{"id":189,"date":"2021-06-28T17:30:32","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T00:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/?page_id=189"},"modified":"2023-12-19T06:43:12","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T14:43:12","slug":"how-to-get-a-credit-card","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/ca\/credit-cards\/how-to-get-a-credit-card","title":{"rendered":"How to Apply for a Credit Card in Canada: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Applying for a credit card is a fairly straightforward process, but that doesn\u2019t mean approval is guaranteed. In this guide, NerdWallet will walk you through the online application process and answer some important questions about credit checks, eligibility and first-time applicants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get a credit card online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most credit card issuers allow you to apply for a card online, with approval taking a matter of minutes. Here are the basic steps for getting a credit card through the internet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Visit the issuer\u2019s website and click on the card you\u2019re interested in. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Read through the card\u2019s details to ensure it suits your needs and makes sense for your finances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before you start the application process. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Click \u201capply now,\u201d or the equivalent button, and you\u2019ll be taken to a step-by-step application form. These forms typically ask for a mix of personal and financial details, such as:\n
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    1. Your full name. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Your date of birth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Your current and previous employment details, such as job title, employer and income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Your home address and other contact information, such as your email.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Your Social Insurance Number (SIN), if applicable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Submit all applicable information to the issuer. This may include uploading digital versions of documents, such as bank statements. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Review your application details carefully to ensure all the information is represented and accurate. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Click \u201csubmit\u201d or the equivalent button.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Applying for a credit card in person or over the phone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      You can also apply for a credit card in person \u2014 at a bank, for example \u2014 or over the phone. If applying in person, you\u2019ll likely need to provide physical copies of documents. <\/p>\n\n\n

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      Best Credit Cards in Canada<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      \n\t\t\t\t\t\tCompare all different credit cards side-by-side and find out the best card that will reward you with special perks and benefits\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

      Explore Now<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Ad\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Do credit card applications require credit checks? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      When you apply for a credit card, the issuer reviews your credit report. This is called a hard inquiry or hard hit. The issuer can see a range of financial details, such as mortgage repayments and bankruptcy filings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Will applying for a credit card affect my credit score?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Hard credit inquiries can temporarily decrease your score, but won\u2019t cause permanent damage if you pay your bills on time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, applying for multiple credit cards<\/a> simultaneously isn\u2019t advised, as your credit report will show numerous credit inquiries. Some lenders might see this activity as worrisome, and assume that you\u2019re living beyond your means. Ideally, you should wait a few months between credit card applications<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Did you know?<\/strong><\/h3>

      Closed accounts with positive data stay on your credit report from 10 to 20 years. This may include an old credit card that you paid off in full. Negative data, however, typically stays on your report for only up to seven years. This can include missed payments, late payments and bankruptcy filings. If you declare bankruptcy more than once, it can stay on your report for 14 years.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>