Credit Cards That Offer Instant Credit Card Numbers
Key takeaways
- Instant credit card numbers give you access to all or part of your new line of credit before the physical credit card arrives in the mail.
- While several issuers offer instant credit card numbers for some of their cards, American Express offers them for all cards.
- Instant credit card numbers can be helpful if you need to finance a purchase right away, earn rewards from an upcoming purchase or take advantage of travel and purchase benefits.
Imagine you’re just hours away from booking a vacation and are planning to spend hundreds of dollars on airplane tickets, prepaid hotels, car rentals and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to rack up rewards on a brand-new travel card and earn a monster sign-up bonus. But do you really have to wait around for a physical card to come in the mail before you can use it?
Depending on the issuer, you may not have to wait at all. That’s because some issuers provide instant credit card numbers that allow you to charge purchases on a new card immediately after being approved.
Which major card issuers offer instant card numbers?
American Express
When applying for an American Express credit card, like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you need to include your email address in the designated spot on the application. Then check the box that notes your request for an instant credit card number, if approved.
Bank of America
Not every Bank of America credit card or approved applicant is eligible to receive an instant credit card number. Current customers may have a better chance of getting a card number instantly if they apply through the mobile app.
Barclays
The possibility of getting a credit card number for instant use with Barclays is better on retail cards that you apply for in stores — like Old Navy and Barnes & Noble. Some travel credit cards, like the JetBlue Card and Lufthansa Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®, may also offer an instant card number upon successful application.
Capital One
Some Capital One credit cards may be eligible for virtual card access. Upon approval, you can log in to your account to see if your card is available to be added to your phone’s digital wallet.
Chase
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® offer new cardholders instant access to their cards via their preferred digital wallet. Other Chase credit cards generally allow this as well.
Citi
There are two Citi credit cards that offer instant credit card numbers: the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Citi Custom Cash® Card. Other cards may also be eligible. To find out if yours is, log in to your new account to see if they’re able to add your card to your digital wallet.
Navy Federal Credit Union
All Navy Federal credit cards, like the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card, offer instant credit card access through your digital wallet. The instant number will be sent to you via email 24 hours after being approved for the card.
U.S. Bank
Some credit cards issued by U.S. Bank offer instant credit card numbers to eligible cardholders. The number will be emailed to you four business days after your application is approved.
Wells Fargo
You may be able to add your new Wells Fargo credit card to your digital wallet to access a portion of your new credit line.
USAA
For eligible applicants, Visa credit cards from USAA offer instant access to your line of credit via your mobile app.
Keep in mind
- Some cards may not let you charge your full credit limit until you get your physical card, so you’ll have to watch what you purchase. For example, if you have a $1,000 credit limit, you may only be able to use up to $300 until you activate your physical card.
- There’s a good chance, if approved, you’ll get an instant credit card number on co-branded hotel credit cards or airline credit cards while you’re on the website’s booking portal.
Instant credit card number credit cards to consider
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card*
|
1% - 6% cash back
| 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR | Good / Excellent | ||
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®*
|
1X - 5X points
| See rates & fees | Good / Excellent | ||
Chase Freedom Unlimited®*
|
1.5% - 5% cash back
| 18.24% - 27.74% Variable | Good / Excellent | ||
Citi Custom Cash® Card*
|
1% - 5% cash back
| 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable) | Good / Excellent |
Are instant credit card numbers good?
Instant card numbers can be a great tool when you need to purchase something immediately and don’t have time to wait for a card to arrive in the mail. They give you:
- The ability to take advantage of certain benefits — such as travel protection or rewards earnings — right away.
- More time to meet your card’s spending threshold and earn a sign-up bonus.
- Access to credit when an emergency puts you in a financial bind.
- The opportunity to use a store or retail card immediately to get discounts and earn store rewards.
Just be sure you know what you’re getting into before you apply.
Urgency can work against you if it encourages you to apply for a card you haven’t fully researched or don’t need. Just because somebody offers you a card that you can use right now doesn’t mean it’s a good decision for you.
Found a card you’re interested in?Learn more about how to apply for a credit card to improve your changes of being approved.
The information related to the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, JetBlue Card, Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Citi Double Cash® Card, Citi Custom Cash® Card, Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card and Bilt World Elite Mastercard® has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
