Writer: Ashley Fricker
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Jon McDonald
Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we may earn a referral fee from our partners. For more, see our ad disclosure and review policy.
With the rise of digital technology, it seems as though everything has gotten faster and more immediate. Not only can you get movies and music instantly from anywhere, but you can have everything from food to household goods delivered in less than an hour in most cities.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s normal to want the same convenience when applying for a credit card. You might expect same-day shipping, right? Here’s the thing: while same-day approval is usually possible, only a few issuers offer cards with numbers ready for immediate use. If that’s not an option, expedited shipping could be your quickest route to start using your card. Let’s check out some top credit cards that offer fast approval for different credit scores.
But while you can often get same-day approval, only a handful of issuers offer same-day credit cards — with numbers — for instant use. You may need to settle for the next best thing and go for expedited shipping to get your hands on your card in a hurry. In the article below, we’ll dive into some of our experts’ picks for the best credit cards out there today with same-day approval for a range of credit scores.
-
Navigate This Article:
You Can Typically Get Same-Day Approval
Online applications have revolutionized the credit card process, and most can be completed with a decision in under five minutes. However, sometimes the online platform might not be able to make an immediate decision, potentially extending your response time by days or even weeks.
Where your credit falls in the credit score range can have a big impact on your ability to be approved for a card — and the speed with which your application gets a response. You can improve your chances of a quick credit card application approval by choosing cards that tend to approve applicants with credit profiles similar to your own.
Good Credit | Fair Credit | Bad Credit | No/Limited Credit
Best Cards for Good Credit (670+ FICO Score)
If you have good credit or better, you’re often in a great spot to get an almost instant online decision. But watch out: don’t apply for cards needing excellent credit if your score is just “good.” Making smart choices can help you dodge unnecessary rejections.
Our favorite cards for good credit include options for cash back and travel rewards, as well as a few good intro-APR offers. Plus, many will come without any costly annual fees.
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
+See More Cards for Good Credit
Best Cards for Fair Credit (580-669 FICO)
When you have fair credit, getting approved for a credit card often hinges more on the specifics of your credit profile than just your score. So, it’s worth digging into the details.
Applying for credit cards tailored for fair credit can help you avoid that nerve-wracking “pending” notice, which means your application needs a manual review.
Our top cards for fair-credit applicants include a mix of entry-level prime cards as well as subprime card options.
+See More Cards for Fair Credit
Best Cards for Bad Credit (Below 580 FICO)
Even if your credit reports reflect bad credit, you often get a quick response to your applications. Sadly, it might not be the answer you wanted. Instead of aiming for cards that are out of reach, look into options tailored for rebuilding credit. Our top picks include both unsecured and secured choices to help boost your credit health.
Rather than using hard inquiries on cards that seem out of reach, focus on options designed for people with bad credit looking to rebuild. Our top-rated selections include both unsecured and secured choices to help you get back on track.
+See More Cards for Bad Credit
Best Cards for No/Limited Credit
To generate a credit score, you’ll need at least six months of credit history. Without this, issuers can’t fully evaluate your credit risk, as you haven’t yet developed your profile.
For many, the best way to get around a limited credit history is to apply for entry-level cards with more flexible requirements. Many of our favorite options won’t even charge an annual fee.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.
*Money added to Chime CardTM will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Chime Card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
**Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply.
***With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 2% cash back on category of choice on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases.
****On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Results may vary.
+See More Cards for No/Limited Credit
Some Issuers Allow Same-Day Use
When you apply online, many credit card companies can approve you on the same day. But there’s a hitch: only a few allow you to use your card immediately after approval.
In general, you won’t be able to get your physical credit card the same day you’re approved. That said, some cards can be used same-day to make purchases, no physical card necessary.
Capital One | Chase | American Express | Stores
Best Capital One Cards
From start to finish, your online Capital One credit card application can be completed in only a few minutes, with responses often provided nearly right away.
If you’re approved for a Capital One card, you can typically gain access to your card’s information, including the card number and expiration date, immediately after setting up your online account.
You’ll need to download and log in to the Capital One mobile application to access the information for your new Capital One credit card.
Best Chase Cards
Chase introduced its Spend Instantly feature that allows cardholders to begin using their card the day they’re approved.
All you have to do is add your new card to a digital wallet using the Chase Mobile app. Compatible wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Unlimited® was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
Best American Express Cards
When you apply for an American Express credit card online, you’ll generally get a response in just a few minutes. If approved, you may be given the option to access your credit card information to make purchases with your new account.
Keep in mind that not every American Express card will offer the option for same-day use. Once approved, you can add your actual card number to your digital wallet on your mobile device and begin shopping online or anywhere digital wallets are accepted.
- Earn 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly through airlines or American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Also earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.
- $600 annual hotel credit, $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 per year Uber cash credit, $300 per year digital entertainment credit, and more.
- Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Global Lounge Collection®, including 1,550 airport lounges.
