Student credit cards 7 August 2023

10 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.

Best Instant Approval Credit Cards with Instant Use

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 on all of its cards that you can use virtually anywhere to make payments. Most store credit cards and airline cards also offer instant use after approval. Other issuers that offer credit cards that can be used as soon as you get approved include Capital One, Chase, and Bank of America. The easiest instant credit cards to get are secured credit cards as they do not require a credit check. Others may require you to have good credit for approval.

We have listed the best credit cards you can use instantly after approval along with their features, eligibility requirements, and benefits. While the actual physical card may take a few days to arrive in the mail after approval, these card companies provide immediate access to the credit card number after approval for instant use.

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Best Instant Approval Credit Cards with Instant Use

LenderScholaroo ratingRegular APRCredit Score

American Express Gold

Best overall

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4.8/521.24% - 29.24%690+

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

Best for students

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4.7/519.99% - 29.99%580+

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Good for travel benefits

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4.6/521.49% - 28.49%690+

Capital One® Platinum Secured®

Best secured card with no fees

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4.1/530.49%No minimum credit score

Capital One® VentureOne Rewards

Best for hotel benefits

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4.1/519.99% - 29.99%690+

Prime Visa

Best store credit card for high rewards

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4.1/519.49% to 27.49%690+

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best for overall rewards

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4.0/518.99% - 29.99%690+

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Best for frequent travelers

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4.0/520.24% - 27.24%690+

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Good store card for no annual fee

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4.0/520.49%720+

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for flexible rewards

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3.9/520.24% - 28.99%690+
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American Express Gold

Best overall

Scholaroo rating
4.8/5
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.24%
Credit Score
690+
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Lender

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

Best for students

Scholaroo rating
4.7/5
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99%
Credit Score
580+
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Lender

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Good for travel benefits

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
Regular APR
21.49% - 28.49%
Credit Score
690+
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Lender

Capital One® Platinum Secured®

Best secured card with no fees

Scholaroo rating
4.1/5
Regular APR
30.49%
Credit Score
No minimum credit score
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Lender

Capital One® VentureOne Rewards

Best for hotel benefits

Scholaroo rating
4.1/5
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99%
Credit Score
690+
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Lender

Prime Visa

Best store credit card for high rewards

Scholaroo rating
4.1/5
Regular APR
19.49% to 27.49%
Credit Score
690+
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Lender

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best for overall rewards

Scholaroo rating
4.0/5
Regular APR
18.99% - 29.99%
Credit Score
690+
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Lender

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Best for frequent travelers

Scholaroo rating
4.0/5
Regular APR
20.24% - 27.24%
Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Good store card for no annual fee

Scholaroo rating
4.0/5
Regular APR
20.49%
Credit Score
720+
Visit website
Lender

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for flexible rewards

Scholaroo rating
3.9/5
Regular APR
20.24% - 28.99%
Credit Score
690+
Visit website

1. American Express Gold

Best overall

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American Express Gold

4.8
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR21.24% - 29.24%
Annual Fee$250
Rewards4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants
Credit Score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

If you submit a complete application online with verifiable information and are able to meet Amex Gold’s high minimum income and credit requirements, you can get approved immediately. American Express Gold credit card can be instantly used after approval through a digital wallet too.

You can get your instant credit card number only when you apply for the card online or via phone, through the link provided in the welcome email that you will receive shortly after approval. After adding the number to your digital wallet, you can start performing transactions online or at any store that accepts digital wallets.

The American Express Gold credit card comes with substantial perks, including 4x points at restaurants and groceries, and 3x points on flights. The cardholders may also earn 60,000 points as a welcome bonus on spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of getting the card. Even though the card has a high annual fee of $250, there is no balance transfer or foreign transaction fee associated with using the card. It also offers a Pay Over Time feature which allows the paying of eligible charges over time with interest.

Pros

  • High rewards points at restaurants, groceries, and on flights
  • Up to 5 authorized users for no additional annual fee
  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points
  • Pay Over Time feature offered
  • Comes in two colors including gold and rose gold

Cons

  • High minimum credit requirement
  • High APR for pay over time feature
  • High minimum income requirement
  • High annual fee of $250
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Have a minimum credit score of 690
  • Provide proof of income
  • Must have a high minimum annual income of around $60,000
  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants
  • 4x points per dollar at supermarkets up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar
  • 3x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel
  • 1x point per dollar on other eligible purchases
  • Up to $120 in statement credits annually

2. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for students

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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

4.7
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR19.99% - 29.99%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases
Credit Score580+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards offers instant approval within 60 seconds on complete online applications with verifiable information that meets the eligibility requirements. After approval, they give out virtual card numbers to eligible customers that can be used right away online to pay for purchases. The actual card may take up to 10 business days to be received in the mail.

The Quicksilver card with no annual fee and is designed specifically for U.S. students who have fair credit, students who are new to the country, or have been authorized users on another card. It offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases. Students can earn a higher percentage in cash back on limited categories including 10% on Uber, and 5% on hotels and rental cars. There is also a $50 welcome bonus offered on spending a hundred dollars in the first quarter.

