When you apply for a credit card online, it’s common to receive approval within 60 seconds or less. Once your application is approved, you should usually receive your card within a week or 2. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and some providers could take longer to process your application.
Compare instant approval credit cards
Your approval time for these credit cards depends on the information you provide. Typically, a decision is instant or near instant, and you’ll receive it within a few minutes of completing your application. In some cases, more information will be required, and it may take longer.
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The word “instant approval credit card” is slightly misleading, as you’re never guaranteed an instant approval. If you have a lower credit score, made an error on your application or not provided all the required information, it could delay the application process. In this instance, the provider will let you know if there’s more information they require when considering your eligibility.
An instant approval credit card has an application that returns a decision within a few minutes or less. Applications are typically online and take around 10-15 minutes to complete. The credit card provider can access your credit report from one of the credit reference agencies and calculate its response using your credit status almost instantly.
Like any other credit card application, though, your approval depends on your credit history, income and the information you included in your application.
Instant approval and guaranteed approval – what's the difference?
Many credit card providers offer “instant approval” online after a 10-15 minute application process. However, the words “guaranteed approval” or “pre-approved” are generally used as marketing tools to entice new customers. Usually, these offers are made using limited or out-of-date information about your financial history. Without you going through the credit card application process, an approval can never be 100% guaranteed.
What are your chances for instant approval?
Your chance of approval depends on the card provider’s criteria. Typically, people with good to excellent credit scores have a strong chance of a quick approval. However, it’s also possible for people with low credit scores to find instant approval for certain credit card products designed for their financial profile.
It’s important to know that even if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and have an excellent credit score, there are a number of reasons your application may be declined. An instant approval credit card doesn’t mean your approval is guaranteed.
How to improve your chances of an instant approval
To increase your chances of being accepted for an instant approval, it’s best to focus on your credit score. To give it a boost, you can:
Register on the electoral roll. This helps lenders verify you are who you say you are and will increase your credit score.
Lower your credit utilisation ratio. This is the percentage you use of your credit limit, and it’s best to keep it as low as possible to help improve your credit score. Ideally, you want to keep it below 30%.
Pay bills on time. Paying your bills in full and on time shows lenders you’re a reliable borrower, and it can help increase your chances of approval. Missed payments, on the other hand, can damage your credit score.
Space out applications. Too many applications in a short amount of time can lower your credit score and deter lenders from letting you borrow.
As you can apply for most credit cards online and receive an instant decision within 60 seconds, it’s important to compare your options before applying. Rather than basing your decision on potentially fast approval, be sure to consider the following:
Interest rates. Check the interest rate for purchases and balance transfers before settling on a card. If there’s a 0% introductory offer, check the standard interest rate after the promotional period ends.
Fees. Annual, foreign transaction and balance transfer fees should all be taken into consideration.
Rewards and benefits. Rewards points, cashback, sign-up bonuses, free airport lounge access, complimentary insurance and purchase protection are just some of the benefits to consider when comparing your options.
Make sure you can afford the card and that it offers the extra features you need to manage your credit.
While you could receive approval within 60 seconds, you won’t receive approval if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements. Some of the criteria you’ll be expected to meet includes:
Good credit history. Your application is more likely to be accepted if you have a good credit history with no evidence of defaults. However, if you have poor credit, you may find specific credit card products tailored towards your needs, such as credit builder cards.
Age and residential status. Most credit cards are only available to UK residents aged 18 or over.
Income. You may need to meet a minimum income requirement to receive approval for a particular card, although some providers don’t specify an amount.
Step 3. Collect the necessary documents and information.
When you apply for a credit card online, you’ll be required to reference a number of documents and provide some personal information to receive instant approval. To speed up the application process, make sure you have this information to hand before you begin.
Some of the personal information you’ll need to provide includes:
Personal details. You’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth, residential address and contact details.
Employment status and income. You’ll need to provide details of employment and income, including your annual salary and if you’re full-time, part-time, retired, etc.
Proof of identity. You may be asked to provide proof of your identity, such as your driver’s licence or passport number.
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.
Once you’ve compared your credit card options, find out if the provider has an eligibility check on their website. This determines how likely you are to be accepted for a particular card, as well as your likely credit limit and interest rate. It uses what’s known as a “soft” or “smart” search, which won’t affect your credit score.
However, when you make your application in full, a “hard search” will be carried out, which leaves a mark on your credit report, regardless if the application is approved or rejected. Making many applications in a short time could have a detrimental effect on your credit score and dissuade lenders from offering you credit.
Once you have performed an eligibility check (if available) and have the necessary details to hand, you can begin your online application. This should only take around 10 to 15 minutes.
After you’ve submitted your application, you should receive your response within 60 seconds. You’ll either be approved, rejected or left pending if the bank needs to investigate your application in further detail.
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 information. Not having a qualifying credit score or not meeting the eligibility requirements (e.g., minimum income, residency status) will bar you from approval.
Bad credit history can potentially be fixed. You can work on improving your credit score or consider an alternative specifically for applicants with bad credit.
What to do if your credit card 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, whether they’re rejected or not, leaves marks on your credit file that can further damage your credit score.
Instead, you might want to try the following:
Review eligibility requirements.
Review your credit score and credit history by getting in contact with one of the CRAs (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Contact the provider if you can’t narrow down the reasons you weren’t approved.
Spend time improving your credit history or comparing other credit cards.
Apply for another credit card after a few months to give time for credit score rehabilitation.
Bottom line
Instant decision credit cards can speed up the application process, but this shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when choosing a credit card. Make sure you’ve looked at all the card’s features to be sure it’s offering the benefits you need and that the interest rate is competitive. You’ll also need to be sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Finder survey: How many credit cards do you have?
Response
One
32.95%
None!
32.07%
Two
19.38%
Three
7.75%
Four
4.07%
Prefer not to say
3.29%
5 or more
0.48%
Source: Finder survey by Censuswide of Brits, December 2023
Frequently asked questions
While you can potentially get an instant decision on your application, it’s unlikely a credit card provider will give you a credit card number to use on the same day. Some may offer express delivery, which can get you the card within 2 business days instead of the typical 7 to 10.
Yes. Typically, your credit card is set for use as soon as you activate it.
Credit card providers use the words “pre-approved” or “guaranteed approval” as a marketing tool to attract new customers. However, they cannot 100% guarantee approval. Usually, they will base their offer on limited or out-of-date information about your finances. As with all credit cards, you must go through a credit check during application, which ultimately determines whether you are successful.
Potentially. Some credit card providers offer credit builder credit cards aimed at those building or rebuilding their credit score. You’ll still have to meet other eligibility requirements for your application to be approved.
If you have a history of bad debt or no credit history, you could be rejected. Also, if you have been made the subject of a county court judgement (CCJ), you may not be accepted, and you are unlikely to be given a card if you’ve recently been declared bankrupt or have an IVA.
Yes, an instant approval and instant decision credit card are the same thing. They typically let you know within a few minutes whether your application has been approved.
Potentially, yes. Some instant decision credit cards have wider eligibility criteria, such as credit-building credit cards, which are designed for those with poor credit.
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Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio
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Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time. See full bio
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