- Apply with Confidence: Know if you're approved for this Card with no credit score impact
- Fee Credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR® Plus Membership
- Earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- Earn 4X Points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases. Also earn 4X Points at restaurants on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel App™, 3X points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel App™ or directly through airlines, and 2X points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- No foreign transaction fees
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at participating partners. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide every time you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or Amex Travel App™
- $325 Annual Fee
- Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of card membership
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, 1.5X points on business categories and purchases of $5,000 or more on up to $2 million per calendar year, and 1X point for each dollar you spend on other purchases.
- Get up to $400 back per year toward U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies, up to $360 back per year for purchases with Indeed, and $120 back per year for wireless telephone service purchases on the Business Platinum Card, plus additional credits. Enrollment is required for all.
- Access to more than 1,400 lounges across 140 countries and counting with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®
- Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Business Platinum Card® Account.
- $695 Annual Fee
Best Store Cards
Store credit cards are some of the simplest same-day cards to get. You might be offered one during checkout, either through a well-timed online pop-up or a friendly suggestion from your cashier.
In most cases, you can apply on the spot and receive an almost-immediate response. If you’re approved, you’ll typically be given the option to place your current purchase on the card right away.
Additionally, many stores can look up your credit card information through your account and charge items without needing the physical card present. This can allow you to use the card account repeatedly before your physical card ever shows up. Just be careful not to go overboard; you may not be able to actually pay your need store card off until it arrives in the mail.
- Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
- Member FDIC
Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Prime Visa was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.
23. Home Depot Consumer Credit Card
With the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, you can not only finance that important home improvement purchase right away, but if your purchase is $299 or more, you can also take advantage of special financing.
- Receive special financing on Home Depot purchases of $299 or more made with your card
- Get exclusive product-specific and seasonal offers
- Pay no annual fee
As with many special financing deals, the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card charges deferred interest. This means you’ll be charged interest on your entire purchase amount if you don’t pay your full balance before the end of your financing period.
24. Target Circle™ Card
Whether you apply in-store or online, the Target Circle™ Card can typically be used as soon as you’re approved to make those necessary Target purchases.
- Get 5% off your total purchase at checkout for eligible in-store or online Target purchases
- Receive exclusive deals & discounts
- Pay no annual fee
Perhaps the best part of the Target Circle™ Card’s 5% discount is that you can stack it with Target Circle discounts to really save big.
Overnighting Your Card May Be the Next Best Thing
Typically, it takes between seven to 10 days from approval to receive your new card. This period covers not just shipping but also the time needed to create your card. The process includes making the card, which is more complex for newer metal cards, and programming the EMV chip with your account details.
Outside of those cards you can use same-day sans-card, the next best thing for those who need quick use of their cards is likely having your physical card sent via expedited shipping. With expedited shipping, your new card could be physically in your hands within a few days.
Overall, many issuers don’t offer expedited shipping for new cards, and those that do often charge a fee for the service. The following chart shows which issuers may expedite your shipping upon request:
Your best options for getting your card overnighted are American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, and Chase.
Start Shopping Right Away with a Same-Day Card
Whether you’re dreaming of gourmet chocolates, eyeing a five-piece patio set, or wishing for a new pet fish, nearly anything can be swiftly delivered to your doorstep—including your credit card, if you choose the right one. Just think about the possibilities once you have that card in your hand!
Be careful not to max out your new card before it arrives. Until you have it and set up your online account, making payments can be tricky. This could cause issues if there’s a delay in receiving your card.
Advertiser Disclosure
CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
About the Author
![Can I Use Credit Cards Before Closing on a Home?[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2022/06/Can-I-Use-My-Credit-Card-Before-Closing-on-a-Home.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "Can I Use Credit Cards Before Closing on a Home?[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![List of Subprime Credit Cards[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2018/10/list.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "List of Subprime Credit Cards[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![[updated_month_year after=" "]Cash Advance Limits by Issuer[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2020/12/shutterstock_2980733.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "[updated_month_year after=\" \"]Cash Advance Limits by Issuer[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![5 High Credit Line Credit Cards for Fair Credit[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2021/07/High-Credit-Line-Credit-Cards-For-Fair-Credit.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "5 High Credit Line Credit Cards for Fair Credit[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![7 Best First Credit Cards, No Credit Needed[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2017/07/firstcard.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "7 Best First Credit Cards, No Credit Needed[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![7 Best High-Limit Credit Cards for Fair Credit[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2017/11/fair-credit-limits-art.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "7 Best High-Limit Credit Cards for Fair Credit[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")
![15 Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For[updated_month_year before=" in "] (Bad Credit OK)](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2018/12/easytoget.png?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "15 Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For[updated_month_year before=\" in \"] (Bad Credit OK)")
![16 High Limit Credit Cards for Excellent Credit[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]](https://www.cardrates.com/images/uploads/2019/04/highlimitcover.jpg?width=158&height=120&fit=crop "16 High Limit Credit Cards for Excellent Credit[updated_month_year before=\" (\" after=\")\"]")