The fastest way to get a credit card is to apply online since your application could get approved instantly. You may receive a card number that can be used online right away once your application is approved, and you can request expedited shipping to get your actual card as soon as possible.
Ways to Get a Credit Card Fast:
Apply online
This is the fastest way to get your application to the issuer.
Apply for cards below your range
You’re more likely to be instantly approved for cards that you’re overqualified for (e.g. apply forfair credit cardsif you havegood credit). You could even put a deposit ona secured credit card, which has the highest odds of approval of any card type.
Check for pre-approval
Some issuers let you check online to see whether you’repre-approvedfor any of their cards. This means they’ll tell you whether you’re a good candidate to apply based on a harmlesssoft checkof your credit. If you’re pre-approved, you’ll have around a 90%chance of success when you actually apply for an account.
Look for instant use cards
Certain issuers provide your credit card number (or a temporary one) to use right after you’re approved, instead of making you wait 7-10 business days until your card arrives in the mail.Somestore credit cardsalso allow you to apply and use your card the same day. And if you get approved for aCapital One cardand you are an existing cardholder, you may be able to download theirapp and see the number, expiration date and security code right away.
Request expedited shipping
Most credit card issuers will give you an option forfaster shipping, usually in exchange for a fee ranging from $6 to $25. You may even get it for free, depending on the issuer. This will allow you to get your hands on the card sooner than the normal 7-10 business days.
Call the issuer
If you don’t get approved right away and your application is pending, you can try following up with the issuer. Calling them might get your application looked at a little sooner than if you just waited. It might not, but it’s worth a try.
Regardless of whether you go for an account that gives you an instant number, your card should arrive within 7-10 business days of approval.If it doesn’t get to you within that time frame, you should definitely give customer service a call to check its status.
This answer was first published on 01/22/18 and it was last updated on 03/08/24. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
FAQs
Quick credit card approvals typically take place when your application is complete and your credit score is sufficient to qualify. You can always research a card first and make sure you fit the criteria for approval. An online application may be a faster way to get approved than a mail-in form.
Can I get a credit card immediately? ›
Some credit card issuers let you use an instant approval credit card right away, while others require that you wait to receive the physical credit card. Once you activate your card, you can start using it and earning rewards.
What is the quickest credit card to get? ›
5 Best Instant Approval Credit Cards (May 2024)
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
Applying for a credit card online is often the quickest option. You could get a near-instant answer to your application. And if you're approved, some lenders may give you a virtual card number to start using straight away.
Which bank gives a credit card easily? ›
Effortlessly manage expenses and enjoy exclusive rewards with IndusInd Bank Credit Cards. Select the perfect credit card from our range based on your needs. Enjoy a 100% paperless application process and instant approval in 3 easy steps.
What is the easiest credit card to get instant approval? ›
- Instant approval for Amazon Prime Visa. ...
- A rewarding card for essentials Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. ...
- Instant access to a great travel card Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. ...
- For below-average credit Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. ...
- No credit check required OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard: The First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard requires no credit history or minimum credit score for approval. Your security deposit is refundable, and the card is accepted nationwide.
Can I get a virtual credit card instantly? ›
Welcome to the electronic version of your credit card – secure, easy to use, and instant. Now you may initiate the use of your instant virtual credit card as soon as you are approved for it, even before the physical card and password are sent to you.
Can you get a $5,000 credit card? ›
U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured Visa Card stands out for offering a flexible credit limit of up to $5,000, based on the deposit provided. This card is especially appealing for those aiming to rebuild credit while enjoying cash-back rewards on purchases.
What is the #1 credit card to have? ›
The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on all purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back.
It's possible to get a credit card with no credit. You might consider applying for a secured credit card, student credit card or retail store credit card to help establish and build your credit.
Can I get a credit card overnight? ›
Key Takeaways. Credit card approvals can be near-instant but it can take several business days for your physical card to be mailed to you. Some credit card companies may give you a temporary digital card number you can use to make purchases or pay bills online.
What qualifies you for a credit card? ›
Review the basic credit card requirements to sign up
- Age. First, you need to be old enough to get a credit card. ...
- Income. Credit card issuers want to know that you have your own source of income to be able to pay your bills. ...
- Low debt. ...
- Credit score.
You can now apply for Credit Cards online and get instant approval. These cards provide the benefits of a quick application process, often yielding immediate decisions on eligibility. As such, they have become an incredibly popular choice for individuals seeking instant financial flexibility and easy access to credit.
What is the easiest US bank credit card to get? ›
U.S. Bank Cash+ ® Secured Visa ® Card.
What card gives the most credit? ›
On our list, the card with the highest reported limit is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which some say offers a $100,000 limit. We've also seen an advertised maximum credit limit of $100,000 on the First Tech Odyssey Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard®, a credit union rewards card.
Can I go to the bank and get a credit card the same day? ›
Instant approval for a card is common among major issuers, but instant access to that credit line after approval isn't always available.
Can I get a credit card from the bank same day? ›
It's very common to get approved for a credit card the same day if you apply online, but you'll typically have to wait another 7-10 business days for your card to arrive in mail. Most credit cards don't allow you to make purchases before the card arrives, but there are some exceptions.
Can you pick up a credit card same day? ›
Many credit card companies offer same-day credit cards, including American Express, Capital One, and Discover. Retail store credit cards are also often instant-use cards.
Does Capital One approve you instantly? ›
If you apply by phone or online, you'll typically get a response within 60 seconds. If you submit a paper application, it will take longer. But no matter how you apply, Capital One generally notifies applicants of the decision in writing within seven to 10 days of receiving the application.
