A guide to instant approval credit cards: What to consider

Don’t like waiting for an answer about your credit card application? With a credit card that offers so-called instant approval, you could find out whether you’re approved or denied within minutes of applying. 

But what exactly is instant approval? And what do you need to consider before applying? Here are a few things to know. 

Key takeaways

• There’s no official “instant approval credit card” category because instant approval has to do with the application process. 
• Even if you’re approved instantly, you may need to wait for the physical credit card to arrive before using the account—unless virtual cards are an option. 
• Before applying, it may help to consider factors like your credit scores and credit history, whether the credit card issuer offers instant approval, and whether you can use your new credit account immediately following approval.
• Applying for any credit card usually results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily affect your credit scores.

Instant approval means the credit card issuer provides an approval decision soon after you complete and submit your application. The issuer could approve or deny your application in seconds or minutes. 

Despite its name, instant approval is more about getting a decision quickly. In other words, instant approval doesn’t mean guaranteed approval. 

If you’re looking for more of an indicator about whether your application might be approved or denied, you might want to consider checking whether you’re pre-approved for credit card offers, which doesn’t affect your credit scores.

Instant approval may allow you to get approved for a new credit card quickly after applying—often within minutes or the same day. And if you’re approved, in most cases your credit card issuer will mail you a physical card. For example, you can expect to receive your Capital One card within approximately seven to 10 business days after approval.

Some credit cards let you access your card details as soon as you’re approved. These are often known as instant use credit cards. If you get approved for an instant use credit card, you might be able to start using it within minutes. If it’s not an instant use credit card, you may have to wait for your card to arrive in the mail before you can use it.

With certain credit cards, you can access your account by using a virtual credit card number or adding your card information to a digital wallet.

There isn’t necessarily a category of credit cards known as instant approval cards. But some cards offer the possibility of instant approval. 

Whether you get instant approval can depend on a few different factors:

• What you apply for: If you know your credit scores and target a card designed for your credit level, you could improve your chances of being approved.
• How you apply: If you apply for the card online, you may get a quicker decision than if you apply by mail or over the phone.
• What information you submit: By providing all the information the lender needs to assess your application, you could avoid delays. The process could take longer if the lender needs more information.

Thinking about applying for a credit card with instant approval? Here are a few points to consider before applying:

Instant approval, pre-qualification and pre-approval aren’t the same. Think of being pre-approved as an informal check that gives you an idea of whether you’ll be eligible for a credit card. Credit card issuers typically use soft credit pulls during the pre-approval and pre-qualification processes, which won’t impact your credit scores. On the other hand, formally applying—and an instant approval decision—typically involves a hard inquiry, which can temporarily affect your credit scores.

Not every credit card issuer offers an instant approval option for every card. And even if they do, it may not be literally instantaneous. For example, Capital One says it often can take 60 seconds to approve or deny online or phone credit card applications. And your card issuer could need more information after you’ve applied. That would delay any approval or denial.

One other thing to remember: Instant approval doesn’t mean guaranteed approval. Think of it more as an instant reply. An application can still be denied if it doesn’t satisfy the lender’s credit policies.

The terms may be similar, but instant approval and instant use are two different concepts. 

With instant approval, you might still have to wait to receive your card before you can use the account. But an instant use card lets you use your credit card account as soon as you’re approved.

Higher credit scores may make you more likely to get approved. Lower scores or a thin credit file could limit your eligibility for certain credit cards. These factors might also affect your interest rate and credit limit. Knowing your credit scores can help you figure out which cards suit your credit level.

The application process for instant approval may not be much different from the process for any other credit card application. It’s common for people to use an online application. But card issuers may also accept applications via mail and phone. Be sure to carefully review credit card offers to see what terms fit your needs and finances. 

You might also look for lenders that deliver instant use cards. In those cases, credit card numbers are delivered digitally upon approval. And they can be used to make purchases sooner.

If you apply by phone or online for a Capital One credit card, you could find out whether you’re approved or declined in 60 seconds. But it could take longer if Capital One needs more information. And you can expect a written response within seven to 10 days of Capital One receiving your application. 

You can check the status of your application online or by calling 800-903-9177.

Still have questions about instant approval credit cards? Here are answers to a few you may have.

Cards that offer instant approval could be a good option if you need quick or instant access to new credit. Just remember that it’s not always instantaneous. And it doesn’t always result in approval. Plus, if it involves a hard inquiry, it could temporarily affect your credit scores. 

If you want to check offers without affecting your credit scores, try the Capital One pre-approval process to see what credit cards you may be eligible for.

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with Quicksilver.

• Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.