We named the Citi Strata Premier® Card the best instant approval credit card based on its generous sign-up bonus, flexible rewards and quick decisions in 60 seconds or less.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Citi Strata Premier® Card
|
Winner (best instant approval card)
|
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
| 1X - 10X points
| Good / Excellent | |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
|
Bad credit
|
Match all cash back
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
| 1% - 2% cash back
| Limited / Poor | |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
|
High credit limit
|
75,000 points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| 1X - 5X points
| Excellent | |
Citi Double Cash® Card
|
Balance transfers
|
$200 cash back
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
| 2% - 5% cash back
| Fair / Good / Excellent | |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
|
Business
|
90,000 points
Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| 1X - 3X points
| Excellent | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Students
|
25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
| 1.5X points
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases. | Good / Excellent | |
Prime Visa
|
Store credit card
|
$250 Amazon gift card
Limited-Time Offer: Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members through 7/14
| 1% - 5% cash back
| Good / Excellent | |
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
|
Fair credit
|
$200 cash bonus
$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*
| 1.5% cash back
1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
| Fair |
To bring you the list of best fast-approval credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
We calculate the savings on a balance transfer based on the length of the introductory period. We assume a transfer amount of $6,500 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract balance transfer fees, annual fees and the amount paid on interest for any amount left over after the introductory period expires.
We calculate the amount saved on interest, given the length of the card’s introductory period. We assume a purchase of $1,800 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract the card’s annual fee and interest paid on any amount remaining after the introductory period expires. We also add in the amount earned on rewards for the average cardholder, including the card’s sign-up bonus, minus the card’s annual fee. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We calculate the rewards earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes a sign-up bonus and annual bonuses (including annual free night certificates). For travel cards, this value includes travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it is a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and $300 in monthly spending (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.
Depending on the category, we also look at the flexibility rewards, foreign transaction fees, features for building credit and how the card’s overall list of benefits compares to other cards.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s rewards categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 60,000 points
The Citi Strata Premier® Card offers a higher earning rate than other rewards cards in a range of popular categories, including air travel, restaurants, gas, EV charging, supermarkets and more. The welcome bonus is a nice perk, and rewards can be redeemed for anything from point transfers to airlines and hotels to gift cards or merchandise. While a $95 annual fee applies each year, cardholders get a $100 annual hotel credit (excluding taxes and fees) that covers eligible stays of $500 or more when booked through Citi TravelSM.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: Match all cash back
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent option for a potentially quick response, even if you have limited / poor credit. Applicants don’t even need a credit score to apply, and it’s possible to be upgraded to an unsecured version of the card with at least seven months of responsible use. Cardholders also earn cash back on every purchase, and they can see their rewards essentially doubled after the first year of membership.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 75,000 points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a high starting credit limit of at least $5,000 as well as a better welcome offer and more generous rewards than many other travel credit cards. Rewards are also highly flexible, with the option to redeem for point transfers to airlines and hotels, gift cards, merchandise and more. Points are also worth up to 75% more when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM.
This card also comes with some of the most generous travel insurance benefits of any card available and it has a $0 foreign transaction fee when you use it for purchases abroad.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $200 cash back
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best deals you can get on a balance transfer, thanks to its combination of a long intro APR for balance transfers and a great cash rewards program. It offers one of the highest flat cash back rates of any card on the market today. Rewards are also highly flexible: You can redeem them for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, travel and more.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 90,000 points
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card makes it easy for small business owners to rack up rewards, particularly if you spend a lot in categories like shipping, online advertising, travel and internet, cable and phone services. The welcome bonus on the card is higher than you’ll find with most other cards for small business and you even get cards for your employees at no additional cost.
This small business card also comes with a range of built-in protections for cardholders, including primary auto rental coverage when renting a car for business purposes, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and cell phone protection.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: 25,000 points
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is geared to college students with good / excellent credit who want to earn unlimited rewards on everything they buy. This card’s flat rewards rate is better-than-average and so is the card’s sign-up bonus. There’s also a $0 annual fee.
