How to apply for an ING credit card step by step

Can a short, clear guide remove the stress from a new card application and save weeks of hassle?

This introduction explains what a reader in the Netherlands should expect when they start an application. It covers eligibility checks, common documents, and typical timelines so the process feels simple and predictable.

The guide outlines practical steps: confirm eligibility, complete the online form, track approval, and prepare for delivery. It also shows which features to compare and why timing matters when choosing products to suit spending and repayment habits.

The article highlights common reasons for declines, such as low score or missing income proof, and offers quick next steps to improve approval chances. Readers learn how issuers verify identity and income and how reference numbers help track progress.

Why apply for an ING credit card now

Picking a new payment product at the right moment can cut interest costs and add real benefits. When promotions match planned spending, a long 0% purchase period or a balance transfer deal can save money on large buys or existing balances.

Compare the advertised APR and the effective rate after bank assessment. APR blends interest and some fees, so the headline rate may not show the total cost. Review fees such as late charges, over-limit penalties, cash advance costs, and foreign currency fees before deciding.

Those rebuilding a profile may prefer a credit-builder product with a lower limit and higher initial rate to show on-time payments. Travellers should prioritise reduced foreign transaction fees and travel benefits. Make a shortlist of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers, then compare several banks and issuers to find the best match.

Check eligibility before you start

A quick eligibility check can save time and protect a credit score from needless hard inquiries. Many issuers offer a soft-search tool that shows likely acceptance, an estimated APR, and a probable limit without affecting the file.

Typical baselines include being over 18 and resident in the Netherlands, with a stable address history for a couple of years and verifiable income. The card issuer will also review existing loans, bill payment history, and identifiers such as voter registration to confirm stability.

Use the eligibility tool to make sure the product fits the profile. If the score looks borderline, reduce outstanding balances or fix errors on the report before you apply. Applicants who opened multiple accounts in recent months may want to wait; successive checks and new accounts can lower a score temporarily.

If details remain unclear, contact the issuer or read FAQs on the provider’s site. As an example from another market, ING Australia lists age, ID, residency, and a minimum income as part of its criteria—local rules may vary, so verify requirements in the Netherlands.

Gather the documents and information ING will ask for

Gathering the right paperwork ahead of time speeds verification and cuts delays. Applicants should collect clear copies of identity and address documents before starting the credit card application.

Prepare personal information: full legal name, date of birth, and current residential address. Include prior addresses for the past two years so the issuer can confirm stability.

Employment details matter. Note employer name, role, length of employment in years, and gross income per year. Attach recent salary slips or tax statements when requested.

Have bank account details ready for a Direct Debit mandate and any balance transfer information for existing cards. Keep ID, a recent bank statement, and a utility bill as proof of address.

Organise scanned documents or legible photos as PDFs to reduce back-and-forth with the bank. Save the product disclosures and rate sheet so the final offer matches expectations.

Apply ING credit card step by step

A practical sequence of actions cuts errors and speeds verification for first-time applicants.

Begin with a soft eligibility check to view likely approval odds and indicative terms without a hard enquiry. If the result looks favorable, choose the exact product that matches spending needs—everyday purchases, balance transfers, or travel perks.

Complete the online application with accurate personal and financial details. Double-check names, addresses, income, and account numbers against documents to avoid delays from the issuer.

Upload identity, address, and income proofs in the required formats. Consent to a credit check and submit; some applicants will see an instant decision, while others move to manual review and verification calls.

If a conditional decision appears, respond quickly to any requests for extra details. For balance transfers, enter existing account information precisely so payoffs process on time.

Choose a primary repayment account for Direct Debit and save the application reference. After approval, expect the issuer to prepare and dispatch the new credit card within several business days.

Decision timelines, status tracking, and delivery

Decisions often arrive within minutes, but some applications need a human review that adds a few days. Instant online outcomes are common, yet manual underwriting can extend the waiting time.

Most banks provide an application reference number. Keeping this number handy lets the applicant check status in an online portal or tell customer service the same details without repeating everything.

Many issuers show a status tracker where the applicant enters the reference to see whether verification or dispatch is pending. If the decision is conditional, a quick reply to requests for extra details shortens the overall process.

On approval, issuers usually send the card and the PIN separately. Delivery commonly takes about 5–10 working days; one market example notes 5–7 business days after approval. Local mail and bank processing affect exact days.

Watch email and phone for verification calls or messages, as missed contacts may delay issue. Once the physical card arrives, activation happens via mobile app, online account, or phone. If delivery exceeds the stated window, contact support with the reference to request an update or reissue.

If your application is declined: common reasons and next steps

A rejection often points to a few concrete issues that an applicant can address. The most frequent reasons include a low credit score, high balances relative to income, recent missed payments, or several recent applications.

Incomplete or poor-quality documents also trigger declines. Make sure address history, employment dates, and income match the uploaded documents to avoid automated rejections.

After a refusal, they should request reports from recognised bureaus such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Review entries line by line and dispute any errors that lower the score.

Avoid reapplying immediately; spacing attempts over a few months prevents extra hard checks from harming the score. Paying down revolving balances and bringing accounts current reduces utilisation and improves approval chances.

If the bank cites insufficient income, consider requesting a lower limit first or using a rebuilding product to establish positive history. Contact customer support to confirm the decline reasons and fix specific gaps before the next application.

Smart final checks to get the most from your new card

A quick review after approval keeps surprises to a minimum and saves time later. When the physical card arrives, activate it right away and enroll in the mobile app to manage the account and set alerts.

Read the agreement for the APR, fees, promotional rate periods, and the assigned limit. Set up Direct Debit for at least the statement minimum, ideally the full balance, to protect a score and avoid late charges.

Enable security features such as freezing, location controls, and notifications. Save application reference and issuer contact details, track the first few statements for errors, and plan large purchases inside any 0% window so money is not lost to surprise rates later.