How does same-day credit card access work?
Waiting for a credit card to arrive in the post can sometimes feel frustrating, especially when you need to make an important payment or purchase.
The good news is that getting access to your credit card on the same day you apply is now possible with the Ocean Credit Card. In this guide, we'll explain how same day card access works, when it might be helpful, and how you can use it with your Ocean Credit Card.
4 min read
What is same-day card access?
When you apply for a credit card, you normally have to wait several days for it to arrive in the post before you can use it. But we’ve started offering something different - you can get your card details and start using them on the same day you're approved.
This means that instead of waiting for the plastic card to arrive, you can see your card number, expiry date and security code straight away. You can then use these details to shop online or pay bills whilst you wait for the physical card to come through the post.
How it works
The process is quite straightforward:
- You fill in an application on your phone
- If you're approved, you'll need to download the Capital One app
- Complete your ID checks in the app (you’ll need to stay on the app whilst these happen)
- Once your checks are complete, you can see your card details
- You can use these details to pay bills or shop online
- Your physical card arrives in the post a few days later
We will let you know if you're pre-approved straight away, usually in as little as 60 seconds.
Ocean Credit Card
See if it's a YES before you apply
- Up to £3,000 credit limit
- Checking won't affect your credit score
- Get a response in 60 seconds
39.9% APR APR Representative (variable)
Intelligent Lending Ltd (credit broker). Capital One is the exclusive lender.
Important things to know about the app
You'll need to download the Capital One app to access your card details on the same day. This is where you'll see your card number, expiry date and security code.
Make sure you click on the link to download the app when you see it during your application. If you close the agreement page without downloading the app or clicking the link, you won't be able to get your card details until your physical card arrives.
Keep the app on your phone - if you delete it, you'll lose access to your card details until your physical card arrives.
What happens with ID checks?
When you're approved, you'll need to complete some ID checks in the Capital One app. You'll need to stay on the app whilst these checks happen.
Sometimes we need to do some extra manual checks. If this happens, don't worry - we'll send you an SMS once these checks are complete, and then you can access your card details.
If your ID check doesn't work the first time, you have three attempts within ten days. Your physical card will still arrive in the post as normal, even if the ID checks aren't successful.
When same day access is helpful
Life doesn't always wait for the post to arrive. Having your card details straight away can be useful for:
- Unexpected essential costs like urgent car or boiler repairs
- Paying bills that are due before your physical card arrives
- Purchasing necessary items you need quickly
Keeping your card safe
Security is really important when your card details are digital. We use several layers of protection:
- Password or PIN protection
- Fingerprint or face recognition on phones
- The ability to freeze your card instantly in the app
- Encrypted card details
If you ever think someone else has seen your card details, you can freeze or cancel your card straight away in the Capital One app.
Ready to apply?
Same-day virtual card access is available whether you apply on mobile or desktop. If you're approved, you could have your card details ready to use the same day — and your physical Ocean Credit Card will arrive at your home within 10 days.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
