What's the best credit card to get if I need one today?

If you need a credit card today, you should apply for an American Express card, a Capital One card, a Bank of America card, or a store credit card that offers instant use. It’s very common to get approved for a credit card the same day if you apply online, but you’ll typically have to wait another 7-10 business days for your card to arrive in mail. Most credit cards don’t allow you to make purchases before the card arrives, but there are some exceptions.

All American Express cards give you the potential for an instant card number after approval if eligible, which will give you access to part of your credit line until your card arrives. Capital One cards also provide instant use through the Capital One app, but that’s only possible if you’re an existing Capital One cardholder. Store cards, such as the Target Credit Card, may give you an instant number or code to use as a temporary version of your card.

Best Credit Cards You Can Use Today

Initial Bonus: $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months

Ongoing Rewards: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent per year), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other eligible purchases, received as rewards dollars (which can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout)

Annual Fee: $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after

Min. Credit: Good

(see details, rates & fees)

Initial Bonus: 75,000 miles for spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Ongoing Rewards: 5 miles per $1 spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per $1 spent on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25, as well as 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $95

Min. Credit: Good

Initial Bonus: $200 for spending $1,500 in the first 6 months

Ongoing Rewards: 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay for those purchases), plus 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel

Annual Fee: $0

Min. Credit: Good

(see details, rates & fees)

Initial Bonus: N/A

Ongoing Rewards: 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, as well as 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $39

Min. Credit: Limited History

(see details, rates & fees)

Initial Bonus: N/A

Ongoing Rewards: 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Min. Credit: Bad

Initial Bonus: $50 off a future qualifying purchase over $50 in the first 60 days

Ongoing Rewards: 5% discount at Target and Target.com

Annual Fee: $0

Min. Credit: Fair

While there’s no guarantee these options will get you a credit card today, they’ll certainly give you your best chance. Don’t forget that if you get approved for a Capital One card you’ll need to both already have another Capital One card open and have downloaded the app. Unfortunately, this option isn’t available to every Capital One customer, but Capital One doesn’t disclose who is eligible for instant card information. In the same way, all Amex cards give the potential for instant numbers, but aren’t guaranteed to give you one.

And if you’re interested in a store card, make sure to ask if they offer instant use first. Lastly, when your physical card arrives by mail in 7-10 business days, make sure to activate it right away.

I don't think you can actually get a credit card on the same day you apply for it, but you could try the Capital One Secured Mastercard.

Capitol one gave me ano interest for 6 months credit card. Easy application. 
https://capital.one/30QsYeQ

On the same day? Pretty hard to do. Capital One does instant approval, and they do give you the info, but it depends on what kind of card you want.