- Instant approval credit cards provide an account number you can use before your physical card arrives.
- Some instant use cards can only be used online, some only in stores and some in various locations.
- Instant use cards are not the same as instant approval cards.
- Several credit card providers offer this benefit, and you can typically find out whether your card does by reading the fine print on the offer.
When you buy something using links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content is reviewed & supervised by The Los Angeles Times.
On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- Our top picks for instant approval credit cards you can use immediately
- Let's compare the best instant use credit cards of 2024
- More info on the best instant use credit cards
- Instant approval credit cards vs. instant use credit cards
- Which issuers offer access to instant credit card numbers after approval?
- How do instant approval credit card numbers work?
- FAQ: Instant approval credit cards
On This Page
- Key takeaways
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- Our top picks for instant approval credit cards you can use immediately
- Let's compare the best instant use credit cards of 2024
- More info on the best instant use credit cards
- Instant approval credit cards vs. instant use credit cards
- Which issuers offer access to instant credit card numbers after approval?
- How do instant approval credit card numbers work?
- FAQ: Instant approval credit cards
Instant Use Credit Cards You Can Use Immediately After Approval
Sarah Stasik - Personal Finance
+ 1 other
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Instant approval credit cards you can use immediately let you use your account to make purchases without waiting for a physical card to arrive. Because it can take up to two weeks for a card to arrive by mail, this can be a big convenience perk.
Find out more about instant use cards in the article below.
We’ll answer questions such as:
- What are some credit cards that you can use instantly once you’re approved?
- What is the difference between instant-approval credit cards and instant use cards?
- How do immediate use credit card numbers work?
Our top picks for the best instant approval credit cards
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for Everyday Purchases: No Annual Fee
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Everyday Purchases: Groceries & Gas
- Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®: Best for Everyday Purchases: Walmart
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Everyday Purchases: Flexible Cash Back
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Travel: Flexible Rewards
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Travel: Premium Chase Rewards
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Travel: Simple Rewards
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for Travel: Premium Capital One Rewards
- Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for Credit Building
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Travel: Premium Amex Rewards
Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
Not all credit cards offer instant use account numbers, but a growing number do. The details on how the instant credit card numbers work differ by credit card or provider. For example, some offer instant access through their app, while others offer a credit card number you can use online or save in a virtual wallet like Google Pay.
We’ve provided a list below of cards that offer instant use numbers. This is only a small sampling of cards that may come with this benefit.
Our top picks for instant approval credit cards you can use immediately
Advertiser Disclosure
Best for Everyday Purchases: No Annual Fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Up to 3% Reward Rate
Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year on online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.24% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you’ll receive your card number, a temporary 4-digit ID, and an expiration date to use your card online or in a digital wallet until you get the physical card. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is the perfect credit card for those who want to earn cash back on their everyday purchases without having to pay an annual fee. With this card, you can earn generous rewards in categories where most families spend the most, like U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after account opening, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 0% APR on eligible purchases for 15 months
- Generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & online shopping
Cons
- Rewards cap on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee
- Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories
Bottom Line
For a no-annual-fee option, the reward rate on this card is pretty solid, but for heavy spenders, other cards may offer more value.
Best for Everyday Purchases: Groceries & Gas
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Up to 6% Reward Rate
Earn 6% back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back), 6% back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$0 the first year, then $95
Welcome Offer
$250
Regular APR
19.24% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you’ll receive your card’s info to use it online or in a digital wallet until you get the physical card. For those who spend a lot on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great option. With this card, you can earn 6% cash back rewards on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets yearly (then 1% back). Additionally, this card offers fantastic rewards on select streaming services, purchases at U.S. gas stations, and transit spending.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- 0% Intro APR for purchases and balance transfers during the first 12 months (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable)
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent rewards on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, transit and more
- 0% APR on purchases for a limited time
- Don’t need to activate categories
Cons
- Rewards can only be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Has an annual fee
Bottom Line
Although this card has an annual fee, most families will be able to easily get enough value out of the everyday categories to make it worth it.
