Best credit cards for instant approval in July 2024

Credit cards that offer instant approval eliminate the agonizing wait after applying for a credit card and help you get your card sooner. Most major credit card issuers use an automated system to check your creditworthiness in seconds after you submit an application, and you can typically use an instant credit approval card right away with a virtual card number before you receive your physical card in the mail.

Best credit cards for instant approval in 2024

card_name: Best for travel

card_name is the quintessential travel credit card. It’s not the most feature-packed, but it’s unique in that it is extremely beginner-friendly — while not a card you’ll necessarily “graduate” from. Rookie and veteran travelers alike have the card_name in their wallets.

The card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points which can be converted into airline miles and hotel points for extremely cheap travel. It also comes with solid travel insurance that can reimburse you for delayed or canceled flights, delayed bags and much more.

card_name: Best for cash back

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cash-back credit card as lucrative as the card_name from American Express, as it offers up to 6% cash back in common categories such as U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year, then 1% and U.S. streaming subscriptions.

The card also comes with statement credits for two different brands. First, you’ll get a $7 monthly credit to reimburse you for an eligible Disney Bundle subscription costing more than $9.99 per month or a total of $84 in value annually. You’ll also get up to $10 per month in credits to offset an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+, a premium workout app or a total of $120 in value annually. Enrollment is required.

card_name: Best for 0% intro APR

The card_name is in the top echelon of 0% intro APR credit cards. It offers an incredible 21-month interest-free window for balance transfers and 12 months for purchases, followed by an 18.24%-28.99% variable APR. It’s an excellent tool to lower the fees you’re incurring from high-interest debt.

Admittedly, this card doesn’t have many ongoing benefits to speak of — it doesn’t even offer cash back or points for spending — but the money you can save with its lengthy interest-free offer could be easily worth the application.

card_name: Best for choosing your own bonus category

The no annual fee card_name is for those who find it wearisome to keep track of credit card bonus categories. This card will track your monthly spending and apply 5% cash back automatically to whichever eligible category you’ve used the most up to $500 in spending per month.

Eligible bonus categories include common expenses such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, home improvement stores and much more.

card_name: Best for students

For a student credit card, the Capital One SavorOne Student Card offers a fantastic return rate with bonus categories that complement the student lifestyle. For example, you’ll earn 10% cash back for Uber and Uber Eats purchases through Nov. 14, 2024 and 8% cash back for purchases through Capital One Entertainment. You’ll also get 3% cash back at grocery stores and for dining, entertainment and eligible streaming services.

No credit history? You could still be approved for this card. However, you need to be actively enrolled in an accredited university, community college or higher education institution or admitted and planning to enroll within the next three months.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for poor/limited credit

Those struggling to be approved for a credit card should look toward secured credit cards. These generally require a refundable security deposit — but the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card does not.

You’ll instead open a Chime Credit Builder account, the balance of which will determine your Chime Card’s credit limit. When you make a purchase with the card, Chime will use your Credit Builder account to pay off your bill, which simultaneously reduces your bank account balance and your credit limit. Simply redeposit money into your Credit Builder to increase your credit limit.

card_name: Best for small businesses

card_name is an ultra-premium business credit card that comes with hundreds of dollars in valuable statement credits each year. For example, you’ll get up to $200 in airline fee credits, up to $120 in credits to reimburse you for U.S. wireless telephone service providers and up to $189 in credit to offset CLEAR® Plus membership, which lets you skip the line at many TSA security checkpoints.

The majority of this card’s benefits are travel-focused. You’ll get unbeatable airport lounge access, complimentary Gold Elite status with Marriott and Hilton, above-average travel insurance and much more.

Summary: Best instant approval credit cards

What is an instant approval credit card?

An instant approval credit card is simply a card that may accept your application immediately after submission. In other words, an automated system decides if you’re a good candidate; your account won’t — necessarily — need to be reviewed by human eyes.

