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 a 2021 survey by Experian, approximately 26% of American 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 instant approval credit cards with instant use along with their features, eligibility requirements, and benefits.
Instant approval credit cards with instant use
These are our top picks for instant approval credit cards with instant use:
- American Express® Gold – best for dining rewards
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards – best for a straightforward rewards program
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® – best for savvy travelers
- Capital One® Venture® Rewards – big sign-up bonus and flexible redemption
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express – great for some serious cash back
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® – decent welcome offer
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® – best for frequent travelers with flexible reward options
- Citi® Double Cash – best for a good rewards rate
1. American Express® Gold
Why we chose it: Best for dining rewards
The American Express® Gold Card takes our top spot for the best dining rewards. You can enjoy substantial perks including 4X points at restaurants and on U.S. supermarket purchases, and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. You earn 60,000 points as a welcome bonus.
The card has no balance transfer or foreign transaction fees and rates start at 21.24% to 29.24% variable APR. However, there is a $250 annual fee.
The American Express® Gold Card is different from a credit card, as you cannot pay off your purchases in installments (acts more like a charge card). However, you may be eligible for its Pay Over Time feature.
Pros:
- Exceptional rewards on dining and supermarket purchases, making it ideal for foodies
- You can add up to 5 authorized users for no additional annual fee
Cons:
- The $250 annual fee can be steep if you’re not using the card to its full potential
- High APR for Pay Over Time feature
To apply you’ll need a score of 700 or more, be at least 18 years old, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
You can apply for the card online without any impact on your credit score.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
Why we chose it: Best for a straightforward rewards program
For consumers seeking simplicity in their rewards program, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card is a standout choice. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no limit on how much you can earn.
There is a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and a 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Cons:
- The card lacks the higher reward rates found in category-specific cards
You’ll need good to excellent credit for this one and have sufficient income. Apply online here.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Why we chose it: Best for savvy travelers
For the travel-savvy, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is a fantastic option. It provides instant approval and generous travel rewards, including 2X points on travel and dining, and one point per dollar on other purchases.
Pros:
- Flexible rewards redemptions
- Bonus offer for new cardholders
Cons:
- The $95 annual fee can feel high for users who don’t travel often
You need good to excellent credit to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card and you can check your eligibility instantly online.
4. Capital One® Venture® Rewards
Why we chose it: Big sign-up bonus and flexible redemption
The Capital One® Venture® Rewards credit card offers instant approval and is another great travel card option. It offers 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
The card has a $95 annual fee but there is a 75,000-mile bonus. APRs range between 20.99% and 28.99% variable.
Pros:
- The broad 2X miles earning rate and flexibility in travel redemption make it a popular choice for frequent travelers.
Cons:
- It comes with a $95 annual fee after the first year
If you have excellent credit and want a high rewards rate this card may be for you. Apply online for an instant application decision.
5. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Why we chose it: Great for some serious cash back
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a good option for those looking to earn some serious cash back, even with its hefty annual fee ($0 for the first year).
Families can get serious cash back on this one; 6% at grocery stores up to $6,000 a year, and 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions.
There’s a further 3% cash back at gas stations and you get a $250 statement credit when you spend $3,000 in the first six months.
Pros:
- Generous cashback rewards for everyday spending
- Introductory APR period
- Bonus rewards categories
Cons:
- Spending caps on bonus rewards
This card requires excellent credit and you can get approved with no impact on your credit score.
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Why we chose it: Decent welcome offer
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, users can enjoy a robust 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
The card comes with a 20.24%-28.99% variable APR and a $0 annual fee. There is also a %0 intro APR on transfers and purchases for the first 15 months.
Pros:
- This card offers a compelling mix of high reward rates across different spending categories
- No annual fee
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase
Cons:
- The 5% cash back on travel only applies to purchases made through Chase’s travel portal.
You’ll need a good to excellent credit score to apply and new cardholders earn a $150 bonus when spending $500 in the first three months.
7. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Why we chose it: Perfect for frequent travelers with flexible reward options
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card offers two points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1.5 points on other purchases.
This card is 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.
Pros:
- The card offers strong rewards and travel credits
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- To fully capitalize on the card’s benefits, you need to have eligible Bank of America® accounts
You can apply now for the BOA Premium Rewards® card and get an instant approval decision.
8. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
Why we chose it: This is a premium travel card
Rounding out our list is the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card, offering two points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1.5 points on other purchases.
This card has excellent rewards, including a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.
There is a high annual fee of $550 but considering the high rewards rate, if you’re a premium traveler you’ll enjoy a lot of perks, including a $300 annual travel credit.
Pros:
- The card offers strong rewards and premium travel protection
- No foreign transaction fees
- Luxury perks
Cons:
- To fully capitalize on the card’s benefits, you need to have eligible Bank of America® accounts
- High annual fee
Apply online and get an instant credit decision from Chase.
9. Citi® Double Cash Card
Why we chose it: A rewards rate that is hard to beat
The Citi® Double Cash Card offers an easy-to-understand cashback structure: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your purchases. This is quite hard to beat.
Other features include a variable APR of 19.24 to 29.24%, no annual fee, and a 3% foreign transaction fee. There is a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months.
Pros:
- This card’s straightforward, high rewards rate on all purchases is appealing to those who prefer simplicity
Cons:
- It lacks a sign-up bonus, which is a common feature of many competing cards
You can apply online for instant approval and you’ll need an average or higher credit score.
What are instant approval credit cards?
When you apply for a typical credit card, you may need to wait several days or even weeks for the issuer to evaluate your application and send the physical card. But instant approval credit cards are different.
These cards are designed to give you an application decision within a few minutes. If you’re approved, you’ll get a temporary card number that can be used immediately for online purchases or where a physical card is not required.
Some issuers also provide access to mobile wallets for immediate use.
Instant credit cards are ideal for people who need immediate access to credit. This could include those facing emergency expenses or who want to take advantage of a time-sensitive deal.
It’s also good for individuals who prefer online shopping and want the added convenience of immediate access to credit.
In 2020, an Experian survey revealed that 37% of millennials applied for a credit card because they needed immediate access to credit, highlighting the demand among younger consumers.
How to apply for an instant approval credit card
Applying for an instant approval credit card is generally straightforward.
Prepare your information
Before you start the application process, gather all the necessary information. Most applications will ask for your social security number, date of birth, income details, employment status, and contact information.
Choose the right card for you
Assessing your financial situation, credit score, and spending habits will help you determine the best card to suit your needs. Remember, each application might slightly affect your credit score, so choose wisely.
Submit the application
After selecting your card, visit the issuer’s website to access the application form. These forms are typically straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete.
Await your response
Most issuers will notify you of their decision within a few minutes of submitting your application. In some cases, however, it might take longer if the issuer needs to verify your information.
Take the next steps
If approved, some issuers will provide a temporary credit card number for immediate use. You’ll generally receive the physical card in the mail within about one week.
If your application is denied, consider seeking insight into the reason for the denial. Credit card issuers are legally required to provide an explanation if you are denied. This information can help you improve your credit profile for future applications.
