What is an instant approval credit card?
An instant approval credit card is a card that can be approved for use immediately. You can submit your application to the card issuer and get a response within seconds.
To clarify, instant approval credit card offers only mean that approval can happen instantly. It's not a guarantee. The card issuer may need more time to review your application and credit history. If so, you'll receive a message stating that your application is under review or pending. You'll then get the decision by mail (possibly also by email).
It's also possible to be denied for an instant approval credit card. Should that happen, you'll receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial.
How does the approval process work?
When you apply for an instant approval credit card, the card issuer conducts a preliminary credit check. Based on the results, it can then give you a conditional approval for the new card and credit line. Your approval odds will be much higher if you have a good credit score.
If you get a conditional approval, then the card issuer moves on to a more in-depth look at your credit file, a process that can affect your credit score. The card issuer can change its decision, so a conditional approval could later turn into a denial. Fortunately, this doesn't happen often.
What is the easiest credit card to get approved for?
Secured credit cards are the easiest type of credit card to get. You need to pay a security deposit to open this type of card, and your credit limit is usually equal to your deposit. That protects the card issuer in case cardholders don't pay their credit card bills. If you've been having trouble getting approved for a credit card, then a secured credit card could help.
What are the best instant approval store credit cards?
Here are the best instant approval store credit cards:
- Prime Visa: Bonus rewards at Amazon, Whole Foods, gas stations, drugstores, and more
- Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®: Bonus Walmart, restaurants, and travel rewards
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Bonus rewards at gas stations, EV charging stations, restaurants, travel, and Costco
- Target Circle™️ Card: Big discounts at Target
- Sam's Club® Mastercard®: Bonus Sam's Club, travel, and gas rewards