Compare instant approval credit cards you can use right away

When you apply for a credit card online, you’ll often receive approval within 60 seconds or less. If approved, you’ll usually receive the card within a week or two. However, there are also some banks that’ll approve you for a card and almost immediately give you the card number so you have access to your credit right away.

Here’s which banks give you instant approval and card numbers so you can use your card almost immediately after you apply and qualify.

Banks that give card numbers right after approval

Getting a card number right after approval is very convenient, but not every bank will do that. In the table, find out which banks will give you a card number so you can start using your card as soon as you’re approved.

	Instant card numbers	Notes
Alliant		Alliant doesn’t provide instant card numbers for any of its cards
American Express		Available for all cards
Apple Card (by Goldman Sachs)		Available as soon as you are approved
Bank of America		You have to apply via the Bank of America Mobile app/td>
Barclaycard		Most cobranded cards get instant card numbers, but only to use at the brand’s website
BBVA		Some users report they succeeded in getting an instant card number, but only when visiting the branch
Brex		Available for all cards
Capital One		Some users reported success in getting instant card numbers, while others did not; The Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® gives instant card numbers to use at the store
Chase		Users report that some cobranded cards can be used immediately after approval on their websites, including: Marriott British Airways United Airlines Southwest Airlines Amazon Disney
Citi		Apparently, you can only get instant card numbers with these three cobranded cards: American Airlines AT&T Costco, if applied in-store The new Citi Custom Cash also allows you to access your card numbers as soon as you’re approved.
Discover		Discover doesn’t provide instant card numbers for any of its cards
HSBC		Technically, HSBC gives you the credit card number after approval, but you don’t get the CCV number and the expiry date, which means you can’t use your card
Navy Federal Credit Union		NFCU doesn’t provide instant card numbers for any of its cards
Synchrony		CUsers report getting instant card numbers for three cobranded cards: Rakuten (previous Ebates) Ebay PayPal
USAA		Instant card numbers are available to all USAA cards, but you only get $1,000 credit limit until your physical card arrives
US Bank		US Bank doesn’t provide instant card numbers for any of its cards
Wells Fargo		Wells Fargo doesn’t provide instant card numbers for any of its cards

How to apply for an instant approval credit card

An instant approval credit card is a way to apply online and receive your credit card as soon as possible. To improve your chances of instant approval though, there are a few steps you need to take to make sure you’ve completed your application properly.

1. Compare your options
2. Check the eligibility requirements
3. Collect the necessary documents and information
4. Apply online

Step 1. Compare your options.

As you can apply for most credit cards online and offer instant approval within 60 seconds, it’s important to compare your options before applying. Rather than basing your decision on potentially receiving approval within 60 seconds, make sure to consider the following.

• Fees. Annual, foreign transactions, balance transfers, late and returned payment fees should all be taken into consideration.
• Rates. Check the APR for purchases, cash advances and balance transfers before settling on a card.
• Features. Rewards programs, balance transfer offers, signup bonuses, complementary insurance and purchase protection are just a few benefits to take into account when comparing your options.

Make sure you can afford the card and that it offers the extra features you need to manage your credit.

Step 2. Check the eligibility requirements.

While you could receive approval within 60 seconds, you won’t receive approval at all if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements. Some of the criteria you’ll be expected to meet include:

• Good credit history. Most banks only accept applicants who have a good credit history with no evidence of defaults.
• Residential status. Depending on the card, you might only be able to apply if you’re a permanent US resident.
• Income. You’ll need to meet a minimum income requirement to receive approval for the card. If you don’t meet the income requirement of a card, you might want to compare low-income credit cards for more choices.

Step 3. Collect the necessary documents and information.

When you apply for a credit card online, you’ll be required to attach a number of documents and provide some personal information to receive instant approval. Some of the personal information you’ll need to provide includes:

• Proof of identity. You’ll be asked to provide proof of your identity such as your driver’s license, birth certificate or Medicare card.
• Personal details. You’ll need to provide your full name, residential address and contact details.
• Employment and income. You’ll need to provide proof of employment and income, including the details of your employer and recent payslips. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide your accountant’s details, and if you’re retired, you’ll need to provide evidence of your Centrelink payments or assets.
• Balance transfer details. If you’re applying for a balance transfer, you’ll need to provide the details of your existing account and the amount you’re transferring during the application.

To ensure a smooth and quick application process, make sure you have these details on hand before you begin your application.

Step 4. Apply online.

