A guide to instant approval credit cards

Some credit card issuers let applicants know whether they’re approved for or denied a credit card within minutes. That quick decision is why you might hear people talk about “instant approval credit cards.” 

Find out how instant approval works and what you may 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. 

• 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 let you use the account instantly.

With instant approval credit cards, the issuer provides an approval decision soon after you submit your application—sometimes 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 or guaranteed approval. It refers to getting a decision about your application 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.

Some credit cards let you access your card details as soon as you’re approved. These are often known as instant-use credit cards. You might be able to start using an instant-use card within minutes of getting approved. 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 credit line using a virtual credit card number or by adding your card information to a digital wallet.

Some cards offer near-instant decisions, but whether you’re approved can depend on a few factors:

• What you apply for. Knowing your credit scores and targeting a card designed for your credit level 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, 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. Applying online is common and may be the fastest option. Card issuers may accept applications via mail and by phone too.

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.

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 access to new credit. Just remember that a decision isn’t always instantaneous. And it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed approval. That’s up to the card issuer.

New to credit or looking for your next credit card?

• See whether you’re pre-approved with no risk to your credit scores.

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

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