Best Instant Approval Credit Cards of 2024

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Instant approval credit cards let you know if you’re conditionally approved or denied within seconds of submitting your application. A quick decision can be beneficial if you need quick financing but are worried you won’t be approved. With fast approval, you can breathe a sigh of relief. And while a denial may be disappointing, knowing right away gives you a chance to quickly get back on track to finding the right credit card for you.

There are instant approval credit cards for all credit types. But it’s important to note that not everyone will receive instant approval. So whether you’re building credit or seeking generous rewards, keep reading to learn more about instant approval credit cards, how they work and what you can do to help ensure you qualify for instant approval.

Instant approval credit cards let you know if you’re conditionally approved or denied within seconds of submitting your application. A quick decision can be beneficial if you need quick financing but are worried you won’t be approved. With fast approval, you can breathe a sigh of relief. And while a denial may be disappointing, knowing right away gives you a chance to quickly get back on track to finding the right credit card for you.

There are instant approval credit cards for all credit types. But it’s important to note that not everyone will receive instant approval. So whether you’re building credit or seeking generous rewards, keep reading to learn more about instant approval credit cards, how they work and what you can do to help ensure you qualify for instant approval.

Best Instant Approval Credit Cards:

BEST FOR WELCOME OFFER + NO ANNUAL FEE

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Our rating: 4.8 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply Add to compare Apply now at American Express's secure site

Rewards rate

3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases.

At A Glance

Intro offer Earn $200 More information Close Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Annual fee $0 Regular APR 19.24% - 29.99% variable

Recommended credit 670-850 (Good to Excellent) More information Close CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool.

Editor's take

Overall rating

Our rating: 4.8 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Rewards Value: 4.0 Annual Percentage Rate: 1.0 Rewards Flexibility: 2.0 Features: 3.0 Issuer Customer Experience 5.0

Why we like this card

The Blue Cash Everyday Card is a nice, all-purpose credit card that can add some value to your wallet. It has the option for instant approval and if you are approved it also provides an instant card number that immediately begins earning 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year in each category, then 1%), and 1% back on other purchases.

Benefits for new cardmembers include an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers and $0 Buy Now, Pay Later intro Plan It fees on plans created during the first 15 months after account opening. Any plans created after that will have a plan fee up to 1.33% for each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

The Blue Cash Everyday Card doesn’t stand out in the crowded field of rewards cards, but it’s still a good choice for households looking to earn some cash back on their everyday purchases.

Card details

Highlights

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee $0 Intro Purchase APR 0% on purchases for 15 months Regular APR 19.24% - 29.99% Variable Intro Balance Transfers APR 0% on balance transfers for 15 months BEST FOR NO CREDIT CHECK NEEDED

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Our rating: 3.0 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Add to compare Apply now at Capital Bank's secure site

Rewards rate

Up to 10% Up to 10% cash back rewards on purchases at over 40,000 retailers

At A Glance

Intro offer No current offer Annual fee $35 Regular APR 25.64% variable

Recommended credit (No Credit History) More information Close CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Editor's take

Overall rating

Our rating: 3.0 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Cost of Membership 2.5 Ease of Building Credit 2.9 Features 0.0

Why we like this card

If you have a less than ideal credit history – or no credit history at all – the OpenSky Secured Visa is a secured credit card that offers a great opportunity for building your credit. On top of easy approval, OpenSky doesn’t require any credit check to apply for the card and offers everyone who is approved the same APR and credit limit range. Like many similar cards, this card has an annual fee ($35) and requires an initial refundable deposit (from $200 to $3,000), which will serve as your credit limit.

The OpenSky Secured Visa also charges a lower-than-average APR that sets it apart from other secured cards or cards for people with bad-to-fair credit and offers $0 fraud liability and auto rental insurance.

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

If your credit is an obstacle for getting approved for a credit card, this extremely accessible card is a great stepping stone and offers a lower-than-average APR for those who might be carrying a balance.