This instant approval credit card from Bank of America* also comes with an intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers, which is somewhat rare among credit cards for students.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $250 Amazon gift card
The Prime Visa is a no-brainer if you’re already an Amazon Prime member and you want to earn the highest rewards rate for purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods. Other purchases earn a higher bonus rewards rate as well, including travel through Chase, gas stations, restaurants and local transit and commuting.
This card has a $0 annual fee and a $0 foreign transaction fee, and it comes with a surprising number of built-in protections for travel and purchases. Rewards can be redeemed for flexible options like Amazon purchases, cash back, statement credits, merchandise or travel through Chase.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $200 cash bonus
While the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® does things differently by giving you your rewards as you pay off your bill, it still offers a sweet flat rewards rate on everything you buy. There’s a $0 annual fee, and it’s possible to qualify for a credit line up to $25,000. This card is also geared to individuals with fair credit, so it may be easier to get approved for.
Cardholders can also secure a higher rewards rate of up to 10% back when they shop with select merchants and buy from their favorite brands.
An instant approval credit card is one that offers a fast, if not instantaneous, response to an online application. Most credit cards, whether they’re business credit cards, secured credit cards or rewards credit cards, provide you with a quick decision when you apply for them online. So, almost any credit card could be considered an instant approval credit card.
To get a faster response, you should apply for cards that fit your credit profile. If you have bad credit, for example, a credit card designed for bad credit could offer faster approval.
An instant approval credit card might be a good fit for you if you need extra credit for an emergency or big purchase. A credit card could also be a good solution if your credit is in good standing and you have the means to pay off new purchases sooner rather than later.
If you’re looking for a way to finance a big purchase in a hurry, a balance transfer credit card or other 0% intro APR credit card could be a good way to quickly finance your purchase with no interest for a limited time.
However, a new credit card might not be a good idea if you think you’ll max out your credit limit or carry an ongoing balance on the card without a plan to pay it off.
→ Learn more: What Credit Cards am I Prequalified for?
If you’re on the hunt for credit cards you can use instantly, you’ll want to start with fast-approval credit cards like the ones highlighted on this page.
The following steps can help you get a credit card as soon as today.
→ Learn more: How to Apply for a Credit Card in 7 Steps
It’s OK if your application for a credit card is denied. There are other options to help you build your credit and qualify for a credit card down the road — though they might not result in an instant line of credit.
Apply for a secured credit card
A secured credit card could be a good option if you’ve been denied an unsecured credit card. Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit, usually a minimum of $200.
These are more accessible to those with fair or poor credit, although approval is not guaranteed. They typically have smaller credit limits but often allow you to upgrade to a different version of the card with a higher limit with responsible usage.
Become an authorized user
You can have a trusted friend or family member add you as an authorized user to their credit card to quickly build a credit history for yourself. Once added, the credit issuer will usually report the full payment history for that account to your credit report, even if you don’t have a physical card or make charges on the account.
As long as the primary cardholder keeps the account in good standing, this can help you build a strong credit history without having to qualify for a credit card.
Use a credit builder loan
A credit builder loan is an alternative way to build credit without a credit card. You give an issuer a refundable deposit that they’ll return once you pay that amount in installments. If you’re struggling to qualify for a credit card, this could be a good option to build your credit up over time and qualify for a credit card later.
Contact the issuer
Your credit card issuer may provide you with insights on why your application was denied. This could help you decide what next steps to take to increase your approval odds. Your issuer may also point you to products and solutions that better fit your credit profile.
→ Learn how to ask for credit card reconsideration
Many credit cards offer approval or denial within minutes of submitting an online application, including our top picks on this page. Some cards will even give you an instant card number you can add to a digital wallet and start using right away.
Virtual credit cards that come with an instant credit card number can be used within minutes of approval, although you typically have to add them to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay first. Note that this option isn’t available for every card, and some consumers may not qualify.
Most credit cards that let you apply online may offer instant approval if you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. This includes cards like the Citi Strata Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Citi Double Cash® Card.
You may be able to get approved for a credit card within minutes of submitting an online application. However, it can take weeks or longer to get approved if you are asked to supply the card issuer with more information, or if your application is sent to the issuer’s reconsideration department.
You can generally find your credit card number by logging in to your account and looking at your account management page. If your issuer doesn’t display the full number on this page, you may be able to find the full number by downloading a credit card statement.
The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students 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.
