Getting a Mastercard means finding a bank or credit card issuer that offers one, meeting their income and credit requirements, and submitting an application online or in person
Mastercard itself does not issue cards — it is the payment network that runs behind the card. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions issue Mastercards to customers who meet their standards. The process starts with choosing an issuer, checking whether you meet their basic requirements (usually a minimum age of 18, a Social Security number, and a U.S. address), and then applying through their website, mobile app, or a branch.
Most issuers check your credit report and credit score during the application process. If you have no credit history or a low score, you may still be able to get a Mastercard, but you might be offered a secured card instead — one that requires a cash deposit as collateral. The deposit typically becomes your credit limit.
Key Takeaways
- Mastercard is a network, not an issuer — you get a Mastercard from a bank, credit union, or online lender, not from Mastercard directly.
- Most issuers require you to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and provide proof of a U.S. address.
- Your credit score affects which cards you can get and what interest rate and credit limit you receive.
- If you have no credit history or a low score, a secured Mastercard with a cash deposit may be your fastest path to approval.
- The application takes minutes online, and you usually hear back within days or weeks, not months.
Where to apply for a Mastercard
Start by deciding whether you want to apply through a bank you already use, a different bank, a credit union, or an online lender. Each has trade-offs. Your current bank already knows your account history and may approve you faster, but they may not offer the card terms you want. Online lenders and smaller banks often have lower credit score requirements but may charge higher interest rates.
Search for "Mastercard" on the websites of banks and credit unions you are considering. Most display their card options on a dedicated credit card page. Compare the annual percentage rate (APR), annual fee (if any), credit limit range, and rewards structure. Write down the names of two or three cards that fit your needs, then visit each issuer's application page.
You can also visit a bank branch in person and ask to apply there. This works well if you want to ask questions before submitting, but the application itself is usually faster online.
What information you will need to provide
Have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and recent pay stubs or tax returns ready before you start. The issuer will ask for your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. They will also ask about your employment — your job title, employer name, and annual income.
Be honest about your income. Issuers verify this information, and lying can result in your application being denied or your account being closed later. If you are self-employed, use your net income from your most recent tax return. If you are retired or receive disability payments, those count as income too.
You will also be asked whether you want to add an authorized user (someone else who can use the card) or whether you want to link the card to an existing bank account for automatic payments. You can skip these options and add them later.
How your credit score affects your chances
Most issuers pull your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. This is called a hard inquiry and it temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The issuer looks at your score, your payment history, and how much debt you already carry.
If your credit score is 670 or higher, you have many Mastercard options and are likely to be approved at a reasonable interest rate. If your score is between 580 and 669, you will have fewer options and may face a higher APR. If your score is below 580 or you have no credit history at all, a standard Mastercard may not be available to you, but a secured Mastercard usually is.
You can check your own credit score for free through websites like Credit Karma, AnnualCreditReport.com, or your bank's app. Checking your own score does not lower it — only hard inquiries from lenders do.
Secured Mastercards if you have limited or poor credit
A secured Mastercard works differently from a standard card. You deposit money into a savings account held by the issuer — usually between $200 and $2,500 — and that deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other card, paying your bill each month. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, the issuer may convert it to a standard card and return your deposit.
Secured cards charge interest on purchases just like standard cards do, and they may have an annual fee. The advantage is that they are much easier to get approved for, even with no credit history or a low score. Banks that offer secured Mastercards include Capital One, Discover, and many regional banks and credit unions.
To apply for a secured card, follow the same steps as a standard card application, but be prepared to fund the deposit account immediately after approval. Most issuers let you do this online through their website or app.
What happens after you submit your application
The issuer will send you a decision within days or sometimes weeks. If you are approved, you will receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, along with a PIN and instructions for activating it. Some issuers let you use a temporary digital card number in their app while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
If you are denied, the issuer must send you a written explanation within 30 days. Common reasons include insufficient income, too much existing debt, or a credit score that is too low. If you are denied, you can ask the issuer what you need to do to be approved in the future, or you can apply for a secured card instead.
Once your card arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or using the issuer's app or website. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum balance so you do not miss a due date. Missing payments will hurt your credit score and may result in late fees.
Building credit with your new Mastercard
Using your Mastercard responsibly is the fastest way to build or rebuild your credit. Pay your full balance each month if you can — this avoids interest charges and shows lenders you can manage credit. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay at least the minimum by the due date every single month.
Keep your credit utilization low — that is, do not charge more than 30 percent of your credit limit. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance below $150. This signals to lenders that you are not desperate for credit and can manage what you have.
Do not close the card after you have built your credit. Closing it can lower your score because it reduces your total available credit. Instead, keep it open and use it occasionally for a small purchase, then pay it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Mastercard without a credit history?
Yes. If you have never had a credit card or loan before, you can apply for a standard Mastercard, but you may be denied because the issuer has no record of how you handle debt. A secured Mastercard is a better option — it requires a cash deposit but does not require a credit history, and it helps you build one.
How long does it take to get approved for a Mastercard?
Most online applications are reviewed within minutes to a few hours, and you will receive a decision the same day or within a few business days. The physical card arrives in the mail 7 to 10 business days after approval. Some issuers offer instant digital card numbers that you can use immediately while waiting for the physical card.
What is the difference between a Mastercard and other credit cards?
Mastercard is a payment network — it processes transactions at stores and online. Visa, American Express, and Discover are other networks. The terms of your card (interest rate, fees, rewards) depend on the bank that issued it, not the network. Two Mastercards from different banks can have very different costs and benefits.
Will applying for a Mastercard hurt my credit score?
The application itself causes a hard inquiry, which lowers your score by a few points temporarily. This effect fades within a few months. However, if you are approved and use the card responsibly, your score will recover and eventually improve because you are demonstrating that you can manage credit.
Can I get a Mastercard if I have been denied before?
Yes. If you were denied in the past, ask the issuer why. Common reasons are low income, too much existing debt, or a credit score that was too low. If your situation has improved — you earn more, paid down debt, or fixed errors on your credit report — you can apply again. A secured card is also an option if you want to avoid another denial.