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How Americans Can Get Instantly Approved for a Credit Card

5 minute read

By Chelsea Dolan

Getting approved for certain credit cards isn’t always easy. According to Salary Finance’s fourth annual report, 33 percent of Americans were denied credit in the past 12 months. Those with a less than perfect credit score or rocky credit history may find themselves struggling for approval on cards with minimal perks and credit limits. But even with lower credit scores, it’s possible to be approved quickly for credit cards. You just have to search online and choose the right ones.

Not only can you get approved for certain credit cards, but using them can help rebuild your credit history and increase your credit score. Search online to learn more about how this works.

Here are 10 credit cards you may be instantly approved for.

1. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

Highlights:

  • Low annual fee.
  • Choose a credit limit between $200 and $3,000.
  • Delivers all the benefits of a Visa credit card.

Skip the credit check next time you apply for a credit card with the Secured Visa Credit Card from OpenSky. OpenSky doesn’t pull your credit when you apply, making it easy for those with little to no credit to get approved.

OpenSky reports your activity each month to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion so your credit score can improve over time. In fact, 99 percent of cardholders who started without a credit score were able to build their score in just six months.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Highlights:

  • No annual fee.
  • Up to $1,000 credit limit.
  • Unlimited free access to your credit score.

Rebuild your credit score responsibly with the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card. To get started, you pay a security deposit which is held as collateral against your credit line. You can also choose to increase your credit line by the amount of your additional deposit.

Another way to increase your credit limit is based on your payment history and creditworthiness. In as little as six months, you will be automatically considered for an increased credit line. Cardholders can potentially earn back their deposit and upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card.

3. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Highlights:

  • No annual fee.
  • $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval.
  • Can be used anywhere that accepts Visa.

With Amazon being the go-to online marketplace for buying just about anything, it makes sense the company has come out with its own credit card.

There are some worthwhile perks for frequent Amazon shoppers. Customers can receive five percent cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods Market if they are a Prime member. You can also get two percent back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores. On all other purchases, you can get one percent cash back.

4. Brinks Prepaid Mastercard

Highlights:

  • Cash back rewards.
  • $10 Purchase Cushion available.
  • Optional Savings Account available.

It’s easy to get started with a Brinks Prepaid Mastercard. After receiving it in the mail and activating it, you can add money to the card. There are a few ways you can do this:

  1. Enroll in Direct Deposit;
  2. Transfer money to and from another Brink’s cardholder, or;
  3. Visit a reload location in the Netspend Reload Network.

Those who Direct Deposit at least $500 of payroll in a calendar month are eligible for the Reduced Monthly Plan. This gives you a discounted purchase transaction of $5 per month, $10 Purchase Cushion, and access to an optional Savings Account.

5. Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa

Highlights:

  • No fees.
  • Credit lines from $500 to $25,000.
  • Get up to three percent cash back.

As soon as you’re approved, the Upgrade Triple Cash Reward Visa is ready to be swiped. CNET says this card is a combination of a credit card and a line of credit. This can help you cover unexpected expenses and monthly payments.

The card comes with some nice-to-have perks. Customers can enjoy unlimited cash back on payments. You can get up to three percent on home, auto and health categories. Everything else qualifies for one percent cash back.

6. Tomo Credit Card

Highlights:

  • No credit score needed.
  • No interest or fees.
  • Up to $10,000 credit limit.

Anyone with a poor credit history or no credit score at all can check out the Tomo Credit Card. This company evaluates customers on individual circumstances and uses other methods to determine your credit worthiness.

In addition to not charging any fees, customers can take advantage of one percent cashback. You can also grow your credit score over time since Tomo reports to all three major credit bureaus.

7. PayPal Prepaid Mastercard

Highlights:

  • $4.95 per month fee.
  • Use everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.
  • Get $20 credit for referring a friend.

Anyone with a PayPal account might enjoy using the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard. It allows you to make purchases anywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.

You’re able to transfer money from your PayPal balance to your account at no extra cost. You can also load your card through Direct Deposit. Alternatively, there are over 130,000 reload locations across the country where you can add cash to the card.

Order the card online and receive it in the mail within seven to 10 business days.

8. Discover it Secured Credit Card

Highlights:

  • No annual fee.
  • Two percent cash back.
  • Credit line starts at $200.

Build your credit history with ease using the Discover it Secured Credit Card. Customers can choose a credit card limit that’s right for them with a refundable security deposit. After seven months, your activity will be reviewed and you may qualify for an unsecured card with a deposit refund.

The minimum deposit to get started is $200 and larger deposit amounts go up to $2,500 if you’re approved. Your activity will also be reported to the three major credit bureaus, allowing you to increase your credit score over time.

9. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Highlights:

  • No annual fee.
  • Minimum $200 deposit.
  • Earn 1.5 percent cash back.

There’s a lot to like about the Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. For starters, you can find out if you’re pre-approved without risking your credit score. All you need to do is deposit a minimum of $200 once you receive the card.

Moreover, Capital One offers unlimited cash back of 1.5 percent on all purchases. Over time, you can earn back your deposit and upgrade to an unsecured credit card with responsible use.

10. Secured Sable ONE Credit Card

Highlights:

  • No credit check.
  • Unlimited cash back.
  • Easy-to-use Sable app.

If you’re looking to build credit fast, the Secured Sable ONE Credit Card can help you do just that. Through responsible use, you could graduate from a secured credit card to an unsecured one as fast as four months. Customers can enjoy two percent cash back on their favorite brands as well as a two times cash back match during the first year.

Better yet, the Sable app makes it easy to track your cash back rewards and stay on top of your monthly payments.

Perks of These Credit Cards

Those with a bad credit score or no credit history at all can benefit from secured credit cards. Not only do they allow you to set a credit limit that works for you, but you can also rebuild your credit history over time. Furthermore, many companies report your activity to credit bureaus, which will help to increase your credit score.

Even though secured credit cards come with limits, many of them still offer cash back rewards. With a secured credit card, you can earn back money on everyday purchases and reap other benefits available from credit card companies.

Find the Right Credit Card For You Online

If you’re looking to get approved for a credit card fast, then secured cards are the way to go. There are different types to consider based on your financial situation and desired perks. Over time, you can build your credit history and may eventually qualify for other credit cards.

When choosing a credit card, find out if applying will hurt your credit score. You should also make sure to compare monthly fees and other related expenses to understand how much the credit card will cost you.

Contributor

Chelsea is a writer based in Toronto. She covers a little bit of everything including finance, health, shopping, lifestyle, and more.

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