Card details

Highlights

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee $35 Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 25.64% (variable) Intro Balance Transfers APR N/A

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Our rating: 4.1 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Add to compare Apply now at Discover's secure site

Rewards rate

2% Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
1% Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

At A Glance

Intro offer Cashback Match™ More information Close Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. Annual fee $0 Regular APR 28.24% variable

Recommended credit (No Credit History) More information Close CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Editor's take

Overall rating

Our rating: 4.1 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Cost of Membership 5.0 Ease of Building Credit 3.3 Features 2.5

Why we like this card

The Discover it Secured Credit Card can help you get on a path to good credit and better financial products while helping you earn cash back. Unlike most secured credit cards, Discover lets cardmembers earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. All other purchases earn 1%. Plus, with Unlimited Cashback Match™, Discover automatically matches all the cash back rewards you’ve earned (only at the end of your first year).

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

This secured credit card is a solid pick for people who are new to credit or trying to rebuild their credit.

Card details

Highlights

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee $0 Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 28.24% Variable APR Intro Balance Transfers APR 10.99% for 6 months

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Our rating: 4.6 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply Add to compare Apply now at American Express's secure site

Rewards rate

6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases

At A Glance

Intro offer Earn $250 More information Close Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Annual fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. Regular APR 19.24% - 29.99% variable

Recommended credit 670-850 (Good to Excellent) More information Close CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool.

Editor's take

Overall rating

Our rating: 4.6 More information Close Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Rewards Value: 5.0 Annual Percentage Rate: 1.0 Rewards Flexibility: 3.0 Features: 3.0 Issuer Customer Experience 5.0

Why we like this card

When life happens and you need to make an emergency purchase fast, Amex has you covered. This credit card has potential for instant approval and also comes with instant access. Upon approval, eligible cardmembers will receive an instant credit card number and can immediately begin making purchases – and earning cash back. Plus, earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months.

If you need time to pay off those purchases, Amex’s Buy Now, Pay Later lets you split up large purchases into monthly installments. And for the first 12 months after account opening, cardmembers can enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It®. (Plans created after that will have a fixed monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.)

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Thanks to high rewards rates and a generous welcome offer, the Blue Cash Preferred Card has the potential to put hundreds of dollars back into your wallet.

Card details

Highlights

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. Intro Purchase APR 0% on purchases for 12 months Regular APR 19.24% - 29.99% Variable Intro Balance Transfers APR 0% on balance transfers for 12 months BEST FOR IMPROVING CREDIT

Self — Credit Builder Account

Self — Credit Builder Account

Add to compare Apply now at Self's secure site

Rewards rate

Card without rewards This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or points

At A Glance

Intro offer No current offer Annual fee One Time $9 - $15 Account Fee (Varies by Product) Regular APR 12.03% - 15.98% variable

Recommended credit (No Credit History) More information Close CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Editor's take

Why we like this card

The Self – Credit Builder Account is a little different from a traditional credit card as you won’t have the experience of actually swiping the card, but it’s an excellent tool for building your credit and practicing healthy financial habits. This account, which alerts you almost instantaneously whether you’re approved, reports to all three credit bureaus. It also requires no credit history and you won’t face a hard pull on your credit either, making it a good choice for credit-builders.

Similar to a savings account, but with the ability to build credit, Self will set you up with a small loan with a regular APR of 12.03% to 15.98% (variable) that’ll be saved in a CD for 24 months ($25 minimum payment each month), and, at the end of the account term, your CD savings will unlock.

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Individuals looking for easy approval and a set routine for establishing credit will see a lot of benefit from this unique account, but those looking to accumulate rewards or learn by swiping a physical card may get more utility elsewhere.

Card details

Highlights

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee One Time $9 - $15 Account Fee (Varies by Product) Intro Purchase APR N/A Regular APR 12.03% - 15.98% (Varies by Product) Intro Balance Transfers APR N/A

On this page

All information about the Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card and the UNITY® Visa Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.