Best for Everyday Purchases: Walmart
Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% back on Walmart.com & in the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery, 2% back on restaurants and travel, and at Walmart Stores, Walmart & Murphy USA gas stations, and 1% back everywhere else Mastercard® is accepted.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
5% cash back the first 12 months
Regular APR
19.48% or 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Fair/Good (580 - 740)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you’ll receive credentials for a 10-day temporary shopping pass that you can add to Walmart Pay until you get your physical card in the mail. For Walmart enthusiasts, this card is a no-brainer, offering exceptional cash-back rewards on purchases made online and in the Walmart app.
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Card Details
Pros
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate at Walmart.com
- Instant use through the Walmart app
Cons
- Subpar rewards outside of online Walmart purchases
- Few additional perks
- No intro APR offer
Best for Everyday Purchases: Flexible Cash Back
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Up to 6.5% Reward Rate
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Up to $300 cash back
Regular APR
20.49%-29.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you can link your card to your digital wallet through the Chase mobile app. As one of the most well-rounded cards on the market, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a great option for those looking for flexibility in their rewards. It offers a flat cash-back rate on all purchases and generous cash-back in other useful categories, so it’s incredibly easy to earn rewards. Add a sweet welcome offer and no annual fee, and this card is the full package.
Although it claims to earn cash back, Freedom Unlimited goes beyond that. The rewards you earn are part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, so they’re even more flexible to redeem. If you have a card that already earns Ultimate Rewards, you can pool your points for even more value.
Best for Travel: Flexible Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase, 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, and 1X points on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you can easily link your card to your digital wallet through the Chase mobile app. If you travel frequently or even semi-frequently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is worth considering. This card provides a high earning rate on travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, so it’s perfect for travel and everyday expenses. Plus, Sapphire Preferred earns points through Chase Ultimate Rewards, so you can redeem them for travel, gift cards, cash back, transfer them 1:1 to airline and hotel partners, and more. It also offers solid travel insurance benefits, so you can rest assured that you’re covered during your travels. Additionally, it has no foreign transaction fees, so you don’t have to worry about extra charges if you go overseas.
Best for Travel: Premium Chase Rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals through the Chase portal, 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 5X points on flights booked through Chase, 3X points on travel and dining, and 1X points on all non-bonus spending.
Annual Fee
$550
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
22.49% to 29.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you can link your card to your digital wallet through the Chase mobile app. When it comes to premium benefits and flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Reserve stands as a fantastic travel credit card option. It does have a high annual fee, but its benefits can far outweigh that — especially the annual $300 travel credit. It also has an impressive reward rate, with up to 10X points on eligible travel purchases (Note: You won’t start earning points until the $300 annual travel statement credit is fully spent. The first $300 spent on travel each year will automatically go towards the statement credit). Plus, this card has a substantial welcome bonus worth over $900 and a multitude of other travel benefits. If you look past the annual fee, you’ll see that the Chase Sapphire Reserve is full of high-value perks.
Best for Travel: Simple Rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel stays or rental cars booked through Capital One’s portal and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you can instantly get a virtual card number through the Capital One app or Eno. Some travel rewards cards can have complicated categories, making it difficult to take full advantage of their benefits. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card keeps things simple by offering flat-rate rewards.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Pros
- Travel insurance protections incuded
- Earn flexible rewards for travel
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
Cons
- Requires good or excellent credit
- No everyday spending bonus categories
- High APR
Bottom Line
The massive sign-up offer and generous, flexible rewards make this card a great option for casual travelers.
Best for Travel: Premium Capital One Rewards
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Up to 10X Reward Rate
Earn 10X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on airfare purchased through the portal, and 2X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
75,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you can instantly get a virtual card number through the Capital One app or Eno. The Venture X is Capital One’s most premium travel credit card, packed with benefits such as airport lounge access, Priority Pass Select membership, yearly bonus miles, and an elevated rewards-earning rate on travel booked through Capital One’s portal, all for a lower annual fee than some other cards in the same bracket.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Pros
- Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, transfers to international airlines, and more
- Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
- Huge welcome offer
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Large spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus
- Excellent credit required
Bottom Line
With a lower annual fee than some premium cards and extremely valuable benefits, this card can easily be worth the annual fee for the frequent traveler.
