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Instant Approval Credit Cards for Bad Credit

6 min read

Published February 21, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

You may sometimes receive an instant response when you apply for credit online, especially if you have a strong credit file.
If your credit score is low, a secured credit card may increase your chances of quick approval and help you rebuild your credit score.
A virtual credit card number can allow you to use your credit account before your physical card arrives.

After you hit “submit” on a credit card application, the wait for a decision can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, applicants often receive a quick response from most online credit card applications, as conducting a credit check may not take long. You’re never guaranteed approval, but some cards offer instant approval for those who qualify.

If you have a low credit score, however, credit card issuers may take more time reviewing your credit file and the information you’ve provided. But, even without the best credit score, you may qualify for certain cards designed for rebuilding credit history.

Choosing instant approval credit cards for bad credit

If you meet all of a credit card issuer’s requirements, you may receive instant approval from almost any credit card that has an online application, depending on the credit card company’s practices. To find the best credit card for you, you’ll likely have to consider other factors, like eligibility requirements and rewards.

Secured credit cards

Card types that might offer instant approval range from a student credit card to a business credit card and beyond. However, if your credit score is lower than you’d like, you may want to consider a secured credit card.

If you have less-than-perfect credit, you may have an easier time qualifying for a secured credit card than an unsecured card, though there’s no guaranteed approval. As long as you use a secured card responsibly, it may act as a credit builder, improving your odds of instant approval for future credit card applications.

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Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit at account opening. Typically, a secured card’s credit limit will equal the deposit amount. If a cardmember doesn’t repay their balance, the credit card company withholds the deposit to cover losses and closes the account.

You can use secured credit cards the same way you would use unsecured credit cards. As you shop and make monthly payments, your card issuer typically reports your card activity to at least one major credit bureau, which produces your credit report. Good credit habits, like paying down your balance in full each month, may help you build credit history and graduate to an unsecured credit card.

With a secured card from Discover, you can get your deposit back after six consecutive months of on-time payments and maintaining good status on all your credit accounts. If you qualify to get your deposit back, you’ll automatically be considered for a credit line increase.¹

Compare credit card benefits

The best credit card for you should offer perks and rewards that align with your lifestyle and priorities. For example, if you go on vacations every year, you might consider a credit card that rewards travel purchases. Or if you order takeout a few times a week, you might get the most out of a card that offers rewards on restaurant purchases.

While a low credit score might limit your options, you don’t need perfect credit to earn rewards. The Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, for example, allows you to earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.² Plus, we’ll automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.³

Other credit card benefits to consider might include low introductory interest rates, security features, and travel perks like airport lounge access. The best perks may fit neatly into your existing spending habits.

Review your spending habits

It’s a good idea to assess your spending habits and needs before you apply for a credit card. Do you want a credit card on hand for emergencies, or are you looking for a way to earn rewards on everyday spending? Where do you shop the most? What are your concerns about credit?

If you tend to overspend, you might want to stick to a secured credit card with a low credit limit. With a smaller credit line, you might not be able to spend more than you can afford as easily. However, a smaller credit limit also means smaller purchases may take up a larger portion of your available credit. Your credit utilization ratio, or the portion of your available credit in use at one time, has a significant effect on your credit score. Fortunately, by repaying your balance in full each month, you can keep your credit utilization low. If you can’t afford to repay your entire balance, make sure you pay at least the monthly minimum on time each month.

What happens if you get instantly approved for a credit card?

After a credit card company instantly approves your application, they’ll send you a physical credit card in the mail. You might not receive your card for up to ten days. However, the company may issue you an instant use virtual credit card with your new credit card number. You can use your virtual card online and through your virtual wallet until your physical card arrives in the mail.

For example, with Discover, you can start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our virtual card before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.⁴

What if you’re pre-approved for a credit card?

Pre-approval and instant approval aren’t the same thing. If you receive a pre-approved credit card offer, it means you’ve met the minimum requirements for that credit card based on a soft credit check. The lender may need additional information, like your income or monthly expenses, to make you a formal offer. So, you still typically have to complete an application to determine whether you qualify to open an account. While credit card pre-approval might mean you’re more likely to receive instant approval, it still isn’t guaranteed.

Did you know?

Credit card pre-approval can streamline your credit card search by helping you determine whether you’re likely to qualify for an offer. You can easily see if you’re pre-approved for a Discover Card with no impact to your credit score.⁵

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The bottom line

Instant credit card approval is convenient and may take some of the stress out of applying for a new line of credit. Good credit habits, like building a positive payment history, may improve your chances of instant approval and help you qualify for the credit cards you want.

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