Comparing the best instant approval credit cards

CardOur Favorite FeatureAnnual Fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressWelcome offer with no annual fee$0
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit CardNo credit check needed$35
Discover it® Secured Credit CardBuilding credit with no annual fee$0
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressCash back$95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year)
Self — Credit Builder AccountImproving creditOne-time $9 account fee
Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit CardHigh credit lines$49
UNITY® Visa Secured Credit CardNo minimum credit score required$39
Prime VisaAmazon shopping$0 (requires Amazon Prime membership)

Editor’s picks: Instant approval credit card details

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for welcome offer with no annual fee

Why we picked it: Households can earn a decent amount of cash back using the Blue Cash Everyday Card: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year in spending, then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year in spending, then 1%), 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in spending, then 1%) and 1% cash back on other purchases.

Pros: There’s an enticing welcome offer to earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases within the first six months.

Cons: Compared to the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, the Blue Cash Everyday Card falls a bit short. In the battle of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs. Blue Cash Preferred, the Blue Cash Preferred offers higher rewards rates and a bigger welcome offer.

Who should apply? The Blue Cash Everyday Card is a good fit for people comfortable earning rewards on their everyday spending in select bonus categories.

Who should skip? This isn’t the card for people eager to maximize the rewards they can earn on their spending. And if you qualify for the Blue Cash Preferred card, it makes more sense to enjoy all the features and benefits of that card for a moderate ongoing $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year).

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for no credit check needed

Why we picked it: This card has no credit check, making it a great option for someone looking to get a credit card without a credit history.

Pros: The initial refundable deposit you make to secure the card (starting at $200) will serve as your credit limit, giving you some control. It also has basic Visa benefits, such as $0 fraud liability.

Cons: This card comes with an annual fee of $35 per year. Plus, as this card is specifically designed for building credit, it offers no rewards program.

Who should apply? If your credit is an obstacle to getting approved for a card, this secured option can be a great stepping stone to a card with more features and benefits. The simple approval process and lack of credit check make it highly accessible.

Who should skip? This card is especially unforgiving for anyone who may make late payments, as there is an up to $38 late payment fee.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit with no annual fee

Why we picked it: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card comes with plenty of features for credit builders. Its top perks include no annual fee, free credit score and credit monitoring, automatic account reviews after seven months, $0 fraud liability and no late fee the first time you make a late payment (up to $41 after that).

Pros: This is a secured credit card that also earns rewards: Cardmembers earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. All other purchases earn 1%. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Cons: The $200 minimum security deposit could be a hurdle for some. And the high variable APR means you could rack up significant interest charges if you don’t pay your balance in full each month.

Who should apply? If you need to improve your credit and want to earn rewards in the process, the Discover it® Secured credit card is a great choice.

Who should skip? You’ll need to have a bank account to make your security deposit. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to find a different credit card.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for cash back

Why we picked it: With consumer prices rising, the Blue Cash Preferred Card can help ease the pain we’re feeling with our everyday purchases. Cardmembers earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases, then 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back on transit and at U.S. gas stations and 1% back on other purchases.

Pros: The amount of cash back rewards you can earn in your first year are truly impressive. There’s also a welcome offer of $250 statement credit when you spend $3,000 within the first six months of account opening.

Cons: The $6,000 spending cap in the U.S. supermarket category averages out to $500 per month in spending, then earnings revert to 1%. Families that regularly exceed that amount will want to consider another rewards card for their grocery spending. Plus, superstores and warehouse clubs don’t count as supermarkets, meaning you won’t earn 6% cash back if you shop at stores like Walmart, Target or Costco.

Who should apply? Anyone who can meet the spending requirement for the welcome offer and pays their balance in full each month will want to take advantage of the first-year benefits they can reap with this card.

Who should skip? If the spending requirement for the welcome offer is higher than your regular spending or you typically spend more in areas outside the Blue Cash Preferred Card’s bonus categories (like travel and dining), this isn’t the card for you.

