Instant Approval Credit Card—Everything You Need To Know
Choosing a credit card can be a daunting process. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about instantly approved credit cards and how to get one. We’ll cover what an instant approval credit card actually is, the pros and cons, and alternatives to an instant approval credit card, like a same day loan for example.
Overview:
- What is an instant approval credit card?
- How to get an instant approval credit card in Australia?
- Eligibility for instantly approved credit cards
- Best instant approval credit card
- Alternatives to instant approval credit cards
- FAQs
What is an instant approval credit card?
Instant approval credit cards are just what they sound like—credit cards that you get a response for (almost) instantly. If a credit card company offers an instant approval credit card it usually means you hear back within 60 seconds to a few minutes after you submit your application. These companies will typically offer conditional approval upfront until a deeper assessment of your personal and financial situation is completed.
Pros and cons of instant approval credit cards
Before making any financial decisions it’s important to consider the pros and cons so you know exactly how it will affect your individual circumstances.
Pros |
Cons |
| Speed: They tend to be fast. You should get an answer back within 60 seconds of submitting your application. |
Instant approval is not a guarantee: There is no guarantee that you will receive a response within 60 seconds even if the credit card company claims it only takes that long. |
| Immediate use: You can start making purchases immediately if the company offers online credit cards or provides a temporary credit card number until your physical card arrives. |
Temptation to overspend: As with all credit cards, the temptation to use them more than you should is a factor to consider. You don’t want to pay late fees, so here are some guides to help manage your spending if you know you’ll be tempted. |
| Easy online application: You can apply online (sometimes in just minutes) with most reputable credit card companies. |
Steep interest rates: Instant approval credit cards can come with steep interest rates. Introductory offers are great but make sure to check what you’ll be paying once the grace period is over. |
How to get an instant approval credit card in Australia
Many lenders offer both online and in-person applications for instant approval credit cards. Generally, the process for applying for an instant approval credit card involves the following steps:
- Compare credit card options
- Check eligibility criteria
- Gather required documents and information
- Apply online, over the phone, or in-person
- Receive application outcome within 60 seconds*
*Application processing time may sometimes take longer.
Best way to get easy instant approval on a credit card
To make the approval process easier, make sure you have done the following:
| Check eligibility criteria | This should be your first stop before you even start the application for an instant approval credit card. |
| Check your credit score | Certain lenders won’t approve your loan if you have a bad credit history. |
| Upload all required documents | Double check everything has been uploaded correctly before you submit your application. |
Checking you have everything again can be annoying. But it will save you heaps of time in the end. After all, you can’t be instantly approved if the lender needs to chase up the basic required information or missing documentation.
What does it mean when you are not instantly approved for a credit card?
If you are not instantly approved it’s usually because the lender needs more time to assess your application.
What will I need to provide in the application?
Come prepared to submit the following information:
- Proof of identity—such as driver’s license or passport
- Personal details—including name, address, date of birth, and contact information
- Proof of income—such as payslips and bank statements
- Other financial details and spending habits—including any debts, assets, and living expenses (such as rent, grocery bills, and transportation).
You’re out of luck if you were hoping to apply with no credit check. Card companies need to establish your suitability very quickly because the decision is near-instant. If you have bad credit history and need some cash fast you could try applying for a small cash loan instead.
Eligibility for instantly approved credit cards
Eligibility for an instantly approved credit card is much the same as applying for another credit card but with stricter conditions.
Criteria typically include:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a stable income and be able to pay the credit limit on the card
- Have a good credit rating
- Haven’t filed for bankruptcy
Check your credit score rating
It’s wise to check your credit score rating before you apply for a credit card. This is because credit card applications are noted in your credit history and could influence your future credit rating.
In Australia, your credit score will either range from 0-1000 or 0-1200. While there is no definite number that will ensure you get instantly approved you probably want to make sure you have a ‘good’ credit score or higher.
Compare credit score ranges and then check your credit score to see where your rating lands.
Best instant approval credit card
Now that we’ve gone over what a credit card with instant approval is, you probably want to know which one is the best. The best credit card for you will depend on what you’re looking for and your individual financial situation. As such, there is no ‘one size fits all’ option but there is information that can help guide your decision.
Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the best credit card option for you:
Who are you?
Are you a student, a business, a frequent flyer, applying for a credit card for the first time? Who you are is going to impact what limits, fees, and benefits you’ll need and which option is the best for you.
What are you using the credit card for and how often?
This is when you’ll want to take a look at the finer details to choose a card that is going to offer the best fees, limits, and benefits for your specific requirements.
How much are you going to spend?
Perhaps a better question is how much will you need to spend? Look at the maximum and minimum credit limits to ensure you’ll have enough to suit your needs but won’t be tempted to spend more than you should.
How much can you afford to pay?
Manage your spending by only applying for a credit card with fees and limits you can reasonably afford to pay.
What rates and fees are important to you?
When comparing credit cards consider the introductory rate, interest rate, interest-free days, annual monthly fee, rewards program fee, late fee, and overdrawn fee.
Comparing instant approval credit cards
Comparison sites like Finfty or RateCity are handy but these lists are not exhaustive. Keep in mind that they do not necessarily list all the relevant information you need to make an informed decision. They can also be sponsored to list a particular credit card first as a featured suggestion.
These sites are useful as a starting point but they should be taken with a grain of salt. It is always wise to do the final research yourself.
Alternatives to instant approval credit cards
If you need money fast, there are other near-instant ways to get some extra cash in your pocket, such as:
- Last minute loan: borrow up to $5000 when you need cash fast
- Emergency loan: convenient online solution when unexpected expenses crop up
- Loan against your car: a lower risk option for the lender is a secured loan against your vehicle
Read our guide on getting instant approval for a personal loan and 5 tips to make the most out of Buy Now Pay Later.
FAQs
What credit cards have instant approval?
Most Australian financial institutions will offer instant approval credit cards. You can compare them here.
Which instant credit cards can you use immediately?
Companies that offer instant card numbers or temporary virtual credit cards mean that you don’t have to wait for your physical card to arrive before you can start using it. You can compare instant approval credit cards you can use right away at Finder.
Is there an instant approval credit card for bad credit?
Unfortunately, you are not likely to be approved if you have bad credit. You can apply for a small loan if you’re in need of cash. But be aware that these loans can come with high interest rates.
Learn how to fix a bad credit rating.
Can you get an instant approval credit card with no credit check?
You will need to undergo some kind of credit check when applying in Australia because of the fast approval process.
Where to apply online for instant approval credit cards?
Most financial institutions in Australia will have online applications. You can apply on their websites.
What is the easiest credit card to get approved for in Australia?
You can find a list of easy credit cards to get approved for here.
Is there an instant credit card approval for students?
Some student credit cards offer instant or fast approval.
Can you get an instant approval credit card with fair credit?
The higher your credit score is the more likely you are to be approved. Having a ‘fair’ credit rating may mean the decision process takes a little longer while they assess your financial situation, employment, lifestyle, spending habits, debts, and other assets. However, each financial institution is different and you may still be granted a credit card instantly.
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