Hector Molina, WalletHub Analyst
@hectormolina
Yes, you can use a credit card before it arrives in the mail, but only with certain cards. If you want to use a credit card early, you must either have an American Express or Capital One card or one of a handful of other offers, including the Apple Card, and some store credit cards.
Types of Credit Cards You Can Use Before Arrival
- Cards from certain issuers:
If you need to start using a credit card today, you’ll likely want to consider applying for an American Express credit card. Amex is one of the few card issuers that will give out a full card number that can be used anywhere upon approval of an application.
Capital One credit cards are also sometimes available for immediate use via the Capital One mobile app. However, not everyone is eligible for this feature. - Co-branded cards:
Some credit cards that you can use before the actual card arrives - like the Apple Card - only allow you to add the card to a merchant-specific digital wallet. So, you’ll only be able to use it with that merchant until the card arrives in the mail. - Some store cards
There are a few credit cards that you can use instantly after approval, like the Best Buy® Store Card. You can only use this card for purchases at Best Buy. This card is not affiliated with a major card network.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that you can ask a credit card issuer for expedited card delivery – in some cases, this will get the card to you the next day. Finding a card that you can use before it arrives in the mail might seem less important with that in mind.
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Mike Daniels, Member
@mike_daniels
In most cases, you won't be able to use a credit card before it arrives and you will have to wait until you receive it in the mail. The best thing you can do is ask for expedited shipping, as some issuers offer it for free.
People also ask
How do I activate a credit card?
To activate a credit card, call the number you see on the back of the card or go to the website listed on the activation sticker attached to your card. Credit card activation typically requires the credit card number, the security code (CVV), or both.
The exact steps required to activate a credit card depend on the card’s issuer, so it’s best to follow the instructions from the sticker attached to your card. If you’ve lost...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyCan I use my Capital One credit card before it arrives?
Yes, you can use a Capital One credit card before it arrives in some cases, by using the “View Card Number” feature on the Capital One website or mobile app and adding the virtual card information to a digital wallet. Not everyone is eligible for this feature, however, so instant use is not guaranteed. If you can’t find your new card information on your account, call Capital One credit card customer service for assistance.
How to use a Capital One...
read full answer by Chip Lupo, Credit Card WriterHow can I get a Chase virtual credit card?
Chase does not offer virtual credit card numbers, and there is no indication this will change anytime soon. Even though Chase does not offer virtual cards, Chase cardholders can still get a virtual credit card through Click to Pay or digital wallets.
Key Things to Know About Using Click to Pay With Chase Cards
- Availability: Click to Pay was launched in late 2019 by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, and it’s available to...
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fingerhurt is not in business any more .
Unfortunately, looks like this is not accurate. Amex does give you your full card number and temporary security code for online payments, but you cannot setup contactless payments in Google on your phone, at least not in my experience – I tried adding it, but it failed with an error, so I called Amex and they told me that there was no way, one needs to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail before fully enabling it in Google Pay.