8 Best Instant Approval Credit Cards with Instant Use
Credit card applications can take days or even weeks to be approved. But many lenders are now offering instant approval credit cards with instant use as soon as you’re approved. Here are our top picks.

Table of Contents
- Best Instant Approval Credit Cards with Instant Use
- 1. American Express Gold
- 2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 4. Capital One® Platinum Secured®
- 5. Capital One® VentureOne Rewards
- 6. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 7. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
- 8. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- What Are Instant Approval Credit Cards?
- How To Increase Your Chances of Instant Approval
- FAQs
Most credit card issuers now offer ways for consumers to instantly use credit cards upon approval. American Express, for example, offers immediate access to your credit card number instantly after being approved.
Other types of cards like airline and store cards typically also offer instant access to credit.
According to Experian, approximately 26% of U.S. consumers applied for a credit card because they needed immediate access to credit, highlighting the importance of these types of cards.
We look at the best credit cards you can use instantly after approval along with their features, eligibility requirements, and benefits.
Best Instant Approval Credit Cards with Instant Use
Lender | Scholaroo rating | Regular APR | Credit Score |
---|---|---|---|
![]() American Express Gold Best overall Visit website | 21.24% - 29.24% | 690+ | |
![]() Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Best for students Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 580+ | |
![]() Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Good for travel benefits Visit website | 21.49% - 28.49% | 690+ | |
![]() Capital One® Platinum Secured® Best secured card with no fees Visit website | 30.49% | No minimum credit score | |
![]() Capital One® VentureOne Rewards Best for hotel benefits Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 690+ | |
![]() Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Best for overall rewards Visit website | 18.99% - 29.99% | 690+ | |
![]() Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card Best for frequent travelers Visit website | 20.24% - 27.24% | 690+ | |
![]() Chase Freedom Unlimited® Best for flexible rewards Visit website | 20.24% - 28.99% | 690+ |

American Express Gold
Best overall

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Best for students

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Good for travel benefits

Capital One® Platinum Secured®
Best secured card with no fees

Capital One® VentureOne Rewards
Best for hotel benefits

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for overall rewards

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Best for frequent travelers

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for flexible rewards
1. American Express Gold
2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
4. Capital One® Platinum Secured®
5. Capital One® VentureOne Rewards
6. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
7. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
8. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
What Are Instant Approval Credit Cards?
When you apply for a typical credit card, you may have to wait several days or weeks for the issuer to evaluate your application and send the card. But instant approval credit cards are different: They’re designed to give you an application decision within minutes.
Some issuers also provide access to mobile wallets for immediate use.
Instant credit cards are good for people who need credit right away. This could include people who have emergencies or who want to take advantage of a deal. It’s also good for people who prefer online shopping and want the added convenience of instant access to credit.
How To Increase Your Chances of Instant Approval
While instant approval isn’t always guaranteed, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting approved for a credit card with instant use:
- Credit score requirements: Depending on what credit score you have, you may have better odds of applying for one card over another.
- Steady source of income: The key to an application is having a stable income source so you can easily pay the card installment. Although you can include all forms of income like interest, dividends, child support, alimony, and other sources, those most likely won’t be as sustainable as income from a paycheck.
- Don’t apply too often: Each time you apply for a new credit line, a hard inquiry appears on your credit reports. Hard inquiries lower your credit score by a few points each time they occur and remain on your credit for two years.
- Check your credit report: You can improve your credit score by looking over your credit report and correcting any mistakes. Getting your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion records can be done for free once a year from annualcreditreport.com.
FAQs
What is the easiest instant credit card to get?
The easiest instant credit cards to get are secured credit cards, specifically one that doesn’t require a minimum credit score. However, you’ll need to put down a security deposit, which will also be your initial credit limit.
What secured credit card can I use immediately?
Secured credit cards you can use immediately include the Capital One® Platinum Secured Mastercard® and the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards credit card.
What banks have instant cards?
Most U.S. banks offer instant access to approved credit cards, including American Express, which offers instant access to all their credit cards. Capital One customers who already have an account can get instant access to their credit card after applying if they meet certain criteria. Other banks that offer instant access to some of their credit cards include Capital One Chase, Citi, Discover, and U.S. Bank.
What store credit card can I use instantly?
Store and co-branded store cards with instant access include Apple Card, Target RedCard™, Bloomingdale’s credit card, Costco Anywhere Visa®, Walmart Rewards Card, and Amazon Store card.