Once you’ve compared your credit card options, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and that you’ve organized the necessary documents. You can select the Go to site button to begin your secure online application. This should only take around 10 to 15 minutes if you have all of the relevant details handy.

Once you’ve submitted your application, you should receive your response within 60 seconds. You’ll either be approved, rejected or, if the bank needs to investigate a detail of your application in further detail, left pending.

What if I’m not instantly approved?

Sometimes, the card issuer may not instantly approve your card application. That doesn’t necessarily mean your application is denied. “Application pending” and “Under further review” mean the card issuer is still reviewing your application.

In this case — and even if your application is denied — you can call your provider for your application status or for approval reconsideration. Some cardholders report that their application was approved after calling their provider. There’s no guarantee, however, that this will work in all cases.

How do instant approval credit cards work?

Most banks and credit card issuers allow you to apply for cards online. The credit card provider can access the online national credit bureau and calculate its response using your credit status almost instantly. It’s only when there’s an issue with your application or credit history that it might take longer than 60 seconds for the bank to process.

Applying for a credit card online also has some security benefits. Your application will be protected by 128-bit encryption, and an online application is easier to track, reducing the chance of lost documents.

Like any other credit card application, though, your approval depends on your credit history, income and the information you included in your application.

What are your chances for instant approval?

Typically instant approval credit cards are aimed at those with good to excellent credit scores. Even if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and have an excellent credit score, your application may be declined for a number of reasons. An instant approval credit card doesn’t mean your approval is guaranteed.

Benefits of instant approval

• Instant discount and rewards. Depending on the card you’re approved for, you can use the discount on your purchases or earn rewards before your physical card arrives.
• Meet signup bonus requirements. If the card comes with a welcome offer, you get a chance to earn it early on.
• Instant access to certain card features. For example, an instant approval balance transfer card can let you consolidate your debt much faster.
• Emergency credit line. This is helpful if you need to make a large purchase and don’t have available credit on your other cards. Getting instant credit card numbers allows you to expand your credit card before getting your physical card. And if the card comes with a 0% intro APR period, you get an even higher value.

Credit cards for applicants with bad credit

You’ll only receive instant approval for a credit card if you meet the eligibility requirements and provide all the relevant documents. Not having a qualifying credit score or being unable to meet the eligibility requirements will bar you from approval.

Bad credit history can potentially be fixed — you can find out your credit score and work on improving it or apply for a credit card for applicants with bad credit. Rejected applications can hurt your credit score even further, so it’s important to consider these conditions before applying.

Luckily, most store credit cards have low eligibility requirements, allowing you to apply with a poor credit score or with no credit history. If you can’t find a secured card for building credit, make sure you check out store cards next.

What to do if your application is declined

If your application is rejected, you shouldn’t apply for another credit card straight away. Applying for several credit cards in a short period and having rejected applications on your credit file can further damage your credit score.

Instead, you might want to try the following:

1. Review eligibility requirements.
2. Review your credit score and credit history.
3. Contact the provider if you can’t narrow down the reasons why you weren’t approved.
4. Spend time improving your credit history or comparing other credit cards.
5. Apply for another credit card after a few months to give yourself time to repair your credit score.

You can use our guide on reasons why your credit card might’ve been declined to get started.

Bottom line

Instant approval credit cards are a convenient way to apply for a credit card online and get your credit card sooner. As instant approval credit cards still require you to meet the relevant eligibility requirements, it’s important to compare your credit card options and prepare your application before submitting it to improve your chances of approval.

Written by

Kliment Dukovski

Writer

Kliment Dukovski was a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in investments and cryptocurrency. He's written more than 700 articles to help readers compare the best trading platforms, understand complex investment terms and find the best credit cards for their needs. His expert commentary has been featured in such digital publications as Fox Business, MSN Money and MediaFeed. He’s also well-versed in money transfers, home loans and more — breaking down these topics into simple concepts anyone can understand. In another life, Kliment ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange, stock market trading and cryptocurrencies. See full bio

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Kliment has written 86 Finder guides across topics including:

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Co-written by

Rhys Subitch

Editor

Rhys Subitch is a personal finance editor at Bankrate and former loans editor at Finder, specializing in consumer and business lending. Rhys has nearly a decade of experience researching, editing, and writing for startups, Fortune 500 companies, universities and websites. They hold a BA in sociology and a certificate of editing from the University of Washington. See full bio

Rhys's expertise

Rhys has written 38 Finder guides across topics including:

• Personal, business, student and car loans
• Credit scores and alternative data
• Debt consolidation and management