If you need a credit card today, you should apply for an American Express card, a Capital One card or a store credit card that offers instant use. 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.
All American Express cards give you the potential for an instant card number after approval, which will give you access to part of your credit line until your card arrives. Capital One cards also provide instant use through the Capital One app, but that’s only possible if you’re an existing Capital One cardholder. Store cards, such as the Target Credit Card, may give you an instant number or code to use as a temporary version of your card.
Best Credit Cards You Can Get in 1 Day
Terms ApplyCash Back Rewards:Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
Ongoing Rewards: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent per year), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on all other purchases, received as rewards dollars (which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout)
Annual Fee: $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after
Min. Credit Required: Good
- Travel Rewards:Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardChase Sapphire Preferred® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: 75,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Ongoing Rewards: 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase, 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases, 3 points per $1 on dining and online grocery purchases, 3 points per $1 on select streaming services, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $95
Min. Credit Required: Good
- Excellent Credit:Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by CitiCostco Anywhere Visa® Card by CitiLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
Initial Bonus: N/A
Ongoing Rewards: 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 spent per year), 3% back on restaurants and travel, 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $0
Min. Credit Required: Excellent
- Fair CreditCapital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit CardCapital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
(see )
Initial Bonus: N/A
Ongoing Rewards: 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, as well as 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $39
Min. Credit Required: Limited History
- Bad Credit:Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit CardCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
(see )
Initial Bonus: N/A
Ongoing Rewards: 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, as well as 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $0
Min. Credit Required: Bad
- Store CardTarget Credit CardTarget Credit CardLearn MoreLearn More
Initial Bonus: $50 off a future qualifying purchase over $50
Ongoing Rewards: 5% discount at Target and Target.com
Annual Fee: $0
Min. Credit Required: Fair
While there’s no guarantee these options will get you a credit card today, they’ll certainly give you your best chance. Don’t forget that if you get approved for a Capital One card you’ll need to both already have another Capital One card open and have downloaded the app. Unfortunately, this option isn’t available to every Capital One customer, but Capital One doesn’t disclose who is eligible for instant card information. In the same way, all Amex cards give the potential for instant numbers, but aren’t guaranteed to give you one.
And if you’re interested in a store card, make sure to ask if they offer instant use first. Lastly, when your physical card arrives by mail in 7-10 business days, make sure to activate it right away.
This answer was first published on 04/28/21 and it was last updated on 05/28/24. 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.
