If you need a credit card today, you should apply for either an American Express card, a Capital One card or one of the store cards that offer instant use. While it’s pretty common to get approved for a credit card the same day if you apply online, you’ll still usually have to wait another 7-10 business days before your card comes to use it.... read full answer
All American Express cards give you the potential for an instant card number after approval, 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.
Some of the Best Credit Cards You Can Get Today
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday offers $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months. The card also gives 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 spent per year in each category), as well as 1% back on all other purchases, earned as statement credits. This card has a $0 annual fee.
The Costco Credit Card offers 4% cash back on eligible gas and and EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 spent per year), 3% back on restaurants and travel, 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases. This card has a $0 annual fee but you must be a Costco member to get it. Th card gives a temporary code to scan at checkout until the actual card arrives.
The Capital One QuicksilverOne offers 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, as well as 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. This card has a $39 annual fee. Must be an existing Capital One customer to see your card information through the app.
The Capital One Platinum Secured card requires a minimum security deposit of $49, $99 or $200. Your credit line will always be at least $200. This card doesn’t offer rewards. Capital One Platinum Secured has a $0 annual fee. Must be an existing Capital One customer to see your card information through the app.
The Target Credit Card offers 5% discount at Target and Target.com. The card has a $0 annual fee. Target Credit Card gives a temporary number after approval to use until your card comes.
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, be sure to activate it right away.
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