Self – Credit Builder Account: Best for improving credit

Why we picked it: You’ll know almost instantaneously whether you’re approved and won’t face a hard pull on your credit. And for its best credit-boosting perk, this account will report your activity to all three credit bureaus.

Pros: Through this unique account, Self will set you up with a small loan that is saved in a certificate of deposit (CD) for 24 months, and at the end of the account term, your CD savings will unlock. Similar to a savings account, but with the ability to build credit, you’ll pay a minimum of $25 monthly toward the CD. By the end of the account term, healthy financial habits and on-time payments should strongly contribute to growing your credit score.

Cons: This account doesn’t feature any ways to earn bonus rewards on your spending. Also, there is a one-time account fee of $9.

Who should apply? Anyone looking for easy approval and wanting to establish a credit score with a set routine will be a great match for this account.

Who should skip? Anyone looking for a rewards card should look elsewhere. And if you want an actual credit card you can carry, consider the Self – Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card or any other secured card.

Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card: Best for high credit lines

Why we picked it: This card features instant approval and a low APR of only 9.99% (fixed). You may also get a credit line as high as $5,000. This gives you financial freedom and can also help improve your credit score by lowering your credit utilization ratio.

Pros: here’s no credit check when applying for this card, making it an easy and accessible process. And thanks to being a Visa card, it comes with travel accident insurance, extended warranties and a travel and emergency hotline.

Cons: This card restricts you when getting started as you can’t set up your account with a deposit from an ACH bank transfer (a common practice). Instead, you’ll have to use a debit card, check or money order. Also, this card comes with a $49 annual fee.

Who should apply? Credit card newcomers looking to grow their score with a high credit line would benefit from this card. Also, if you know you’ll be forced to carry an occasional balance, this card’s low APR makes it a great choice.

Who should skip? If you’re looking for a straightforward card to get started with, this may be difficult due to the limitations around the initial deposit. Also, there are better choices for people looking for rewards cards.

UNITY® Visa Secured Credit Card: Best for no minimum credit score required

Why we picked it: There is no credit score requirement when applying for this card. You’ll have to get started with a minimum deposit of $250, but being approved instantly can ease the process.

Pros: This card comes with a low six-month balance transfer APR, although you’ll need to consider if it’s better to put the refundable deposit toward the amount already owed. This card also reports your monthly activity to the three credit bureaus, a standout perk for improving your credit score.

Cons: The UNITY Visa Secured has a relatively high APR for a card of its type and comes with a $39 annual fee.

Who should apply? If you’re looking for a card to simultaneously help grow your credit while having the opportunity to consolidate outstanding credit card debt, this card could be your safe haven.

Who should skip? If you think there’s any chance you’ll have difficulty managing your outstanding balance, there are better cards to choose from.

Prime Visa: Best for Amazon shopping

Why we picked it: People who already love Amazon for the fast and free shipping and its amazing selection of products will want to take advantage of the benefits of carrying this card. The two biggest perks? An unlimited 5% back at Amazon and an Amazon gift card worth $100 that you can begin using immediately upon approval for Prime members.

Pros: On top of the savings on Amazon.com, cardmembers earn 5% cash back on Chase Travel purchases and at Whole Foods and receive special promotions and discounts to help further take a bite out of the grocery chain’s prices. This card also comes with Visa Signature benefits like an auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside assistance, travel/emergency services and concierge services.

Cons: You must pay for an annual Amazon Prime membership (currently $139). Plus, the 2% cash back on purchases at gas stations, restaurants and Chase travel purchases could be more impressive. If you spend a lot in those areas, you should add one or more rewards cards to your wallet to maximize your earnings.

Who should apply? Any frequent customer of Amazon and Whole Foods can supplement their regular spending with this card.

Who should skip? If you’re happy doing the bulk of your shopping elsewhere and want to save money for something other than an Amazon Prime membership, this isn’t the card for you.

Read our Prime Visa review.

What is an instant approval credit card?

