Instant approval means you won’t be waiting around to hear whether you’ve been approved or denied. If you are approved, many issuers will even provide a virtual credit card number immediately so you can start using your new card as soon as possible.
You don’t need an excellent credit score to qualify for an instant approval credit card, either. In fact, most issuers offer instant approval on credit-building cards designed for those with poor to no credit, like secured credit cards.
But just because you can apply for an instant credit card doesn’t mean you should. Be aware that some instant approval cards have high APRs, late fees and limited to no rewards. While instant approval has a nice ring to it, we don’t recommend applying unless you have a plan in place to pay off your balance each month. Carrying a balance can lead to costly interest charges.
Take a look at some of the best credit cards for instant approval.
X1 Card
The X1 Card grants you account access through its app as soon as you’re approved. While you wait for this metal credit card to arrive in the mail, you can add it to your digital wallet or create virtual card numbers to make purchases online or in person. There’s no welcome bonus or introductory APR, but the X1 Card offers a handful of rare and useful perks, like higher credit limits and multiple opportunities to boost your rewards rates.
See our full X1 Card review for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.50% – 27.75% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 2% of the amount of each transfer.
The X1 Card grants you account access through its app as soon as you’re approved. While you wait for this metal credit card to arrive in the mail, you can add it to your digital wallet or create virtual card numbers to make purchases online or in person. There’s no welcome bonus or introductory APR, but the X1 Card offers a handful of rare and useful perks, like higher credit limits and multiple opportunities to boost your rewards rates.
See our full X1 Card review for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.50% – 27.75% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 2% of the amount of each transfer.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card* is designed for anyone with poor or no credit, providing a line of credit and the opportunity to build (or rebuild) your credit score with responsible use.
Most secured cards expect you to provide 100% of the credit limit in the form of a security deposit. But depending on your credit score, Capital One requires as little as $49 or $99 to get a $200 initial credit line. If you maintain your card account in good standing, Capital One may automatically consider you for a higher credit line in as little as six months. If approved, you may be able to log in to the mobile app to grab your new card number and start making purchases right away.
For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 30.49% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at this Transfer APR
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card* is designed for anyone with poor or no credit, providing a line of credit and the opportunity to build (or rebuild) your credit score with responsible use.
Most secured cards expect you to provide 100% of the credit limit in the form of a security deposit. But depending on your credit score, Capital One requires as little as $49 or $99 to get a $200 initial credit line. If you maintain your card account in good standing, Capital One may automatically consider you for a higher credit line in as little as six months. If approved, you may be able to log in to the mobile app to grab your new card number and start making purchases right away.
For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 30.49% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at this Transfer APR
If you need to work on your credit, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is one of few credit cards that doesn’t require a credit check to apply. This secured credit card charges a $35 annual fee and requires a security deposit (between $200 and $3,000), which is equal to your credit limit. The OpenSky Secured Visa doesn’t offer rewards, but it offers a lower-than-average 22.64% variable APR for purchases and cash advances. You should pay your balance off in full every month to avoid interest charges, but its APR is lower than other secured credit cards.
For more details, check out our OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 22.64% (variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
If you need to work on your credit, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is one of few credit cards that doesn’t require a credit check to apply. This secured credit card charges a $35 annual fee and requires a security deposit (between $200 and $3,000), which is equal to your credit limit. The OpenSky Secured Visa doesn’t offer rewards, but it offers a lower-than-average 22.64% variable APR for purchases and cash advances. You should pay your balance off in full every month to avoid interest charges, but its APR is lower than other secured credit cards.
For more details, check out our OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 22.64% (variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Prime Visa is an excellent choice for shoppers who want to earn cash-back rewards that can be applied to purchases, transferred to a bank account or applied as a statement credit. Once you’re approved for this Chase credit card, you can access it from your Amazon account and use it at checkout. You’ll need to wait for the physical card before you can shop at retail stores, but considering how much is available through Amazon or Whole Foods online, you may be able to purchase what you need without the mail carrier holding you up.
For more details, check out our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Prime Visa is an excellent choice for shoppers who want to earn cash-back rewards that can be applied to purchases, transferred to a bank account or applied as a statement credit. Once you’re approved for this Chase credit card, you can access it from your Amazon account and use it at checkout. You’ll need to wait for the physical card before you can shop at retail stores, but considering how much is available through Amazon or Whole Foods online, you may be able to purchase what you need without the mail carrier holding you up.
For more details, check out our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Apple Card* is one of the best credit cards for instant approval, because not only can you apply directly from your iPhone, but it’s automatically added to your Apple Wallet app upon approval. You will receive a physical card, which can be handy when shopping at merchants that don’t accept Apple Pay.
You’ll earn cash back on qualifying purchases daily. And you can access your cash-back balance in your Apple Wallet -- making it easy to apply to your balance or send money to a friend. You can find out if you’re approved for the Apple Card without hurting your credit score. Your credit score isn’t affected until you accept your offer. And if you decide to reject the offer or your application is declined, your credit score won’t be affected either. If you get approved, you can use the card right away through Apple Pay. And if you have an Apple Card, you can open a high-yield savings account for Daily Cash rewards in the Wallet app.
For more details, check out our full Apple Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.99% to 26.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Apple Card* is one of the best credit cards for instant approval, because not only can you apply directly from your iPhone, but it’s automatically added to your Apple Wallet app upon approval. You will receive a physical card, which can be handy when shopping at merchants that don’t accept Apple Pay.
