You can get a credit card from several main places, and most people apply online today. The best option depends on your credit history, income, and what you want the card for (rewards, building credit, low interest, etc.).

Main places to get a credit card

  • Banks and credit unions : You can apply through major banks (online or in-branch) and local credit unions, which often have beginner‑friendly or low‑rate cards.
  • Credit card companies directly : Issuers like Discover, American Express, Capital One, and others let you apply on their websites for a wide range of cards.
  • Online comparison sites : Credit and financial sites let you compare multiple cards and sometimes show “matched” offers based on your credit profile.
  • Retail and store cards : Many big retailers offer store‑branded credit cards that you can apply for at checkout or on their websites.

How to choose where to apply

  • Check your credit score first so you know if you should look for beginner, secured, or prime rewards cards.
  • Use pre‑approval or pre‑qualification tools many issuers offer, which give you an idea of approval odds without hurting your credit score.
  • Compare:
    • Fees and APR
    • Rewards (cash back, travel, points)
    • Extra benefits like fraud protection and no annual fee.

Simple step‑by‑step process

  1. Check your credit and income situation.
  1. Decide your goal (build credit, earn rewards, finance a purchase, etc.).
  1. Use an issuer or comparison site to narrow down a few cards that fit.
  1. Try pre‑approval if available.
  2. Submit an application online with your personal details, income, and housing info.

If you’re new to credit

  • Look at student cards if you’re in college or secured cards if you have no or poor credit, since these are designed to help build a history over time.
  • Some banks are more beginner‑friendly and will consider low credit limits or secured deposits for first‑time cardholders.

Quick HTML table: common places to get a card

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Where you get it</th>
      <th>How you apply</th>
      <th>Best for</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Major banks (online or branch)[web:3][web:5]</td>
      <td>Online form or in-person application</td>
      <td>General use, lower rates, existing customers</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Card issuers (e.g., Discover, Amex)[web:1][web:10]</td>
      <td>Online application on issuer website</td>
      <td>Rewards, travel cards, starter cards</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Credit unions[web:3]</td>
      <td>Membership plus online/branch application</td>
      <td>Lower fees and interest, local service</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Retail/store cards[web:3]</td>
      <td>At checkout or online at the store</td>
      <td>Store discounts and promos</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Comparison/credit sites[web:3]</td>
      <td>Click through to issuer and apply</td>
      <td>Comparing many offers quickly</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.