Instead of waiting for that perfect credit card offer to find its way into the mailbox, people can hop online and start surfing. And when they do, they'll soon discover that several cards come with some pretty nifty Web sites. And it's beginning to take off. More than 6 million people have found their credit cards online, according to one study. While many people may find the card of their choice online, and even apply there, only a handful of cards promise instant approval such as the e.card Visa from First USA and the NextCard issued by Heritage Bank of Commerce of San Jose.
Many issuers still process online applications the old-fashioned way.
They are printed out and processed the same way a mailed application would be. Applicants may hear in a couple of days or a couple of weeks. And though it is certainly quick and easy to apply online for a card, experts encourage people to take their time and shop carefully. People who fly right by the rate and fee information may be in for a surprise when that first bill arrives. It varies widely.