Best Credit Cards That You Can Use Instantly

Comparing the top credit cards for instant use

A closer look at the best instant use credit cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards rate:

• 5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 3 points per $1 spent on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout).
• 3 points per $1 spent on select streaming services.
• 3 points per $1 spent on online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
• 2 points per $1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Our verdict: The Sapphire Preferred is an excellent entryway into the world of travel cards thanks to its trip cancellation, lost luggage, and rental car insurance. Plus, using Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal will give you even more bang for your buck when booking travel.

Pros:

• $50 annual hotel credit if purchased via Ultimate Rewards
• 10% point bonus every year
• Multiple transfer partners

Cons:

• $95 annual fee
• Complicated redemption options
• Need to use Ultimate Rewards platform to reap most of the earning benefits

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Rewards rate:

• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 in spending per year.
• 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% cash back on transit.
• 1% cash back on other purchases.
• Terms apply.

Annual fee: $0 the first year, then $95

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable

Signup bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Our verdict: Want easy bonus categories that don’t require opting in or rotating quarterly? This is the card for you. Not only does it come with generous cash back options at daily spend categories, but cardholders also get a yearly $84 credit for the Disney bundle plus a $120 on-demand Equinox Plus credit, too.

Pros:

• 6% back at supermarkets and on streaming subscriptions
• $84 annual Disney Bundle credit
• 3% back at gas stations and on transit

Cons:

• $95 annual fee after first year
• $6,000 spending cap at supermarkets

Apply now: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Learn more: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Review

Apple Card

Rewards rate: 3% cash back on Apple purchases and at select merchants, 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases, 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 0% APR always available on new purchases from Apple, all other purchases 15.99%-26.99%, Variable

Signup bonus: None

Our verdict: If you’re someone who uses Apple Pay a lot or loves to expand their collection of Apple products, this card is for you. With its daily cash back refunds and generous 0% APR on Apple purchases, you’re sure to love using this credit card – as long as you’re doing it via your digital wallet.

Pros:

• $0 Annual fee
• 0% APR on all new Apple purchases
• Daily cash back refunds

Cons:

• Not a great earner if you use it outside of Apple pay
• No intro offers or signup bonuses

Apply now: Apple Card

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Rewards rate:

• 3% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent per year.
• 3% back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 spent per year.
• 3% back on U.S. online retail purchases of up to $6,000 spent per year.
• 1% back on other purchases.
• Terms apply.
• Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable

Signup bonus: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Our verdict: One of the most popular cards for groceries and gas stations, the Blue Cash Everyday is a great daily card. Cardholders also get an $84 yearly credit for the Disney Bundle and a $180 yearly Home Chef credit, too.

Pros:

• No annual fee
• 3% back at supermarkets, gas stations, and online purchases
• Disney bundle credit

Cons:

• $6,000 spending caps for bonus categories
• Yearly credits are doled out in monthly installments

Apply now: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Major issuers’ policies on instant credit access

1. American Express

American Express offers an instant card number upon approval for all American Express credit cards. However, co-branded Amex cards will typically only offer temporary numbers to be used at the location of the co-branded company (i.e. the Hilton cards will offer temporary access to spend at a Hilton location only).

2. Bank of America

Approved credit card customers can get their account numbers directly from the Bank of America mobile app and can upload the card immediately to their digital wallet.

3. Capital One

Capital One does not offer instant card access at this time.

4. Chase

Chase offers a “Spend Instantly” feature for some of its cards which you can access via the Chase mobile app. The cards that don’t have instant access include:

• Aeroplan Credit Card
• Amazon-branded cards
• Business cards
• Chase Freedom Flex
• Disney branded cards
• DoorDash Rewards Mastercard
• Instacart Mastercard
• IHG branded cards.

5. Citi

Citi offers instant access to approved users of these credit cards:

• Citi Custom Cash Card
• Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard (Note: Your temporary card will only be available for use via the American Airlines website)
• Costco Anywhere Visa Card

6. Discover

Discover does not offer instant card access at this time.

7. U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank has only recently launched the ability for users to access their credit card numbers instantly after approval, but it’s currently limited to those who had their applications processed with the text-to-apply option. However, the bank announced it plans to expand instant access soon.

8. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo currently only offers instant access to cardholders of the Bilt World Elite Mastercard Credit Card via the Bilt mobile app.

How to pick a credit card with an instant card number

When searching for a credit card that offers instant card access, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you pick the best credit card with an instant card number:

1. Research major issuers: Start by researching major credit card issuers like Chase, American Express, Capital One, and Citibank. These issuers often provide the option for instant card access.
2. Check issuer policies: Each credit card issuer has its own policies regarding instant card access. Some may offer virtual card numbers that you can use immediately for online purchases, while others may allow you to add your card to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay for instant use.
3. Look for online application options: Applying for a credit card online often increases your chances of getting instant access. Look for issuers that offer online applications and instant approval processes.
4. Credit score requirements: Keep in mind that credit card issuers may have certain credit score requirements for instant card access. Ensure that your credit score meets their criteria before applying.
5. Read customer reviews: Look for customer reviews to get an idea of how quickly other cardholders received their card numbers or access. This will give you insight into the issuer’s efficiency in providing instant card access.
6. Compare benefits and features: While instant card access is important, don’t forget to consider the overall benefits and features of the credit card. Look for rewards programs, low-interest rates, cashback options, and any other benefits that align with your financial goals and spending habits.

What is the easiest instant credit card to get?

The easiest instant credit card to get will depend on your individual financial situation and credit history. However, there are a few credit cards that are generally known for their relatively lenient approval requirements and potential for instant card access. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited
2. Blue Cash Everday Card from American Express
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Remember, while these cards may offer the potential for instant card access, approval is never guaranteed. It’s important to review the specific requirements and terms of each credit card before applying to see if it aligns with your financial situation and goals.

Methodology

The methodology used to calculate the best cards for instant use relied on several factors, with the most prominent of those being:

• The required credit score to apply successfully for the card
• The additional benefits offered by the card beyond rewards
• The rewards rate of the card, if applicable
• Overall difficulty in securing a credit card with fair credit
• The history of the card issuer itself
• Any potential costs associated with owning the credit card

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.

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