, credit union, or online lender, you will need the same basic information. Have your Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address ready. You will also need to provide income information — your job title, employer name, and annual income. If you are self-employed or retired, you may need to provide tax returns or other proof of income.

If you are applying for a secured card, you will need to be ready to fund the deposit account. Most banks let you do this online immediately after approval. If you are applying in person at a bank branch, bring a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and proof of address (a utility bill or lease).

Do not apply to multiple places on the same day. Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and too many inquiries in a short time can lower your score. Space applications out by at least a week or two.

Comparing approval timelines and what happens next

The speed of approval varies by where you apply. Online lenders and fintech companies usually give you an answer within minutes. Banks typically take a few hours to a few days. Credit unions may take a few days to a week, depending on how busy they are. If you are approved, the next step depends on the card type and the issuer.

For a standard card, you will get a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Many issuers also give you a virtual card number you can use for online shopping right away, before the physical card arrives. For a secured card, the process is the same, but you have to fund the deposit first.

Once your card arrives, you activate it (usually by calling a number on the card or using the issuer's app), set up a PIN if needed, and you can start using it. Your first statement will arrive 30 to 45 days after your first purchase. That statement shows your balance, your minimum payment, and your due date.

Red flags: Scams and predatory offers

Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay money upfront to get a credit card. Legitimate card issuers do not charge application fees. If a website or person promises a card in exchange for a fee, it is a scam. The same goes for guarantees — no one can may provide you will be approved for a card.

Avoid credit repair companies that claim they can fix your credit before you apply. You do not need them. You can check your own credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com (the only official site for free reports), and you can dispute errors yourself at no cost. If your score is low, time and responsible credit use will improve it — not a company charging you hundreds of dollars.

Also watch out for cards with extremely high interest rates or annual fees that seem designed to trap you. Some predatory cards charge $50 to $100 just to have them, plus interest rates of 30% or higher. If a card offer seems too good to be true or too expensive to make sense, read the fine print carefully or move on to another option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Online lenders and fintech companies often approve people with no credit history. Credit unions may also work with you if you are a member. Banks are harder — your best option with a bank is a secured card, which requires a cash deposit. Some banks also offer student cards if you are in school.

What if I have been rejected by a bank?

Try a credit union or an online lender instead. They have different approval standards. You can also ask the bank why you were rejected — sometimes it is a mistake on your credit report that you can fix. Get your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com and look for errors. If you find any, dispute them with the credit bureau.

Do I have to go to a physical branch to get a credit card?

No. Most banks, all online lenders, and many credit unions let you apply entirely online. Some banks still require you to visit a branch or mail in documents, but this is becoming less common. Check the bank's website to see what their process requires.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online lenders often approve you in minutes. Banks usually take a few hours to a few days. Credit unions may take a few days to a week. Once approved, the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, though most issuers give you a virtual card number to use right away.

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

A secured card requires you to put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. A regular card does not. Secured cards are for people building credit or recovering from poor credit. Once you show responsible use (usually 6 to 18 months), you can ask the issuer to convert it to a regular card and return your deposit.