Frequently asked questions

You must be over 18 years old and live in mainland UK (including Northern Ireland) to apply for a credit card.

You'll also have to meet the requirements for a Capital One credit card. Take a closer look at our credit cards to see which one could be right for you.

Yes. If you've had a Capital One account for more than four months you can also apply for some of our latest products. Have a look and see if any of our other cards could be right for you.

We'll want to know your home addresses from the last two years, whether you work you and how much income you regularly get.

If you're transferring balances from other credit or store cards, you'll also need to tell us these credit or store card numbers and balances.

If you have been at your address for less than two years, we'll want to know your previous address to help us get a clearer picture of your financial background.

Yes. We use a 'secure session' using something called SSL encryption technology whenever you send personal information over the internet. SSL is the most secure encryption available today.

Once you've completed your application form, we'll review your information and make a decision of whether to accept you or not. If you have been accepted, we'll try to tell you straight away. But sometimes we may need more time to consider your application. In those cases we'll get in touch within the next seven to 10 working days.

From the date you're accepted it takes between seven to 10 working days for your credit card to arrive. Your PIN will arrive separately from your credit card.

We'll send you your PIN a few days before you get your card. If you don't get it within seven days of being accepted, please let us know and we'll send you a duplicate.

You can change your PIN at any UK cash machine that displays the Mastercard® or Visa logo. Simply insert your card and enter your current PIN. Then select 'Other Services' and got to 'PIN Services'. Changing your PIN takes effect right away.

Not necessarily. Capital One takes all the information you provide on your application form and a decision is then made based on that and the information in your credit history.

If you are declined it's a good idea to wait a few months before you apply for another credit card.

If you want to apply for a Capital One credit card again try QuickCheck, our free online credit card eligibility checker. It will give you a 100% guaranteed yes or no, so you know for certain if you'll be accepted for one of our credit cards before you apply.