Can anyone provide input on how long to expect to receive a Discover it Miles card (probably any Discover card) from application to actual plastic in my hands (presuming instant approval)?
Back story is, I want the Discover it Miles to take advantage of the effective 3% for the first year. Currently I'm finishing up some spending thresholds on other cards, which should culminate around August 1, so I don't want to get the card now and be splitting my spending. I'm going on a three week vacation starting 8/20, and will probably want the card on that vacation. In that case, I'd want to actually have the plastic before 8/20. But I don't want it too early and waste part of that 12-month 3% window. On the other hand, if another of my existing cards happens to have a bonus which equates to 3% or better during August/September, then I may want to put off the card until after vacation.
So I want to wait as late as possible to get the card to maximize the benefits and keep my eyes open for other offers, but don't want to risk not getting the card before 8/20 in case I want to bring it on vcaction. And of course, the worst would be if I applied on 8/1 and the card didn't arrive until 8/20 when I'm already gone, and it sits in my mailbox wasting the first month of 3% while I make purchases at 2% CB.
If I wait until 8/1 to apply for Discover it Miles and get approved, what's the likelihood I'll receive the plastic by 8/19?
Chris.