Best for Credit Building
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
No Rewards
This card doesn’t earn any rewards.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended Credit
No Credit History
Why we like it
Upon approval, you can get a temporary digital card number through the Chime app, until you get the physical card in the mail. If you’re in a bit of a credit score pickle, the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card can help, and since you can get a temporary digital card number, it can help quickly. Chime doesn’t have a minimum deposit requirement, has no annual fee or interest, and doesn’t require a credit check.
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Card Details
More Card Info
The Chime credit card works like other secured credit cards in the sense that it requires a security deposit. However, it offers several features that put it in a league of its own. Chime essentially works like a prepaid card. You simply add money to your Chime Builder secured account from your checking account and can spend until your card balance reaches $0.00. This is great for people trying to build or rebuild credit**, as it works similarly to a debit card.
However, unlike a debit card, Chime reports to all 3 credit bureaus, so you build credit while you spend. Other noteworthy features of the Chime Credit Builder card include not requiring a credit check at sign-up or a minimum security deposit (Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.)
To qualify for the Chime Credit Builder card, all you need is to open a Chime Checking Account and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more. After receiving that direct deposit you can apply for a secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card!
*No Interest: Out of network ATM withdrawal fees and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.
**No Minimum Security Deposit: Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
**Safer Credit Building - On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
Pros
- No annual fee
- No credit check required to apply
- No annual interest charges
Cons
- No credit limit greater than your deposit
- Need direct deposit account with Chime
- No option to upgrade
Bottom Line
This card offers a good alternative for people to build or rebuild their credit but doesn’t earn rewards and may be confusing to use.
Best for Travel: Premium Amex Rewards
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on other purchases.
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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Upon approval, you’ll receive your card’s info to use it online or in a digital wallet until you get the physical card. The American Express Platinum card, although a bit on the pricey side with a $695 annual fee, comes with a multitude of premium travel perks. If you’re a luxury traveler who knows how to make the most of a credit card’s offerings, this one can reward you well.
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Card Details
More Card Info
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Excellent rewards rate for travel purchases
- Qualify for $1,500+ in statement credits
- Very generous welcome offer
Cons
- High annual fee of $695
- Many statement credit offers are too specific and hard to use
- Non-travel-perks aren’t spectacular
Bottom Line
This is quite a spectacular card with incredibly valuable benefits, but the annual fee is objectively very high.
Let's compare the best instant use credit cards of 2024
Card name
Best for
Annual fee
Reward rate
Learn more
Best for Everyday Purchases: No Annual Fee
$0
1%-3% cash back
Best for Everyday Purchases: Groceries & Gas
$0 the first year, then $95
1%-6% cash back
Best for Everyday Purchases: Walmart
$0
1%-5% cash back
Best for Everyday Purchases: Flexible Cash Back
$0
1.5%-6.5% cash back
Best for Travel: Flexible Rewards
$95
1X-5X points
Best for Travel: Premium Chase Rewards
$550
1X-10X points
Best for Travel: Simple Rewards
$95
2X-5X miles
Best for Travel: Premium Capital One Rewards
$395
2X-10X miles
Best for Credit Building
$0
N/A
Best for Travel: Premium Amex Rewards
$695
1X-5X points
Instant approval credit cards vs. instant use credit cards
While instant use credit cards are typically instant approval cards, these are two different things.
Instant approval credit cards
Instant approval refers to the practice of letting you know immediately — usually within seconds or minutes — whether you are approved for a credit card. Almost all card issuers provide instant approval today. However, not every application can be instantly approved.
In some cases, the creditor needs additional information to approve your account. You are typically notified in seconds that this is the case and provided instructions for providing that information. The creditor may need documentation regarding your income, for example. In these situations, approval can take a few days or weeks.
Instant use credit cards
Instant use credit cards are accounts you can use immediately after you are approved. You are provided with a virtual credit card number or another option, such as an app, to make purchases before your physical card arrives in the mail.
Not all credit cards come with this benefit, and not all credit card accounts that are instantly approved offer instant use numbers.
Which issuers offer access to instant credit card numbers after approval?
A growing number of banks and credit card issuers are providing instant credit card numbers to cardholders.
The issuers below offer at least one credit card with this benefit.
1
American Express
Amex offers this benefit on most, if not all, of its cards. You can use your instant use card number with Amazon Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.
