There are moments in life when you need a new credit card — like immediately! Maybe you have an emergency purchase to make or are angling to take advantage of a temporary 0 percent interest rate.
In any case, there are credit card issuers who work quickly. Whether you’re looking for a speedy application process, or an account number as soon as you’re approved, here are the best instant approval credit card options for 2023.
Get The Best Perks
Before we delve into the fastest and no-fuss credit card options, let’s highlight a few perks you don’t want to miss. Many companies hope to entice potential card-holders with exclusive offers and partnership promotions with other brands.
Issuers might offer sign-up bonuses, which include cash-back or points for using the card within a certain time frame. They might also promote a 0 percent introductory APR, flexible payment options, or no annual fee. Finally, they may have a rewards program that accumulates points or cash from your purchases. Make sure some of these perks are on your checklist as you explore your options.
OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
Credit Score: N/A
APR: 21.64 percent
Approval Process: No credit check and completed within minutes.
If you have bad credit, the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card may be the ideal option for you. Unlike traditional “unsecured” cards, this option requires an upfront deposit. The amount you choose will ultimately be your credit limit, ranging between $200 and $3,000. When you close the account, you get the deposit back – as long as your credit is good.
Not only is the OpenSky Visa an amazing way to build credit, but there’s no credit check whatsoever. Plus, the application process can be completed within minutes. The fact that this card is “secured” doesn’t make it any less real than other credit cards. Granted, the perks end there. OpenSky offers no rewards and charges a $35 annual fee.
Capital One Walmart Rewards Card
Credit Score: Fair (650 – 699)
APR: 17.99 – 28.99 percent
Approval Process: You can instantly find out if you’re eligible for the card without the results impacting your credit score.
The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card is hands-down the ideal credit card to get if you shop at Walmart (and especially if you shop at Walmart online). The card earns you 5 percent cash back in Walmart stores for the first year of use.
Afterwards, it offers 5 percent back on the Walmart app as well as Walmart.com. The 2 percent back you’ll continue to save at Walmart stores and Murphy USA fuel stations can also be applied to restaurants and travel. There is no annual fee, however the interest rates run pretty high and there’s no introductory APR offer.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
Credit score: Good (700-749)
APR: 18.49 – 29.49 percent
Approval Process: You can instantly find out if you’re eligible without the results impacting your credit score.
Grocery shoppers who have good credit might find even more value in this option. The Blue Cash Preferred Card provides a 0 percent APR for the first 12 months that the account is active. The welcome bonus is $250 cash back when you spend over $3,000 in the first six months. Once your application has been accepted, you get an instant card number online.
It offers 3 percent cash back on transit related expenses (including gas) and 6 percent cash back on streaming subscriptions. To boot, it offers 6 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets but drops to 1 percent if you surpass the $6,000-per-year cap. There’s also an annual fee of $95.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Credit Score: 700 – 850 (Good to Excellent)
APR: 20.24 – 27.24 percent
Approval Process: Excellent credit will speed up your application turnaround.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a lot of impressive rewards and perks. The welcome bonus is 60,000 bonus points which you earn as long as you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months. According to Chase Ultimate Rewards, those points are worth $750 in travel expenses. They also give points for dining, grocery, and travel purchases, making this card essential for people who are always on the move.
Once your application has been approved, you can add the new card number to your digital wallet and use it immediately. Chase cards are compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, to name just a few. There is a $95 annual fee.
“Instant Approval” Can Vary
As you can see, the “instant approval” offered by different credit card companies refers to certain steps of the application process. Some cards offer instant approval, whereas others offer instant access once approved. The former option can take minutes, while the latter can take upwards of 60 days!
For this reason, it’s very important to research the best instant approval credit card option for your needs. Whether you’re eager to build credit, make a big purchase, or take advantage of some promotional offer, there’s an ideal card waiting for you!
Shutterstock: Dean Drobot