Top Instant Approval Credit Cards in 2024

Are you looking to get a new credit card quickly? Perhaps you need one for an upcoming large purchase or just to start building your credit history. Whatever the reason, instant approval credit cards can be a great option.

With instant approval, you’ll know right away if you’re approved and can often start using your new card immediately.

In this post, we’ll explore the best instant approval credit cards for 2024 across different categories to help you find the right fit.

What are Instant Approval Credit Cards?

Instant approval credit cards allow you to decide on your application in real time, often within 60 seconds. If approved, many issuers will provide a temporary credit card number to use right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive. This is extremely convenient if you need to make purchases quickly.

It’s important to note that not all credit card applications result in an instant decision. Things like a thick credit file or incomplete application can lead to a pending review. But many major issuers do offer options for instant approval on some of their most popular cards.

Benefits of Instant Approval Cards

Find out if you’re approved right away
Can use the card number virtually immediately
Great for those with limited/no credit history
Some offer 0% intro APRs and sign-up bonuses

6 Top Credit Cards for Instant Approval

1. X1 Card

Welcome Bonus: None
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate: Up to 10X points
- 10x at select popular online merchants
- Bonus points for hitting monthly spending thresholds
Recommended Credit Score: 670+

The X1 Card is a unique rewards card that earns you points on every purchase without restricting categories. It offers a huge 10x return at select popular online merchants. You’ll also earn bonus points every month you hit certain spending thresholds.

What makes the X1 really shine is its instant virtual card access upon approval. Once you’re approved, you can immediately add the card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay to start spending. The physical card arrives later by mail. This is perfect for immediately taking advantage of a big promotion or financing a necessary purchase.

2. Prime Visa Signature Card

Welcome Bonus: $100 Amazon gift card
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 5% at Amazon/Whole Foods
- 2% at restaurants/gas stations
- 1% elsewhere
Recommended Credit: 670+

If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, the Prime Visa Signature from Chase is an excellent instant approval option. New cardholders can get a $100 Amazon gift card after approval. You’ll earn a stellar 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, with solid returns at gas stations and restaurants as well.

Aside from the great earning rates, Chase is known for quickly issuing temporary credit card numbers to approved applicants. So you can use the Prime Visa virtually right away, even for Amazon purchases while waiting for the physical card.

3. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Welcome Bonus: $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in 6 months
Annual Fee: $0 first year, then $95
Rewards Rate:
- 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit
- 1% general
Recommended Credit: 670+

The Blue Cash Preferred is one of the top credit cards for maximizing grocery spend. It offers a generous 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). You’ll also earn 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.

American Express is known for sometimes providing instant card numbers to approved applicants. So depending on your application info, you may be able to start earning that 6% back right away. The Blue Cash Preferred also has a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months.

4. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:
- 5X total points on travel purchased through Chase
- 3X on dining/online groceries
- 2X on other travel
- 1X general
Recommended Credit Score: 670+

The Sapphire Preferred is one of the best rewards cards for travel and dining purchases. New cardholders can earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after meeting the minimum spend, worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase.

In addition to the solid welcome offer, Chase is known to frequently provide temporary credit card numbers to approved applicants. So you can start racking up those lucrative travel rewards immediately, in addition to benefits like primary auto rental coverage.

5. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Deposit Amount: $49, $99 or $200
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Line: $200 minimum

If you’re looking to build or rebuild credit, the Capital One Platinum Secured card is a reasonable option that offers instant approval decisions. You’ll need to put down a refundable security deposit to get approved, which will also be your initial credit limit.

Capital One is one of the more lenient issuers for approving applicants with poor or no credit history.
They allow deposits as low as $49 to get started.
This can be a great way for young adults and those new to credit to get in the door quickly.
Responsible usage can lead to a higher credit line in as little as 6 months.

6. OpenSky Secured Visa® Credit Card

Deposit Amount: $200 to $3,000
Annual Fee: $35
Credit Line: Equal to deposit amount

For those who can’t get approved with more traditional credit card issuers, the OpenSky Secured Visa is an option. It requires no credit check for approval. As long as you can put down a $200 to $3,000 refundable deposit, you’re instantly approved.

While higher risk applicants rejoice in the lack of a credit check, there are some downsides to the OpenSky card:

It has an annual fee of $35
You won’t be able to access your credit line until the physical card arrives in 7-10 business days

But it can provide a credit lifeline if you’re being denied by other issuers.

Credit Score Needed for Instant Approval

The credit score needed for instant approval depends on the specific card. Secured cards for poor/no credit like the Capital One Platinum and OpenSky cards are typically easier to get instantly approved for.

For rewards cards and those requiring good-excellent credit like the Prime Visa, Blue Cash Preferred, and Sapphire Preferred, you’ll generally want a FICO score of 670 or higher for the best instant approval odds. Applicants with scores in the fair range may have to go through additional application review.

Tips for Getting Instantly Approved

Check if you’re pre-qualified to improve your odds
Provide complete information like income and housing details
Minimize other recent applications and high credit utilization
Opt for cards matching your credit profile
Be an existing customer of the issuer

How to Maximize an Instant Approval Credit Card

Once you’re approved for one of the best instant approval credit cards, it’s important to use it responsibly to maintain good credit.

Always pay your statement balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. And be sure to take advantage of lucrative welcome bonuses and category bonuses to maximize your earnings.

Following good credit habits will set you up for future credit approvals.

Instant Approval vs Instant Card Number

While this guide focuses on cards offering instant approval decisions, it’s worth noting the distinction between that and getting an instant card number to use. With instant approval, you’ll know immediately if you’re approved for a new account and credit line.

But not every instantly approved credit card will give you a temporary account number to start using right away. For example, secured cards typically require you to fund the security deposit first before you can access the credit line.

Many issuers like Chase, American Express, and the X1 company will allow immediately adding an approved account to a digital wallet like Apple Pay. So you can start spending while waiting for the physical card. This instant card number access combined with the instant approval decision is the ultimate convenience for new credit card accounts.

Conclusion

Instant approval credit cards provide a streamlined application process when you need a new card quickly. Options like the X1 Card, Prime Visa, Blue Cash Preferred, and Sapphire Preferred can get you earning rewards immediately upon approval if you have excellent credit.

Or secured cards like those from Capital One and OpenSky can provide a credit solution with instant decisions for applicants with poor/no credit history. Just be sure to use any new instant approval credit card responsibly to maintain a positive credit profile going forward.