With an instant approval credit card, you can learn whether your application is accepted or denied within seconds. A preliminary credit check is run, and the better your credit score, the more likely you will be granted the card.

Once approved, some credit cards provide instant access to your account, allowing you to make purchases immediately. Other credit cards make you wait until the card arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone will get an instant decision. Some people may need to provide additional information and wait to hear from the credit card issuer. This can happen for numerous reasons, like when you need to verify your income. If that’s the case, you may be asked to provide documentation which may include:

Does an instant approval credit card guarantee you’ll be approved?

No, instant approval doesn’t mean you are guaranteed approval. Once the lender receives your score and approves your application, you are granted conditional approval. However, your application could still be denied if a more thorough check of your credit file suggests you don’t meet the lender’s terms.

What is the difference between preapproval and prequalified?

Instant approval isn’t the same as preapproval or prequalifying.

Prequalification is when you provide information to a lender and they conduct a soft pull – a credit check that doesn’t affect your score. The advantage is that you know whether your application will be accepted before you formally apply (even if you are prequalified for a card, this is still not a guarantee that you will be approved when you apply). When you formally apply for a credit card with instant approval, a hard pull is conducted, meaning your score is slightly affected. It’s a necessary process for a formal application.

Elements of prequalification

Preapproval means a lender has looked at your data and decided to extend a conditional offer to you. To be accepted, you have to formally apply.

Elements of preapproval

Pros and cons of instant approval credit cards

Pros

Cons

How to choose an instant approval credit card

Who should get an instant approval credit card

Who should skip an instant approval credit card

What do credit card companies check when they process your application?

Card issuers vary in what they check when you apply for a credit card. In addition to your credit history, they’ll want to confirm basic information such as your name, phone number, date of birth, address, and income, as well as some deeper-level details such as your liquid assets, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, citizenship status and more.

Reasons you might be denied

If you are denied a credit card, the card issuer must explain why. Other than a credit score that is too low, the reasons can be:

  1. High credit utilization ratio. Using most or all of your available credit can be a sign that you are living on credit and that the card you are applying for is for furthering that debt.
  2. Thin credit file. If this happens, your best bet is to get a secured card or become an authorized user.
  3. Too many hard inquiries. When you have a bunch of requests for credit in a short time, it can appear to lenders that you are desperate for credit.
  4. Bank-specific application requirements. Some issuers, such as Chase, have provisions for how many cards you can get in a certain amount of time.
  5. Too much credit with the same bank. You can be denied if a bank sees that you have too much credit on multiple cards.
  6. Identity or other details can’t be confirmed. If this occurs, call the bank. Also, if you have a checking or savings account with the bank, you can ask for that information to be used to confirm your information.
  7. Recent negative items on credit reports. Although late payments and bankruptcies can influence your application, know that the older these negative events are, the less important they are.
  8. Income is too low. Credit card issuers look at your income to verify that you can make timely payments on your debt. If your income is considered low, a credit card cosigner may improve your chances of approval.
  9. Too young to apply. You must be at least 18 to apply for your own card.
  10. Errors on application. If this happens, call the issuer and see if you can correct the situation.

Although there are a number of reasons why you might be rejected, the biggest factor is your credit score. The better your score, the more likely you will be accepted.

How to increase your chances of instant approval

Follow these steps to boost your odds of getting approved for an instant approval credit card.

Be able to prove income

Lenders need to know that you can pay off any debt you take on. So they will factor income into their decision to grant or deny your application. This can come from a number of sources, including:

And while income isn’t a part of your credit report, if the amount of income you provide on your application doesn’t align with the information found in your credit report, it will cause a delay in your application until you can provide additional information.

Work on your credit score

The better your credit score, the better your chances of getting approved for an instant approval credit card. There are several ways to check your credit score. Card issuers like Capital One will even provide it for free to cardmembers. Once you have it, take some time to improve your score by continuing to make on-time payments and by not using too much of your available credit.

