How quickly can I be accepted?

This is a question that many people tend to ask when it comes to applying for a credit card and the answer to this question is it can vary dependent on one’s individual circumstances.

If you are to apply for a credit card then you need to prepare yourself for what could possibly be a very lengthy wait as the entire background on an individual will almost certainly need to be researched to ensure suitability with a particular lender.

Credit cards may seem like a lot of hard work but it can be worth the wait should it be required for emergency use or when times are particularly hard. Unexpected financial commitments can arise and this is where a credit card can come in handy.

What is the average wait when I apply credit card?

As I have mentioned above, the wait can depend completely on the type of information a lender may require. The average wait when you apply for a credit card can be anytime from 3 to 10 working days although in most situations, an instant decision will be given on most occasions.

What information do lenders require when I apply for a credit card?

Aside from the length of time you could be awaiting as to whether or not you have been deemed acceptable by the lenders in question, there may be a variety of information that could be requested when you apply for a credit card.

The most common pieces of information a lender may request when you apply for a credit card can include proof of identity (in form of utilities bills) and proof of income such as payslips and bank statements.

In some cases this may not be required, it is purely used to establish that all information matches what has been entered in the original application when you apply for a credit card, being honest will greatly strengthen your chances of being accepted.

If you are unsure whether or not you will be accepted, then there are ways of establishing exactly what your credit rating is and whether or not you pose a risk to lenders by being deemed “unfit to hold a card”.

What if I am unsure about my credit rating?

Should obtaining a credit card be of the highest priority then before you apply I would strongly urge visiting Experian.co.uk. This website is designed to help you see a list of your credit and financial history as well as repayment habits. Lenders will be subjected to the same information and this will help them make their decision based on the information presented to them.

When you apply it is important to bear this in mind because the slightest error on any application will be crossed matched with Experian and mismatches could mean you are turned down when perhaps, you should have been accepted.

Carefully peruse your credit file before submitting any application because should anything untoward arises then this could result in you being turned down almost immediately.