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Best Credit Card You Can Use Instantly

Andrew Reyes
A person using their laptop at their desk, reading numbers off of a credit card.

Some credit cards allow you to use the card the moment you’re approved by issuing the credit card number. With the credit card number, you can make online purchases the same day you received the card. However, because the card isn’t a physical card, you may not be able to use it in person.

This article helps you find the best credit card that you’ll be able to use on the same day.

Table of Contents

Instant-Use Credit Cards

This list includes rewards cards, options with low annual percentage rates (APR), and options with no annual fee to help you find the best same-day credit card for your situation. Here are the best credit cards for same-day online purchases.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great option for an instant-use credit card. The card offers instant access after verifying your identity. The card has no annual fee and a competitive APR.

Once you have the card number, you can use the card to make online purchases and receive 1.5% cash back on all general purchases, 2% cash back at gas stations and some department stores, and 3% cash back at supermarkets (up to $6,000).  

You will also receive $250 in statement credit when you spend $1,000 in the first three months of activating the card.

  • Annual fee:$0;
  • Regular APR:13.99% to 23.99% variable;
  • Intro APR:0% for 15 months;
  • Rewards rate:3% cash back at supermarkets; 2% cash back at gas stations; 1.5% cash back for general purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best options because it gives a wide range of rewards.

Those using the card will receive a 6% bonus at most U.S. supermarkets, 6% cash back on streaming services, 3% cash back at gas stations on transit, and 1% cash back on general purchases.

You will also receive $300 for spending $3,000 in the first six months of using the card. Most card users earn back around $406 per year when spending $1,325 per month with the card, making up for the $95 annual fee.

  • Annual fee:$95 ($0 for 12 months);
  • Regular APR:13.99% to 23.99% variable;
  • Intro APR:0% for 12 months;
  • Rewards rate:6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets; 6% cash back on streaming services; 3% cash back at gas stations; 1% cash back on general purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

Bank of America® Cash Rewards Card

The Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card is an instant-approval card that allows users to upload the card directly into their digital wallet. This allows you to use the card in person before you receive the physical card.

This card has a high rewards rate with 3% cash back on a category of your choice, 2% cash back in grocery stores, and 1% cash back on all purchases. By allowing you to customize your 3% cash back category, the card lets you receive the highest benefits on items you purchase most often.  

The card also has no annual fee and a sign-up bonus of $200 for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

  • Annual fee:$0;
  • Regular APR:13.99% to 23.99% variable;
  • Intro APR:0% for the first 15 billing cycles;
  • Rewards rate:3% cash back on chosen category; 2% cash back in grocery stores 1% cash back on other purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a great option for those looking for travel benefits that they can begin using the same day they apply for the card.

You earn 1.5 travel points per dollar you spend on every purchase. You also receive 25,000 online points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.

  • Annual fee:$0;
  • Regular APR:13.99% to 23.99% variable;
  • Intro APR:0% for 12 billing cycles;
  • Rewards rate: 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is perfect for those who frequently fly on Alaska Airlines. It offers high rewards and an annual $121 “companion fare” bonus, meaning you’ll be able to buy an Alaskan Airlines ticket for $121.

You will earn three miles per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines purchases and one mile per dollar on all other purchases. When you sign up, you receive a $100 statement credit,40,000 miles, and a companion fare when you spend $2,000 in the first 90 days.

The card has an annual fee of $75, and most people earn more than $565 in rewards each year (covering the cost of the annual fee).

  • Annual fee:$75;
  • Regular APR:15.99% to 23.99% variable;
  • Rewards rate:Three miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases; one dollar per mile on other purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® from Barclays

Another travel card that you can begin using today is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® from Barclays. The card offers some of the highest rewards compared to other travel cards.

You will receive five miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases at FlyFrontier.com, three miles per dollar at restaurants, and one mile per dollar for all other purchases. You will also receive 50,000 bonus miles when you spend $500 within the first 90 days and pay the annual fee of $79.

  • Annual fee:$79;
  • Regular APR:15.99% to 24.99% variable;
  • Rewards rate:Five miles per dollar spent at FlyFrontier.com; three miles per dollar at restaurants; one mile per dollar on other purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a great option for those with a Costco membership.

You will earn 4% cash back for gas, 3% cash back at restaurants and travel, 2% cash back at Costco, and 1% cash back for general purchases. You can redeem any cash back amount greater than $1. You can also redeem your cash back rewards for Costco merchandise.

  • Annual fee:$0 ($60 Costco membership fee);
  • Regular APR:15.24% variable;
  • Rewards rate:4% cash back on gas; 3% cash back for restaurant and travel; 2% cash back at Costco, 1% cash back for other purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

American Express Cash Magnet® Card

The American Express Cash Magnet® Card offers instant approval and instant use. It is a standard credit card with basic rewards options for those looking for a not-too-fancy credit card option.

You will receive 1.5% cash back on every purchase and receive $200 if you spend $1,000 in the first three months of activating the card. The rewards never expire, and you can redeem the rewards for statement credits, merchandise, or gift cards.

There is no rewards cap. To redeem your cash-back rewards, you will need to earn at least $25 in rewards.

  • Annual fee:$0;
  • Regular APR:13.99% to 23.99% variable;
  • Intro APR:0% for first 15 months;
  • Rewards rate:1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

Capital One® Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®

The Capital One® Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® offers great rewards with no annual fee. Most consumers earn over $215 in rewards while using this credit card.

You will receive 5% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cash back on Walmart in-store, restaurant, and travel purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. You also receive 5% cash back on in-store purchases for your first 12 months when using Walmart Pay.

  • Annual fee:$0;
  • Regular APR:17.99% to 26.99% variable;
  • Rewards rate:5% cash back on Walmart.com; 2% cash back on Walmart gift cards and in-store purchases, 2% cash back on restaurant and travel purchases; 1% cash back on other purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a travel card that offers great rewards and no annual fee. You will earn four points per dollar on dining, two points per dollar on gas, grocery, and streaming services, and one point per dollar on other purchases.  

You will also earn 20,000 points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

  • Annual fee:$0;
  • Regular APR:14.99% to 23.99% variable;
  • Rewards rate:Four points per dollar on dining; two points per dollar on grocery, gas, and streaming, one point per dollar on other purchases.
  • Compare other rewards credit cards.

How to Get a Credit Card I Can Use Today

To get a credit card that offers same-day usage, start by applying for the right cards. All American Express and Bank of American cards offer same-day use credit cards. Check before applying to ensure that you’ll be able to use the card once you’re approved.

Next, make sure you have the following information ready:

  • Social Security number;
  • Driver’s license;
  • Current address;
  • Income verification.

Some credit cards require additional information, so prepare to be flexible when applying for a new credit card. If you’re struggling with being accepted for a credit card, you may need to increase your credit score or look for options for those with poor credit scores.

How to Pick the Right Credit Card I Can Use Today

There are dozens of credit card options that will allow you to begin using the card as soon as you’re approved. However, getting stuck with a credit card that doesn’t fit your lifestyle can hurt your credit score.

When choosing a credit card, look for:

For example, don’t apply for a travel card if you never fly on airplanes. Instead, look for a card with exciting rewards options paired with an affordable APR and annual fee.


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