Instant Use Credit Cards

You could get a virtual credit card instantly

Discover® cash rewards card applicants can get approved in as little as 60 seconds1 and, if eligible, could receive a virtual card number to use online or in a digital wallet before the physical card arrives in the mail.2

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A person uses their mobile wallet to pay with their instant credit card from Discover by tapping their phone at a grocery store contactless payment terminal.

How do instant credit cards work?

An instant use credit card from Discover® isn't a special kind of Discover credit card: it's a virtual card number that applicants could receive when they're approved for a new Discover® Card. That virtual card number connects to your new account, so you can shop and earn rewards right away.3

Apply for a Discover cash back rewards card.
You could be approved for a new Discover® Card in 60 seconds or less.1
If you're eligible, you'll get a virtual credit card that you can use online or in your digital wallet, even before your physical card arrives in the mail.2
A blonde woman smiles and uses her phone to pay with her digital wallet by tapping it on a contactless terminal being held by a barista with blue nail polish. Woman with long dark hair opens a large shipping box in her living room. Stack of three Discover cards showcases different card colors, like blue, garnet, and plum.

Shop and earn before you get your physical Discover® Card

A Discover virtual credit card includes the same cardmember benefits that come with every Discover rewards credit card. Use a Discover instant credit card online or in your digital wallet to enjoy rewards on every purchase2, our $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee(you're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card)3, and 100% U.S.-based customer service any time.4

What's the benefit of using an instant credit card?

Shop instantly

As soon as you have your instant credit card number, you can use that information to pay for orders online or by tapping your digital wallet at stores.2

Real account, real number

Your physical Discover® card will have the same account number and details as your virtual credit card number, so you don't need to change billing information when your plastic card arrives.

Use your card for what you need

Unexpected expense? A big purchase on a limited sale? No need to wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail.

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Instant credit card FAQs

An "instant approval" credit card is not the same as an "instant use" credit card.

 

An instant approval credit card is a type of credit card application that can tell you in minutes if you've been approved or denied for a new credit card. For example, you can apply for a Discover® Card and get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.2

 

An instant use credit card is a credit card that lets a cardholder use their new account as soon as they get approved, so they don't have to wait to receive a physical card in the mail to start spending. This instant use is made possible with a virtual card number that the customer can enter online or add to their digital wallet.

When you get instant credit, you'll find out your credit card number immediately. You can use your new credit card number right away to shop online or with a digital wallet.

Not all approved applicants will qualify for a virtual card number with their new Discover® Card account. If your application includes a balance transfer, requires you to submit additional information or documentation for application verification, or is subject to other factor as listed in the terms, you are ineligible for an instant credit card number.2

 

It's also important to note that every Discover Credit Card has a virtual card number option. The Discover it® Miles Card and the Discover it® Secured Card do not offer instant credit card numbers; if your application for one of these cards is approved, you'll have to wait for your physical card to arrive before you can use your account.

Maybe you need immediate credit for a large, unexpected expense, or you want a new card with cash back rewards for a big purchases you'd like to make right away. Instant credit is helpful when you don't have time to wait for a card to arrive in the mail.

Your Instant credit card comes with the same benefits as the physical card, such as no annual fee, cash back, and our $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee (which means you're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account).3
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Learn more about instant credit cards

Are Instantly Approved Credit Cards the Same as Instant Use Credit Cards?

Learn whether instantly approved credit card are the same as instant use credit cards, and how to access your new credit cards for immediate use.

What Do You Need to Apply for a Credit Card?

Credit card approval depends on past credit history, income, and other financial factors. Here's what you need to apply for a credit card online.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

Learn how long it takes to get a credit card, including credit card approval times, how long it takes, to receive a card in the mail, and why there may be delays.

Explore More Articles

Cash Back Credit Cards


Intro purchase APR is x% for x months from date of account opening then the standard purchase APR applies. Intro Balance Transfer APR is x% for x months from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by  then the standard purchase APR applies. Standard purchase APR: x% variable to x% variable, based on your creditworthiness. Cash APR: x% variable. Variable APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $.50. Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Balance transfer fee: x% Intro fee on balances transferred by  and up to x% fee for future balance transfers will apply. Annual Fee: None. Rates as of . We will apply payments at our discretion, including in a manner most favorable or convenient for us. Each billing period, we will generally apply amounts you pay that exceed the Minimum Payment Due to balances with higher APRs before balances with lower APRs as of the date we credit your payment.

  1. Decisioning times may vary based on system availability and in some cases, we need to verify or collect additional information from you. Secured Card applicants are not eligible to receive a decision in as little as 60 seconds.

  2. You are not eligible to access your card number or use your card if (1) if you are not approved for a new account; (2) your application requires additional verification; (3) you request a balance transfer with your application; (4) if you are applying for a second Discover credit card or for a Discover it® Secured credit card; (5) you apply during a system maintenance update window; or (6) there are any technical difficulties experienced during application processing.

  3. $0 Fraud Liability: An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges. Please use reasonable care to protect your card and do not share it with employees, relatives, or friends. Learn more at Discover.com/fraudFAQ.

  4. 100% U.S. Based Customer Service: You can reach a live agent any time by calling 1-800-Discover (1-800-347-2683). Certain specialized customer service agents may not be available 24/7.

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