Pros

  • Approval within 60 seconds on complete applications
  • No annual fee
  • High cash back of 10% on Uber, and 5% on travel related categories
  • $50 welcome bonus
  • Students with a limited credit history are eligible to apply

Cons

  • Requires a credit check
  • Charges late payment fee of up to $40
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Can apply with an ITIN
  • Have a steady income
  • Be enrolled as a student

Cash back

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • Earn 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases.

Early spend bonus

  • Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months.

Referral bonus

  • Earn up to $500 a year by referring family and friends.

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Good for travel benefits

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR21.49% – 28.49%
Annual Fee$95
Rewards60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
Credit Score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can be used instantly upon approval by adding it to a digital wallet through the Chase mobile app. With this card, you can start earning reward points right away and use them for various travel-related categories and also in restaurants. In the first 3 months of use, the cardholder can earn 60,000 in points for spending $4,000 in purchases. These 60,000 points can be exchanged for $750 and used toward travel. There is also an anniversary bonus of $50 every year that you can use for the same purpose.

Moreover, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 3x points on select streaming services, online grocery purchases, and restaurants. You can earn 5x points on travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 2x on all other travel purchases. On everything else, a single point per dollar is awarded.

This card, however, requires a good credit score for approval and has an annual fee of $95 but it can be helpful in minimizing costs for frequent travelers.

Pros

  • Good for travelling
  • Earn high rewards in several areas of spending, especially travelling
  • Welcome bonus offered
  • Offers account anniversary bonus each year

Cons

  • Annual fee of $95
  • Requires a good credit score
  • Good credit score (690-850)
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out

4. Capital One® Platinum Secured®

Best secured card with no fees

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Capital One® Platinum Secured®

4.1
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR30.49%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsN/A
Credit ScoreNo minimum credit score
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Capital One® Platinum Secured® is a card for rebuilding bad credit. It requires the applicant to make a security deposit and meet other age and citizenship related eligibility requirements for approval. Eligible individuals can get approved in less than 60 seconds if they submit an online application that is complete and verifiable. Upon application approval and downloading the Capital One mobile app, eligible cardholders can access their credit card number which they can use to make purchases instantly.

This secured card has a low minimum security deposit of $49. For higher credit limits, you can deposit additional amounts up to $1000 to have a credit line equal to that. This secured card can help you start building good credit with responsible use as it reports to the major credit bureaus. By making payments on time and not maxing out your credit limit, you may get upgraded to an unsecured Platinum card and earn back your deposit over time.

There are no rewards associated with the Capital One® Platinum Secured® but it is a great card for those looking to pay $0 in annual fees, foreign transaction fees, replacement card fees, and authorized user fees.

Pros

  • No hidden fees
  • Offers quick approval on complete eligible applications
  • Low minimum security deposit
  • Chance to earn back your security deposit as a statement credit with responsible card use
  • Can help build credit with responsible use
  • Reports to three major credit bureaus

Cons

  • $1000 maximum credit limit
  • No rewards
  • Late payment fee of up to $40
  • High APR
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Can apply with an ITIN
  • Must have a checking or savings account
  • Must pay a security deposit between $49 and $200
  • Must have a physical U.S. address

Pay a refundable deposit starting at $49 to get an initial credit limit of $200

5. Capital One® VentureOne Rewards

Best for hotel benefits

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Capital One® VentureOne Rewards

4.1
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR19.99% - 29.99%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase
Credit Score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Like all the Capital One® credit cards, VentureOne Rewards also provides instant approval on complete online applications that meet the eligibility requirements and gives access to a virtual card number to eligible cardholders for instant card use. However, this is a card available to individuals with excellent credit and a credit history of 3 years or more.

Capital One® VentureOne Rewards comes with no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and offers 0% intro APR for the first 15 months. It is a great card for travelers as spending on purchases earns you rewards in miles that you can use on travel-related purchases like on hotels, flights, and more. You can also use your rewards to pay for various items on Amazon.com. Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase and an unlimited 5 miles per dollar by booking hotels and rental cars through the Capital One travel app.

Pros

  • Great rewards for frequent travellers
  • Can use rewards points to make purchase on Amazon.com
  • No annual fees and foreign transaction fees
  • 0% APR for the first 15 months on purchases
  • 20,000 bonus miles on spending $500 within the first 3 months

Cons

  • Balance transfer fees of 3% fee
  • Requires a good minimum credit score for approval and an established credit history
  • Good credit score (690-850)
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, plus 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Welcome bonus of 20,000 miles when you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account

6. Prime Visa by Amazon

Best store credit card for high rewards

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Prime Visa

4.1
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR19.49% to 27.49%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUp to 5% cask back for Prime members on selected categories, and 2% at gas stations and restaurants
Credit Score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Prime Visa by Amazon is a store credit card that allows its holders to earn high cash back rewards in multiple categories. Once approved, you can access your card via your Amazon account and start using it right away for making purchases on Amazon. You can use your Prime card to make purchases at other retailers too but you will have to wait for the physical card to do so.

