Evelyn Boros, Credit Cards Moderator
@evelyn_boros
The best credit card you can use instantly is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You can access the card number immediately after being approved for an account online, then begin to make purchases until you receive the physical card in the mail.
Blue Cash Preferred offers up to bonus cash back rewards in certain spending categories and a $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. It also requires a minimum of good credit for approval. Just remember that you’ll only have a short period of time to write down your card information once you’re approved for this credit card. People who miss this window of opportunity will need to wait until they get the card in the mail.
Best Credit Cards You Can Use Instantly After Approval
Instant approval is always possible when you apply for a credit card online or in person, but credit cards that you can use instantly are uncommon. Some credit card issuers don’t offer any credit cards you can use instantly, while others have only a few.
Credit Cards You Can Use Instantly by Issuer
Issuer | Instant Approval? | Use Instantly? | Conditions |
All cards | All cards | Must apply online or over the phone. Co-branded cards may only offer instant use for purchases with that brand. | |
All cards | All cards | The Alaska Airlines Credit Card offers instant use (for Alaska Airlines purchases) through the online application. Existing BofA customers can use any BofA card instantly after applying and being approved via the mobile app, then adding the card to their mobile wallet. | |
All cards | Some cards | Co-branded cards may offer instant use, but only for purchases with that brand. | |
All cards | Some cards | Instant use is only available on the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®. | |
All cards | Some cards | Instant use is available for people who add certain Chase cards to a digital wallet upon approval. Eligible cards include Chase Freedom Unlimited®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, among others.* | |
All cards | Some cards | Instant use is available for people who apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi in-store. Other co-branded cards may offer instant use, but only for purchases with that brand. | |
All cards | No cards | Standard shipping time for new cards is 10 business days. | |
All cards | No cards | Standard shipping time for new cards is 5-7 business days. | |
All cards | All cards | Instant use is available for all USAA cards, but the credit line is limited to $1,000. | |
All cards | No cards | Standard shipping time for new cards is 7-10 business days. | |
All cards | No cards | Standard shipping time for new cards is 7-10 business days. |
*Please note, at this time the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card, Aeroplan® Credit Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Amazon.com Credit Card, Disney Premier Credit Card, Disney Rewards Credit Card and Business credit cards cannot be added to a digital wallet upon card approval. However, once you receive your physical card you can add it to a digital wallet.
If you’re not able to get a credit card you can use instantly, don’t worry. Credit cards usually only take 7-10 business days to arrive after you’re approved. And many credit card companies provide expedited delivery for a small fee, or sometimes even for free.

2023's Best Instant Approval Credit Cards
Compare Cardscartercharmaine527, Member
@cartercharmaine527
I'm not sure actually! But I've heard that Capital One and American Express are real good credit cards.
Gordon Fritz, Member
@gordon_fritz
For most of them, you do have to wait for them to get to you. But you might lucky with a few store cards, and a couple issuers that give access through their apps or website. I think Capital One was one of them.
People also ask
Anna Santos, Member
@anna_santos
The OpenSky Secured Visa credit card has no credit check, so it's approved instantly. And you can start off with a deposit as low as $200.
Casey Faber, Member
@caseyf_10
In a rush, eh? I know Cap One gives you the details through their app.
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