What is the quickest way to get a credit card?
Once you've settled on the best credit card for your needs, you can submit an application. The quickest way to do this is online (whether it's on a laptop or via a mobile device). You also have the option to call, go in-person to a bank or send in a paper application.
Getting approved for a credit card can be a fairly quick process — sometimes taking just seconds. Other times, it can be much slower, with issuers making you wait up to 30 days. Once approved, you'll typically receive your card within a week, though some issuers will get it to you earlier or later than that.
It's possible to apply for and use a credit card within the same day. If you look for credit cards in your credit score range and apply online, you may get approved within minutes. Many Capital One credit cards provide a virtual card option once approved, so you could use it the same day you apply.
- OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check and no bank account required.
- Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check + flexibility and guardrails.
- Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card: Best for Unsecured card for bad credit.
American Express instant cards
All Amex cards have the ability to receive an instant card number once your identity is validated.
First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard: The First Progress Platinum Elite Secured Mastercard requires no credit history or minimum credit score for approval. Your security deposit is refundable, and the card is accepted nationwide.
Not to be confused with instant approval credit cards, instant use credit cards are available to use upon approval. While you're waiting for the physical card to arrive in the mail, you may receive a virtual credit card you can use for online purchases or you could add your card information to a digital wallet.
Instant approval credit cards are the norm these days. Major credit card issuers like American Express, Chase, Citi and more can give you a "yes" or "no" within seconds of receiving your online application and reviewing the data you included, like your Social Security number, income and contact information.
If you apply by phone or online, you'll typically get a response within 60 seconds. If you submit a paper application, it will take longer. But no matter how you apply, Capital One generally notifies applicants of the decision in writing within seven to 10 days of receiving the application.
Upon approval, you can instantly get a virtual card number through the Capital One app or Eno.
What is the #1 credit card to have?
The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on all purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card in 2024 gives about 1% back.
Centurion® Card from American Express
A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive. Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.
The OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is the easiest credit card to get with no credit because it is a secured card and there's no credit check when you apply. As long as you're 18+ years old and you can afford both a $300+ deposit and the monthly bill payments, you'll probably get approved.
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
Generally, new Bank of America credit cards arrive within 7-10 business days after you're approved. If this isn't fast enough, you can call Bank of America at (866) 422-8089 to request expedited shipping.
How long does it take to get a credit card from Chase? It takes 7-10 business days to get a credit card from Chase once your application has been approved. But you can get it in 1-2 business days if you ask for expedited delivery, at no extra cost.
Standard Chartered virtual credit card is for anyone looking for a seamless online experience using a card that gets activated instantly.
Most of the major card issuers offer instant-use credit cards for some, but not all, of their credit cards. This is true for American Express, Capital One, Chase, Bank of America and U.S. Bank. Smaller banks and credit unions may be less likely to offer instant-use cards.
- Chase Freedom Rise℠ New to Credit. ...
- Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card. Limited, Fair, Good, Excellent. ...
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card. Average, Fair, Limited. ...
- Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card. Fair, No Credit. ...
- Upgrade OneCard.
The easiest credit card to get with bad credit (a credit score of 300-639) is a secured credit card with no credit check such as the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card or the OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card. This type of card requires a deposit but doesn't check your credit history, making it very easy to get.
- Get a credit card. ...
- Log into your online credit card account and go to your account settings. ...
- Download the virtual card issuer's app to access the card number, if need be. ...
- Accept the 16-digit virtual credit card number that's generated for you.
What happens if you are not instantly approved for credit card?
The credit card issuer is likely to contact you within a few days to either update you on the status of your application or request additional information. If you don't get an update on your application within a week, you can always contact the bank or issuer associated with the credit card.
Jamie Thompson, WalletHub Analyst
It often takes only a minute to get approved for Capital One Quicksilver, if you apply over the phone or online. However, when they need to verify your information, that can extend up to 10 business days, but those situations are rare.
The Capital One Quicksilver (see Rates & Fees) credit score requirement is 700+, which means you need good to excellent credit to get this card.
Some common reasons for not getting approved for a credit card include: Having a low credit score. Having too much debt. Having too many hard inquiries on your credit reports.
Capital One credit cards for fair credit include QuicksilverOne, Quicksilver Secured, and the Platinum Mastercard. Your credit score is only one of the many factors that determine your credit approval odds. The best way to know if you'll qualify is to get pre-approved. It's quick, easy and won't hurt your score.
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