Check your credit reports

You can get your credit reports for free by going to annualcreditreport.com. This will give you a chance to see what lenders look at. There may even be things that hurt your credit score, including errors that need to be corrected before you apply for an instant use credit card.

Make sure credit reports aren’t locked or frozen

A credit freeze or credit lock can help protect you from identity theft and credit fraud by restricting access to your credit reports. But these tools also prevent lenders from reviewing your reports, which will certainly impact their ability to give you an instant response. If you’ve set up a credit freeze or credit lock on your accounts, you’ll need to contact each credit bureau to make sure they’re lifted.

Apply for the right instant approval card

The right credit card for you starts with your credit score. If your score falls in the fair credit range but you apply for an instant approval credit card that requires excellent credit, your chances of getting approved are slim to none.

When comparing credit cards, look at cards that fit your credit profile. To make it easier, use CardMatch™, an online tool that helps match you with credit cards you may be eligible for. The tool quickly uses your credit profile to see if there are credit cards you could be approved for – with no impact on your credit score. And depending on your score, CardMatch may also help you find cards with elevated welcome offers.

How to make the most of an instant approval credit card

How we picked the best instant approval credit cards

We evaluated a selection of credit cards for instant approval to identify the top products available. The criteria we considered in our analysis include:

Other criteria considered: Annual fee, regular APR, promotional APR (if any), ease of application process, rewards rates, ability to improve credit line, tools to track credit score, customer service, security and other features and benefits.

Additional information on instant approval credit cards

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a credit card? + –

When you apply for a credit card, you are required to fill out an application that’s typically a page long and includes personal information: name, address and Social Security number, as well as income, income source and monthly housing payments.

When you hit the apply button, one of several things can happen. You can be approved within seconds, it can become “pending” or you can be rejected. If you don’t want to wait the week to find out the answer when it goes into pending, you can call customer service and have the agent gather more details to make a quick decision. Otherwise, you’ll get an answer in the mail and possibly your card.

What is the quickest credit card to get? + –

The quickest credit card you can get is an instant use credit card. With these cards, there’s no need to wait for your card to arrive in the mail. As soon as you’re approved, you’ll be provided a credit card number so you can immediately begin making purchases.

Only some issuers give out instant use credit cards. American Express makes it easy and offers instant use access on all of its consumer cards but only to eligible customers whose identities can instantly be verified. Other issuers may offer instant use on select credit cards or to people who already have existing accounts. But some companies like Discover and Wells Fargo don’t offer any instant use credit cards.

What's the difference between instant approval and instant use credit cards? + –

Instant approval credit cards can approve or deny your application within seconds of submitting it while instant use credit cards provide your credit card number digitally upon approval. With the latter, you can use your new credit card before it arrives. Keep in mind, however, that you may need to wait a few days to hear whether you’re approved or denied for an instant use card.

What credit score do I need for an instant approval credit card? + –

There are instant approval credit cards for all card types. So you don’t have to worry about a minimum credit score for an instant approval credit card.

The credit score you need will depend on the specific credit card. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of qualifying for an instant approval credit card with the best features.

If you have poor credit, you won’t get a credit card with all the perks you’ll find in cards marketed to people with good or excellent credit. But if you take advantage of the credit-building features that come with the card you qualify for, you’ll soon be on your way to getting approved for the best instant approval credit cards.

About the Author

Joey Robinson

Joey Robinson is a credit cards writer for CreditCards.com and has worked at a “Big Four” (Ernst & Young) accounting firm before exploring the world of credit cards. After learning proper professional and financial practices through federal audits, he moved on to his second job, where he was introduced to CreditCards.com/Bankrate as a data analyst. As time passed, his interests drifted away from data analysis and into the communication of credit card essentials. Over the past two years, he’s shared his expertise and has brought understanding to complex topics as a writer and editor for sites like CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and NextAdvisor. His advice on avoiding common credit card fees, top balance transfer tactics and more financial tips have been featured on MSN Money and other various news publications.

About the Editor

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

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