A guide to instant approval credit cards

No one likes waiting for an answer about a credit card application. With that in mind, some credit card issuers let applicants know whether they’re approved or denied within minutes. 

That quick decision is why you might hear people talk about “instant approval credit cards.” But how does instant approval work? And what do you need to consider before applying? 

What you’ll learn:

• Credit card instant approval typically refers to a quick or near-instant approval decision. But approval isn’t automatic or guaranteed. 

• Applying for a credit card usually results in a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily affect your credit scores. 

• Even if you’re approved instantly, you may still need to wait for the physical credit card to arrive before using the account.

• While you wait for a physical card to arrive, virtual card numbers or digital wallets might be options to use the account instantly.

Instant approval means the credit card issuer provides an approval decision soon after you complete and submit your application—often within minutes or the same day. In some cases, an issuer could approve or deny your application in seconds. 

Despite its name, instant approval doesn’t mean automatic approval. It refers to getting a decision quickly or almost instantly.

Instant approval also doesn’t guarantee instant use. If you’re approved, your credit card issuer will mail you a physical card in most cases. For example, you can expect to receive your Capital One card within approximately seven to 10 business days after approval. While you wait, there may be options though.

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 using a virtual credit card number or by adding your card information to a digital wallet.

If you have lower credit scores, there are credit cards for building credit. Depending on the issuer, the application process might be the same as it is for any other card. And that includes a quick decision.

You can also find out if you’re pre-approved without hurting your credit.

Not every credit card issuer offers an instant approval option for every card. And even if they do, the decision may not be instantaneous. For example, Capital One can take 90 seconds or more 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 a decision.

Instant approval, pre-qualification and pre-approval aren’t the same. Think of being pre-approved or getting a pre-qualified offer as an informal indication of whether you’ll be eligible for a credit card. Credit card issuers typically use soft credit pulls, which won’t impact your credit scores. 

On the other hand, formally applying for an instant approval card typically involves a hard inquiry, which can temporarily affect your credit scores.

Some cards offer near-instant decisions, but whether or not you’re approved can depend on a few factors:

• What you apply for. If you know your credit scores and target a card designed for your credit level, that could improve your chances of being approved. Higher credit scores may make you more likely to get approved at better terms. Lower scores or a thin credit file could limit your eligibility for certain credit cards. 

• 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, you could avoid delays.

The application process for instant approval cards may not be much different from the application process for any other credit card. It’s common for people to use an online application. And card issuers may accept applications via mail and phone too. 

But before you apply, 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 online or by phone for a Capital One credit card, you could find out whether you’re approved or declined in 90 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.

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

Applying for cards that offer instant approval could be a good option if you need quick or instant access to new credit. Just remember that a decision isn’t always instantaneous. And it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed approval. Plus, if it involves a hard inquiry, applying 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.