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Instant Use Credit Card

7 min read

Last Updated: March 11, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

An instant use credit card may allow you to access your credit soon after account opening, even if a physical card hasn’t arrived in the mail yet.
You can typically use instant credit cards for online shopping or add them to your digital wallet to use in stores.
To qualify for an instant use card, you typically need good or excellent credit.

When you fill out a credit card application online, you may receive a response within minutes. But if a credit card issuer approves your application, you might have to wait up to 10 days to receive your credit card. However, that doesn’t always mean you have to wait to start shopping.

Some card issuers may offer instant use credit cards that you can begin using while you wait for your credit card to arrive.

What is an instant use credit card?

An instant use credit card is a virtual credit card that gives you access to your credit account very soon after account opening. Not all credit card issuers offer instant use credit cards, but Discover does.

Our virtual card ensures you can start using your credit before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.¹ If you qualify, you’ll receive your credit card information online right away, including your virtual credit card number, security code, and expiration date. With those details, you can start using your card.

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How to use an instant credit card number

You can use your instant access virtual card to shop online the same way you might use a physical card. Typically, you just have to enter your instant card number, expiration date, and security code at checkout.

You may also be able to use your virtual credit card for some in-person transactions by adding your card to your digital wallet, which allows you to pay at certain vendors with your phone. Not all stores and restaurants accept digital wallet purchases, but many do.

When you use your virtual credit card online or pay with your digital wallet, the transaction is applied to your credit card account and appears on your statement. Instant use credit cards also allow you to start earning rewards right away, which you may later redeem.

Do you still get a physical card in the mail?

Yes, even after activating a virtual card, you’ll still receive a physical card in the mail.

Who qualifies for instant use credit cards?

Credit card issuers may have different requirements for instant use credit cards. However, you typically need a high credit score to qualify.

Your credit score is a three-digit number based on the information in your credit history. Lenders and credit card issuers use this number to determine whether you’re likely to repay debts on time. Generally speaking, to receive an instant credit card, you should have good to excellent credit.

If that’s not you—for example, if you’re a student with a limited credit history—you may not be eligible for an instant credit card. However, you still have plenty of credit card options, such as the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card or the Discover it^® Student Cash Back Credit Card. By using one of those options as a credit builder, you may improve your chances of qualifying for an instant use card in the future.

Increasing your chances for an instant credit card

By practicing positive credit habits, you may improve your chances of getting instant approval and instant credit access:

Commit to making monthly payments on time.
Pay more than your monthly minimum to shrink your balances and improve your credit utilization ratio.
Avoid applying for another credit card or personal loan in a short timeframe.
Keep your balance small compared to your existing credit limit.
Check your credit report regularly and report any errors to the credit bureau.

Plus, the same habits can also help you build a strong credit history, so you may qualify for the best credit card options possible.

Instant use vs. instantly approved

While instant use and instant approval credit cards are related, they’re not exactly the same. Instant credit card approval happens when you complete a credit card application online and receive approval within minutes of hitting “submit.” If the card issuer offers instant credit access, you may then receive a virtual credit card number as soon as you accept the offer and open your account.

Keep in mind that not all instant approval credit cards come with an instant card number. However, to receive an instant use credit card, you have to receive instant approval. (But you might still be able to open a virtual credit card before receiving a card in the mail even if your account approval takes time).

Instant approval for a credit card

When you apply for an instant approval card online, the credit card issuer runs a credit check and accesses the financial information you’ve provided. Generally, the higher your credit score is, the more likely you are to be approved for the card, though you may also have to meet income requirements.

What to know before applying for an instant approval credit card

If you’re considering applying for an instant approval credit card, keep these points in mind:

Read the fine print: Before agreeing to a credit card offer, research the card’s terms, interest rates, fees, credit limit, features, and benefits. If you want to start using your card right away for an emergency expense, a major purchase, or simply to earn rewards, make sure the card issuer offers an instant use credit card number.
Shop around: Even when you get a decision quickly, it’s important to take your time to shop around and compare instant approval offers.

Are online instant approval credit card applications safe?

Most instant approval card applications are safe. When you apply for a credit card online, the credit card company uses data encryption to help keep your personal financial information safe. Just make sure you’re applying directly on the card issuer’s website.

If you’re going to make an online purchase that requires you to enter your credit card number, try to refrain from doing so at the office, or while using a public hotspot. Save those purchases for when you’re at home and on a more secure WiFi network.

Check whether you’re pre-approved for a credit card

While there is no such thing as a guaranteed approval for a credit card, you may use pre-qualification tools to get an idea of the offers that might be a good fit.

Here’s how it works:

You submit a brief form that asks you to provide some basic personal and financial information. The card issuer will view your credit report through a soft credit check—which doesn’t hurt your score—and determine the credit card offers you may qualify for. You can review the offers and decide whether or not you want to apply. Keep in mind that the card issuer can still deny your application based on the additional information you supply.

Did you know?

The pre-approval tool from Discover allows you to research offers that align with your goals and financial background. It's fast, easy, and doesn't harm your credit score to check if you’re pre-approved. If you accept a pre-approval offer, we'll help you apply.²

See If You’re Pre-Approved

Taking the time to research before you apply can help you find a low-interest or rewards card offering instant access to your credit account. Once you get approved, you’ll soon have a new virtual card rewarding you for everyday purchases from gas to groceries.

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