With Prime Visa, you can get up to 5% unlimited cash back on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel purchases. At gas stations, restaurants, and local transit and commuting, the card holders can enjoy an unlimited cash back of 2%, and an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases. Instantly upon card application approval, Prime members can get a $150 Amazon Gift Card as a welcome offer.

Moreover, the card charges no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. There is, however, a fee charged for late and returned payments.

Pros

  • High cash back rewards
  • Instant use at Amazon
  • No annual or foreign transaction fees
  • Welcome offer of a $150 Amazon Gift card upon approval
  • 0% introductory offer for 6 or 12 months

Cons

  • Immediate use is only allowed on Amazon
  • Prime membership is required to access the card and get a higher cash back percentage
  • Charges up to $39 for late or returned payments
  • Requires a credit check
  • Must have at least a good credit score
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have a Social Security Number
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must meet the minimum income requirement
  • $150 Amazon Gift Card as a welcome offer on approval
  • Upto 5% cask back for Prime members on Amazon, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on purchases at gas stations, dine-in, take-out, local transit, and rideshare
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
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7. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best for overall rewards

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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

4.0
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR18.99% - 29.99%
Annual Fee$95
Rewards3% back at U.S. gas stations
Credit ScoreGood (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® credit card is great for all-around rewards and initial intro offers. With an intro APR of 0% on purchases and transfers in the first year, and up to 6% in cashback, this card is ideal for families looking to maximize rewards.

Although there is a steep annual fee, this is waived for the first year, and if you regularly spend in categories like groceries and streaming services, you’ll make that up in rewards. You’ll also earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in the first six months.

Another benefit is a 3% cash back at gas stations and the rewards aren’t capped. There is another 3% bonus category for spending on rideshares, taxis, tolls, buses, parking, and trains.

There is a $0 initial annual fee for the first year; then it’s $95 a year. There is also a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% and rates vary between 18.99% and 29.99% APR.

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • Up to 6% cash back rewards
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • Requires good or excellent credit
  • Requires a security deposit
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • 6% back at U.S. supermarkets for up to $6,000 a year, then 1% on purchases
  • 6% back on select U.S. streaming services
  • 3% back at U.S. gas stations

8. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Best for frequent travelers

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Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

4.0
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR20.24%-27.24%
Annual Fee$95
Rewards60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days
Credit ScoreGood - Excellent (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is a great option for those looking to use their credit cards immediately. Plus it comes with great travel rewards. The card offers two points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1.5 points on other purchases.

This card is also a good choice for existing Bank of America customers with significant account balances as cardholders can earn 25% to 75% more in rewards.

Unlike some cards that limit you to specific airline or hotel chains, the points earned with this card can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, or to offset the cost of recent purchases, offering great flexibility.

The card comes with a 20.24%-27.24% variable APR and an annual fee of $95.

Pros

  • The card offers strong rewards and travel credits
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • To get all the card’s benefits you need an eligible Bank of America® account
  • Annual fee of $95
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have a good to excellent credit score (690-850)
  • Receive 60,000 online bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days
  • Unlimited 2x points for every $1 spent on travel and dining
  • Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
  • No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards customers earn 25% – 75% more points

9. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Good store card for no annual fee

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Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

4.0
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR20.49%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 3% cash back on restaurants and travel Unlimited, 2% on purchases from Costco, 1% on everything else
Credit Score720+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is a no annual fee store card that is accessible exclusively to Costco members. It requires a credit check and an excellent credit score for approval, and the approval can be instant if you are able to meet all the requirements. Upon applying in-store and getting approved, Costo allows immediate access to the card through digital wallets. You can also add your card to your Digital Membership Card and use it at all Costco locations.

This card comes with cash back rewards in multiple categories including a 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 every year and then 1% afterward, an unlimited 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% on purchases from Costco, and an unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card does not have any foreign transaction fees and offers other travel-related benefits including travel and emergency assistance, worldwide car rental insurance, and travel accident insurance. This makes it a good travel card too.

Pros

  • No annual fees
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Offers cash back rewards
  • Travel friendly

Cons

  • Only for Costco members
  • Late and returned payment fees of up to $41
  • Requires a credit check and an excellent credit score
  • Must be a Costco member
  • Must be a U.S citizen
  • Must reside in the United States and its territories
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must meet the minimum credit and income requirements
  • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 and then 1% afterward annually
  • Unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants and travel
  • Unlimited 2% cash back on purchases from Costco
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on everything else

10. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for flexible rewards

Apply now

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

3.9
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR20.24%-28.99%
Annual FeeN/A
Rewards6.5% cash back on travel purchases
Credit ScoreGood (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card is a good option for those looking for flexible rewards. It has a good sign-up bonus – more than most cash-back cards. The card has no annual fee, and you’ll need a good to excellent credit score to apply.

As a welcome bonus, you can earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases, up to $20,000, in the first year. You also enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

There is a 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.24 to 28.99%.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Intro APR period

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Good credit score (690-850)
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases up to $20,000 in the first year
  • 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases, dining, and takeout
  • 6.5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back

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.
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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 credit cards give you instant access to card number?

American Express Gold, Blue Cash Preferred®, and all other cards by American Express give you instant access to card numbers.

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.