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If you don't want to wait for your new card to arrive in the mail, consider an instant-use credit card. Once you're approved, the card issuer might share your account information so you can shop online. Or, you may be able to add the card to a digital wallet and use the card for in-store purchases.
4 Partner Offers
| Our Picks for the Best Instant-Use Cards | |
|---|---|
 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1%) 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions 3% cash back on transit 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 Terms apply. Rates and Fees. |
 American Express® Gold Card | 4 points per dollar at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 spent per year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar) 3 points per dollar when you book flights directly with airlines or on amextravel.com 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases $250 annual fee Terms apply. Rates and Fees. |
 Target RedCard | Save 5% on eligible purchases, including clearance items, in-store Starbucks and specialty gift cards No annual fee |
 Walmart Rewards Card | 5% cash back on orders through Walmart.com or the Walmart app 5% cash back when you use Walmart Pay in Walmart stores during your first 12 months with the card (2% cash back after that) 2% cash back at Walmart Stores in the U.S. and at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations 1% cash back on in-store purchases at Sam's Club and at Sam's Club gas stations No annual fee |
What Is an Instant-Use Credit Card?
Instant use is a feature available on some credit cards that allows cardholders to use their credit card account before a physical card arrives in the mail. Rewards, travel and store cards may all offer instant-use capabilities, but the specifics depend on the issuers' policies.
Some issuers may give you a temporary barcode or account number that you can use for purchases. Others show you the actual card number, which you can use online. Or, you might be able to add your card to a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, and then use it wherever those services are accepted.
Which Cards Can You Start Using Instantly?
Most credit cards don't offer instant use, but these are some that do. Even with these cards, however, you might not get instant access if the card issuer has trouble verifying your identity. Additionally, your account may have a lower credit limit until you receive your physical card.
American Express Cards
American Express may give you an instant card number on any of its credit cards or charge cards. Terms apply. You can see if you're matched for American Express cards using the Experian CreditMatch™ tool.
Two top cards to consider are:
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express could be a good option if you tend to spend a lot at supermarkets. It's a tiered cash back card that offers:
- 6% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1%)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash back on transit
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
You'll have a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees). You can earn a $250 statement credit after making $3,000 worth of eligible purchases in the first 6 months you have the card. Terms apply.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a premium card that comes with a variety of cardholder benefits. However, it's important to remember that unlike typical credit cards, the American Express® Gold Card only lets you carry a balance for certain charges—not all of them.
Using the card, you can receive:
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
- 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 spent per year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar when you book flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
- $10 in Uber Cash each month after you connect your Gold card to your Uber account
- $10 monthly statement credits for Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
While there's a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees), the card's high earning potential and statement credits make it a good fit for some. Plus, new cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after making $4,000 worth of eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Terms apply.
You may be matched with this and other cards at Experian CreditMatch™
Co-Branded Instant Access Cards
Credit card issuers sometimes partner with another company, such as an airline or retailer, to offer co-branded cards. These cards tend to offer perks with the partner, but you can use them at any merchant that accepts the associated card network, such as Visa or Mastercard.
Store Instant Access Cards
A closed-loop store card is a co-branded card you can only use at the associated store—and sometimes the company's other brands or partners. It may be easier to qualify for closed-loop cards than open-loop cards.
Target RedCard
If you open the Target RedCard credit card in a store, you may receive a receipt with a barcode that has your account information. Or, if you apply online, you could add your card to your Target account and pay using the app. The card has several money-saving perks for Target shoppers:
- Save 5% on eligible purchases, including clearance items, in-store Starbucks and specialty gift cards
- Get free shipping on most Target.com items
- An additional 30 days to return or exchange items
- Extra benefits, such as special items or offer
There's no annual fee, and new cardholders may receive an intro offer, such as a coupon for a future Target purchase.
Walmart Rewards Card
The closed-loop Walmart Rewards Card offers good cash back rates at Walmart and Sam's Club. You can add the card to the Walmart Pay app and use it as soon as you're approved. With the card, you can earn:
- 5% cash back on orders through Walmart.com or the Walmart app
- 5% cash back when you use Walmart Pay in Walmart stores during your first 12 months with the card (2% cash back after that)
- 2% cash back at Walmart Stores in the U.S. and at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations
- 1% cash back on in-store purchases at Sam's Club and at Sam's Club gas stations
You can redeem your cash back rewards in several ways, including for a statement credit, check or gift card. Walmart also offers an open-loop Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® that has cash back rewards in additional categories. Neither card has an annual fee.
What to Do if Your Card Doesn't Offer Instant Access
If you open a new credit card and it doesn't offer instant access, you could have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail. The timing can vary, but it may take up to two weeks.
When you want the credit card sooner, you could try calling the issuer and asking for a rush delivery. Some issuers can offer two- or three-day shipping options, or even overnight your new card. However, there may be a fee for expedited shipping. Also, be sure to let them know right away, as the issuer likely won't be able to make the change if your card is already in the mail.
Monitor Your Credit for Your New Card
Even if your new credit card offers instant access, you might not see it on your credit report right away. That's because it can take a few payment cycles for the card issuer to report your new account to the credit bureaus. If you have credit monitoring, such as Experian's free credit monitoring service, you can be alerted when the account is added to your report. Continue monitoring your credit, and you may see the new account appear in about 30 to 60 days.
All information about the Target RedCard and Walmart Rewards Card has been collected independently by Experian and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card.