You’ll earn cash back on qualifying purchases daily. And you can access your cash-back balance in your Apple Wallet -- making it easy to apply to your balance or send money to a friend. You can find out if you’re approved for the Apple Card without hurting your credit score. Your credit score isn’t affected until you accept your offer. And if you decide to reject the offer or your application is declined, your credit score won’t be affected either. If you get approved, you can use the card right away through Apple Pay. And if you have an Apple Card, you can open a high-yield savings account for Daily Cash rewards in the Wallet app.
For more details, check out our full Apple Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.99% to 26.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card* is a solid choice for first-time credit users. Like most secured credit cards, your initial deposit equals your credit limit. This card stands out because of its rewards structure, which most secured cards lack. You earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit. And at the end of your first year as an account holder, Discover will match all your cash back earned.
Discover generally approves credit card applications instantaneously (as long as it doesn’t have follow-up questions upon receiving your application). You can also check if you’re preapproved via Discover’s website without affecting your credit score.
For more details, check out our full Discover it Secured Credit Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 10.99% for 6 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card* is a solid choice for first-time credit users. Like most secured credit cards, your initial deposit equals your credit limit. This card stands out because of its rewards structure, which most secured cards lack. You earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit. And at the end of your first year as an account holder, Discover will match all your cash back earned.
Discover generally approves credit card applications instantaneously (as long as it doesn’t have follow-up questions upon receiving your application). You can also check if you’re preapproved via Discover’s website without affecting your credit score.
For more details, check out our full Discover it Secured Credit Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 10.99% for 6 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
What is an instant approval card?
An instant approval credit card lets you know immediately if you’re approved for a specific card. In some cases, you’ll also be able to use your line of credit immediately upon approval. Many instant-use credit cards happen to be secured cards, which are geared toward lower credit scores. But some issuers, like American Express, may offer instant card numbers to eligible users, which can be added to a compatible digital wallet and used to make purchases immediately.
What are the benefits of a card with instant approval?
If you want to know if you’re eligible for a credit card right away, applying for an instant approval card can save you from waiting.
Since many instant approval cards also provide instant access to your card number, you can typically start using it right away. This can be useful if you need to finance a large purchase or incur an unexpected expense.
And if your instant-use credit card offers a 0% introductory APR, you can take your time paying off a larger purchase before accruing interest on a revolving balance. But you want to avoid carrying a balance on a high-interest credit card because it will grow your debt and your credit score can take a hit.
How to choose the best instant approval credit card
Although instant approval cards may seem tempting, we don’t recommend choosing a credit card based on whether it offers speedy approval. You want to make sure the card fits your budget, complements your spending habits and checks off all of the boxes you’re looking for in a new credit card.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best instant approval credit card:
- Consider why you need an instant line of credit. If you know you need to finance a large purchase, you may benefit from a 0% intro APR offer. Similarly, if a significant portion of your monthly budget goes towards stocking your pantry, you might consider a rewards card geared toward grocery shopping.
- Check to see if you are preapproved. Preapproval does not guarantee you’ll be approved for a credit card. However, you can check to see if you’re preapproved for a credit card with most issuers on this list. Preapproval can be reassuring because it only requires a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score. And you better understand whether or not you may qualify for a credit card before committing to an application.
- Check your credit score. A handful of secured credit cards offer instant approval, but some cards require good to excellent credit. Check your credit score before you apply for a new credit card to ensure you aren’t taking a credit hit you could have avoided.
- Keep an eye out for high fees. To avoid taking on a credit card with an annual fee you can’t afford, carefully review a card’s APR, annual fee, late fee and so on. If you can avoid taking on an annual fee by opting for a card without one, you want to make that decision early to narrow down your options.
FAQs
Credit cards are not one-size-fits-all products. There are instant approval cards available for everyone -- from someone starting out with no credit to those with excellent credit. This credit card guide includes the recommended credit score ranges for the cards reviewed so you can gauge your likelihood of approval ahead of time.
Prequalification and preapproval can help you gauge your approval odds without hurting your credit score. Some credit card issuers have their own guidelines around preapproval and prequalification, but the two terms are often used interchangeably. The difference between credit card prequalification and preapproval is typically who initiates the request, you or the credit card company.
In either case, the issuer initiates a soft inquiry on your credit report that does not affect your credit score, unlike a hard inquiry. The issuer typically conducts a hard pull on your credit when you formally apply, often dinging your credit score by a few points. In addition, you’re not obligated to apply if you’re prequalified or preapproved.
Preapproval can help you apply more confidently for a credit card, but it does not guarantee approval. If you’re preapproved for a credit card, it means you meet the initial criteria the issuer relies on to screen potential cardholders. Once you apply, the credit issuer typically performs a more detailed, hard inquiry on your credit to make a definitive decision.
Instant approval credit cards typically provide you with an answer as soon as you complete the online card application. However, you may still have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail so you can activate it for use.
Instant-use credit cards, however, are available immediately upon approval. Card companies that offer instant-use cards will give you the card number and expiration date as soon as you’re approved. Or they may even provide you with a virtual credit card number. But keep in mind instant approval does not always mean instant use, though the two may coincide.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the welcome bonus and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.
More credit card advice
- Best Credit Cards for No Credit
- Best Credit Card Welcome Bonus
- Best Travel Credit Cards
- Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
*All information about the Apple Card, Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, and the Discover it Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.