2
Capital One
Capital One offers this option on select cards and to select applicants. The easiest way to use a Capital One virtual credit card is via the Capital One assistant, Eno, which is a browser extension.
3
Citi
Some Citi credit cards provide a temporary credit card number you can use on the application approval page. You can also enroll in the virtual credit card option via your Citi online account.
4
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers instant use digital cards for some approved cardholders. You can download the digital card into a compatible digital wallet and use it to make purchases before you get your physical card — or even after.
5
Discover
Discover offers an instant use token option that can be used with digital wallets and virtual credit card numbers. However, this option isn’t available for all card types or applicants.
6
Chase
Many Chase credit cards come with an option to spend instantly. This is supported via a virtual card number that can be loaded into digital wallets.
This is not an exhaustive list, and other banks and issuers offer this benefit. As previously mentioned, almost all retail co-branded credit cards or store-only credit cards can also be used instantly at the register or in the online shopping card upon approval.
How do instant approval credit card numbers work?
Instant approval virtual credit card numbers work similarly to your regular credit card, but there are a few limitations. You won’t have a physical card you can swipe at registers, so your ability to shop in stores can be limited by each retailer’s payment policies and your own comfort with payment apps and digital wallets, for example.
The exact process for using an instant use credit card number depends on the card you get and the issuer’s policies. You can see some examples of different approaches in our list of example credit cards with this benefit above.
However, the general concept of instant approval credit card numbers works like this:
- You apply for the card and are, hopefully, approved instantly. Approval depends on your creditworthiness and other factors.
- The card issuer provides you with an instant use credit card number. Whether you receive this benefit may also depend on your credit score and other factors. Card issuers may also require a special identification process before they provide an instant credit card number for you to use.
- The instant use credit card number is either a temporary card number, your actual account number or an app-based dynamic number that is created for each purchase.
- You may need to download the credit card company’s app to access your instant use card number. In other cases, you are provided with the information via a secure email, and you can add the card number to your digital wallet or enter it manually when making online payments.
- In some cases, you don’t have access to your entire credit line via an instant use card. You may only have access to a percentage of your credit line until you get your physical card. This is a security measure some credit card issuers take to protect cardholders from potential fraud.
One important consideration when using a virtual credit card of any type — instant or otherwise — is that the card number you use may not match the card number that’s on your actual credit card. This can be an obstacle when you make purchases that require you to swipe or show your card later.
For instance, some hotels require that you present the card you used to make the booking when you check in. If the credit card numbers don’t match, there can be some confusion or hassle. The same is true when renting a car or purchasing event tickets in advance. It’s best to be aware of the requirements in these types of scenarios so you can use your physical credit card and its matching number when necessary.
FAQ: Instant approval credit cards
Do all credit cards offer instant approval?
Most credit card issuers operate on an instant approval process today, but there are a few instances where instant approval isn’t an option. In some cases, even creditors that offer instant approval may need more time to review a borrower’s documentation for approval.
If I’m approved, can I use my card instantly?
Not all credit cards come with instant use numbers or capabilities. However, if you apply for a card that does offer this option and you’re approved, you will receive a temporary card number or other instructions on how to use your card. After you verify your account and follow these instructions, you can begin making purchases with your card. Often, you can make a purchase with the card just a few minutes after the approval.
Which credit cards give you an instant card number?
A variety of credit card companies offer instant card numbers. That includes options from American Express, Chase and Capital One as well as other banks. Store credit cards almost always support instant use, but you may only be able to make purchases in the specific store until you receive your physical card.
Are instant approval virtual credit card numbers safe to use?
Virtual credit card numbers are as safe to use as any other credit card number, but you should always follow secure practices. Pay attention to where you’re entering your number, and don’t use it on sites that seem suspicious or not secure. Avoid sharing the number in emails or text messages, and never share it on social media.
In some cases, virtual credit card numbers may actually be more secure than using your regular card when shopping online. Some credit card companies provide a dynamic virtual card number when you use their apps or browser extensions. This means a unique card number is generated for each purchase, so even if data from that purchase is included in a data breach, the card number itself is useless for future use.
Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.
Over the past 12 years, Sarah has contributed to numerous publications in the personal and small business finance sector, including content on budgeting, bankruptcy, small business accounting, and financial tech. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful, relevant resources for readers.
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