Most major issuers are capable of approving you instantly for a credit card. Just know that you may not qualify for instant approval, as the bank might spot something that gives it pause. It could be an error on your application, an alarming debt-to-income ratio or other factors that can cause a declined application or mark it for review — a process that can take several days.

Pros and cons of instant approval credit cards

The main benefit of instant approval is that you can begin using your card faster. After you’re approved for a card, you may find it in your mailbox within just a few days. Credit cards that require manual review could take weeks before you receive them.

It’s also worth noting that “instant approval” doesn’t mean “instant use.” Cards that offer instant use provide you with a virtual number that allows you to begin using your card before it even arrives at your door. Not all instant approval credit cards offer this feature, though all of the cards on our list do.

There can be downsides to instant approval, as well. For example, the process is completely impersonal, focusing on raw data instead of the whole you. You may have a sordid credit history but have since turned your credit around. The automated system doesn’t care that you’ve grown as a person; it will weigh any elements of your past that it feels are still relevant and judge you as best it can. That said, you can reach out to the bank’s reconsideration line to explain your situation if your application is declined.

How does the instant approval process work?

The instant approval process is simple. After you submit your application, the bank will typically perform a hard inquiry on your credit to assess your creditworthiness. It’ll search for red flags that prevent you from being considered sufficiently trustworthy, and it will verify all of your application details.

If the automated system has no concerns, you’ll be instantly approved. However, if the system senses that some of your details need to be confirmed by a human, it will send your application status to “pending.” And if you appear to be altogether an unfit candidate, your application will be declined.

How long does it take to receive the card after instant approval?

You’ll likely receive your new credit card within seven to 10 days after approval, though some may arrive sooner. Many issuers allow you to request expedited shipping if you need the card in a hurry.

Again, some credit cards offer instant use of your credit card after you’re approved. This comes as a virtual card number which may or may not be the same as the account number stamped on your physical card.

How to choose the best instant approval credit card

To choose the best instant approval credit card, use the same considerations as you would with any other credit card.

Know your credit score

Keeping tabs on your credit score is the first step when searching for a new credit card. Most cards require that your score be above a specific threshold for approval. Knowing your credit score will help you to be selective with your applications, only reaching for cards that you can conceivably be approved for.

Have clear goals

Know the reason you’re opening a credit card. Whether you’re trying to escape high-interest debt with a 0% intro APR card, save on checked baggage fees with a specific airline or simply earn cash back, your hunt for the perfect card will be accelerated if your goal is defined.

Weigh the annual fee

Are you willing to pay an annual fee? If so, examine your prospective card’s benefits and decide if you can truly squeeze more value from the card than you’re shelling out each year.

Earn a sizable welcome bonus

There are currently multiple credit cards that offer welcome bonuses with potential value over $700 in cash — and significantly more if redeemed for travel. If you’re having a hard time deciding between two credit cards, a welcome bonus could be the tiebreaker.

How to get an instant approval credit card

Again, not all credit cards offer instant approval. As an example, some issuers may not instantly approve small business credit cards, as more verification might be necessary. Before applying, search online for data points to see if others have been instantly approved for the card you want.

Tips for improving approval odds for instant approval credit cards

To give yourself the best odds at instant approval, the best thing you can do is to focus on the health of your credit profile. Pay your current loans on time, keep your credit utilization low and don’t apply for new credit cards often.

Additionally, make absolutely certain that the information you write on your application is correct with no typos — otherwise you may automatically be sent to a “pending” status.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the easiest credit card to get approved for?

In most cases, the easiest credit card to get approved for is a secured credit card, which requires a refundable security deposit.

Are instant approval credit cards safe to use?

Instant approval credit cards are regular credit cards. They’re safe to use — safer, in fact, than cash and debit cards.

Is it possible to get an instant approval credit card with bad credit?

Yes, you can still get an instant approval credit card with bad credit. Some credit cards, like the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card and the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card, don’t even run your credit.

What cards give you an instant card number?

American Express, Citi, Capital One and Chase offer instant card numbers for some (but not all) of their credit cards. All credit cards on our list issue instant card numbers.

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