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The Daily Insight Hub

Do you have to accept a credit card if you are approved?

Author

Emma Miller

Updated on February 12, 2026

Can you refuse the card? Not really, although you can effectively do so in certain cases, depending on your credit history. It’s really a matter of semantics if you are approved for a card, then call up the company and say you want to “refuse it.” What you’re really doing is asking them to cancel the card.

How long should I wait to apply for another credit card after being approved?

While the number of credit cards you should have is up to you and you can apply for new lines of credit as often as you want, it’s a good idea to wait at least 90 days between new credit card applications—and it’s better if you can wait a full six months.

Should I apply for 2 credit cards on the same day?

There’s no rule against applying for multiple credit cards in one day, but doing so may hurt your credit standing as well as your chances of approval for a new credit card account. Each time you apply for a credit card, the credit card company does a hard pull, or inquiry, on at least one of your credit reports.

What happens when you apply for a credit card and are not approved?

If you apply for a credit card through the mail instead of completing the application online, it could take even longer for your application to reach the credit card issuer and go through the approval process. If you’ve been approved for a new credit card, the bank or lender might issue you a credit card number right away.

How long does it take for credit card application to be approved?

Q: How long does it take for my application to be approved? Although most credit card applications provide instant approval or conditional approval (approved within 2-4 business days), credit card providers can take between one to two weeks to review an application.

Can you get a credit card with instant approval?

If you are interested in a card that provides instant approval, there are several to consider. Just keep in mind that these offers are typically designed for individuals with bad or limited credit. According to First Premier Bank’s website, you can receive an application response for the First PREMIER® Bank Credit Card immediately.

What do you need to know before applying for a credit card?

A credit card issuer may need to verify your address, Social Security number or income before making a decision, for example, which means you’ll have to wait until the verification process is complete before you learn whether or not your application has been approved. What are the credit card approval process steps?