(This is a regularly updated post; last update 1/14/21.) Credit cards from retail stores often give customers instant approval. In fact, they often will approve you instantly, and even incentivize you to use that card the same day by giving you an immediate discount on your first purchase. Below is a list of store credit cards that may approve you instantly, along with information on any extras they might give you as a new cardholder:
- Amazon Rewards Visa / Amazon Prime Rewards Visa – According to the Amazon credit card’s terms, “If you respond via the Internet, the majority of applications are responded to in less than 15 seconds.” Assuming you are approved instantly, you’ll get a $50 Amazon gift card (with the regular Visa) or a $70 Amazon gift card (with the Prime Visa) loaded into your account immediately, and then you’ll also earn rewards on all your purchases: 3% at Amazon and at Whole Foods (5% if you are an Amazon Prime cardholder), 2% at restaurants, gas stations and drug stores, 1% everywhere else.
- Amazon Store Card – This Amazon credit card can only be used at Amazon, and is geared toward financing for large purchases. The website says you can get an “instant credit decision in as little as 15 seconds.” If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll get a 5% rebate on Amazon.com purchases made with the card.
- Apple Card – Apple (and card issuer Goldman Sachs) may approve you and let you use the card instantly, although at first you’ll only be able to use it from your iPhone or other Apple device. (You can also get a physical card but you’ll have to wait for that in the mail.) This cash-back MasterCard gives you a 3% rebate on your Apple purchases, 2% on most purchases when you use the card with Apple Pay (some Apple Pay purchases give 3%), and 1% on everything else.
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