If you are a last minute shopper for a credit card, time is running very short if you want to have that credit card in time to purchase holiday gifts.  A few years ago, it was possible to apply online and get instant access to your account and credit limit.  Today, the vast majority of credit card companies do not provide instant access to new credit card accounts.  Ultimately, this means you won’t have access to your credit card until it arrives in the mail.   This can be five to seven days, if not more during the busy holiday mail season. (more…)