Banks, credit unions, and online lenders are the three main places to get a credit card

You can open a credit card account with a traditional bank branch, an online bank, a credit union, or an online-only lender. Each route has different requirements, different approval timelines, and different card options. Where you apply matters because some issuers look mainly at your credit score, others focus on your income or employment history, and some will consider you even if you have no credit history yet.

The fastest way to find out which issuers will work with your situation is to check what cards each type of lender offers, then read the stated requirements before you apply. Applying to multiple cards in a short window does lower your credit score slightly, but the damage is temporary — most scoring models treat multiple applications within 14 to 45 days as a single inquiry.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions require you to visit in person or apply online, and approval usually takes one to three business days.
  • Online lenders and fintech companies often approve applications in minutes and can issue a temporary card number the same day.
  • Credit unions typically offer lower interest rates and fees than banks, but you must be a member first — membership requirements vary by location and employer.
  • Secured credit cards, which require a cash deposit, are available from most banks and online lenders and are designed for people building or rebuilding credit.
  • Checking the card issuer's stated requirements before you apply tells you whether they focus on credit score, income, or credit history.

Traditional banks and their credit card options

Most large banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and regional banks — offer credit cards online and in branch. You can start an application on their website, finish it in person, or complete the entire process online. Banks typically require a Social Security number, proof of income (usually a recent pay stub or tax return), and a current address.

Approval timelines vary. Some banks give you a decision within hours; others take one to three business days. Once approved, you receive a physical card by mail in five to ten business days, though many banks now issue a temporary card number immediately so you can use the card online right away. Banks generally require a credit score of 670 or higher for standard cards, though some offer cards for people with lower scores or limited credit history.

Banks also offer secured credit cards, which require you to deposit cash (usually $200 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. This route works if your credit score is below 600 or you have no credit history. After six to eighteen months of on-time payments, the bank may convert the card to an unsecured card and return your deposit.

Credit unions and membership requirements

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that often charge lower interest rates and annual fees than banks. Many credit unions offer credit cards to members, and some have less strict credit score requirements than banks do. The catch is that you must be a member first, and membership rules vary widely.

Some credit unions are open to anyone in a geographic area; others are limited to employees of a specific company, members of a professional organization, or people who live in a certain county. A few credit unions allow you to join by making a small donation to a nonprofit partner. You can search for credit unions you may be may be able to access to join through the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union's locator tool. Once you are a member, you can apply for their credit card through the same channels as a bank — online or in person.

Credit union credit cards often have lower APRs (annual percentage rates) than bank cards and may waive annual fees. Some credit unions also offer credit-builder cards or secured cards with lower deposit requirements than banks.

Online banks and fintech lenders

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover, as well as fintech companies like Chime, Upgrade, and LendingClub, issue credit cards entirely through their websites or apps. You can complete the entire application in ten to fifteen minutes, and many give you a decision within minutes. Some issue a temporary card number immediately so you can start using the card online the same day.

Online lenders often approve people with credit scores as low as 580 to 620, and some have no minimum credit score requirement — they may instead look at your income, employment history, or bank account activity. Physical cards arrive by mail in five to ten business days. Online lenders typically have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar banks, which sometimes translates to lower fees, though interest rates vary widely.

Many online lenders also offer secured cards or credit-builder products designed specifically for people with no credit or poor credit. These cards work the same way as bank secured cards — you deposit cash, and that amount becomes your limit.

Retail and store credit cards

Department stores, grocery chains, and other retailers issue their own credit cards, often with rewards tied to purchases at that store. Retail cards typically have lower credit score requirements than bank cards — some approve people with scores in the 600s or even lower. Approval is often instant at checkout or within a few hours online.

The tradeoff is that retail cards usually have higher interest rates than bank or credit union cards, and the rewards are limited to that retailer. Retail cards can be useful if you shop at that store regularly and plan to pay off the balance each month, but they are not a good choice if you carry a balance because the interest charges will outweigh any rewards.

Secured cards and cards for building credit

If your credit score is below 600 or you have no credit history, a secured credit card is often your best option. You deposit cash with the card issuer — typically $200 to $2,500 — and that amount becomes your credit limit. You then use the card like a regular credit card, and your on-time payments are reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Most banks and online lenders offer secured cards. After six to eighteen months of on-time payments, the issuer may convert your card to a standard unsecured card and return your deposit. Some issuers automatically review your account for conversion; others require you to request it. Check the card's terms before you apply to understand the conversion timeline and process.

Credit-builder cards, offered by some credit unions and online lenders, work differently: you make a deposit, but the issuer holds it in a savings account while you use the card. Your payments are reported to the credit bureaus, and after a set period (usually twelve months), the deposit is returned to you. These cards have the same goal as secured cards — building credit history — but they let you earn a small amount of interest on your deposit.

What to check before you apply

Before you apply to any card, read the issuer's stated requirements. Most card issuers publish the credit score range they typically approve, the income minimum (if any), and whether they accept applicants with no credit history. This information is usually on the card's product page or in the terms and conditions.

You should also check the annual percentage rate (APR), any annual fee, and what rewards or benefits the card offers. If you carry a balance, the APR matters far more than rewards. If you plan to pay off the balance each month, rewards and annual fees are more important.

Finally, check whether the issuer reports to all three credit bureaus. Cards that report to only one or two bureaus are less useful for building credit because lenders typically check all three when they review your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit score to get a credit card?

No. Secured cards, credit-builder cards, and some retail cards accept people with no credit history or very low credit scores. You will need a Social Security number and proof of income or a bank account, but not an existing credit score. Starting with a secured card is a common way to build credit from scratch.

How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?

Online lenders and fintech companies often approve you in minutes. Banks and credit unions typically take one to three business days. Once approved, the physical card arrives by mail in five to ten business days, though many issuers now provide a temporary card number immediately so you can use the card online right away.

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

A secured card requires you to deposit cash upfront, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. A regular card does not require a deposit. Secured cards are designed for people building or rebuilding credit. After six to eighteen months of on-time payments, most issuers convert a secured card to a regular card and return your deposit.

Can I get a credit card if I have been denied before?

Yes. If you were denied by one issuer, try a different type of lender — for example, if a bank denied you, try a credit union or online lender. You can also start with a secured card, build your credit for six to twelve months, and then apply for a regular card. Wait at least three to six months between applications to different issuers so your credit score has time to recover from the inquiry.

Should I apply to multiple cards at once?

Applying to multiple cards within a short window (14 to 45 days) counts as a single inquiry on most credit scoring models, so the damage to your score is minimal. However, applying to many cards over several months does lower your score each time. Apply to cards you actually want, and space out applications by at least a few months if possible.