What store credit cards are easy to get with bad credit?

Requirements to get approved for a store credit card vary between stores. Generally, store credit cards feature higher interest rates and are only rewarding if you're a regular shopper at the store.

What credit score do you need for a credit card?

Credit score requirements vary between cards and card issuers. Generally, you need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 - 850) to qualify for most rewards credit cards. There are credit cards for individuals with fair credit (FICO score of 580 to 669) or bad credit. (FICO score of 300 - 579) Secured credit cards rely on a security deposit instead of a credit check for approval, making them a popular option for individuals with limited or no credit.

What American Express card is easiest to get?

American Express credit cards are often more difficult to qualify for than other credit cards. Generally, American Express cards require good to excellent credit to receive approval.

What Citi card is easiest to get?

The Citi Secured Mastercard is the easiest Citi card to get. You can qualify for the card with little to no credit history. The card carries a $200 minimum security deposit. Citi reports card payments to the three credit bureaus, giving cardholders an opportunity to build their credit over time.

What Chase card is easiest to get?

Most Chase credit cards require at least good credit to receive approval. You will need to meet credit and other issuer requirements to qualify for a Chase credit card.

What is easy-access credit?

Easy access credit generally refers to short-term loans with higher interest rates. Payday loans and other short-term loans are often considered an option for individuals who need access to money quickly or don't qualify for other types of credit. This type of credit differs from instant approval credit cards, which typically require meeting an issuer's credit requirements. Instant approval cards often provide additional benefits for consumers, like fraud protection and credit score monitoring.

Why can't I get approved for a credit card?

Card issuers rely on underwriting standards to determine an applicant's creditworthiness. If your application is denied, it could be that you don't meet the credit or other requirements for that specific card.

What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For?

Some credit cards are easier to get than others, especially if you have bad or poor credit or haven't built up a credit history yet. OpenSky® Secured Visa® and Discover it Secured Card is the easiest to get if you have no income or a poor credit score, while the Capital One Spark Classic is the best for business owners with poor credit. The easiest cards to get if you have fair credit are Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Platinum Credit Card and Indigo Mastercard.

Advertising & Editorial DisclosureLast Updated: 12/7/2022

Edited By

Erika Hearthway

Written By

Kevin Payne

Reviewed By

Brett Holzhauer

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Our top picks for the easiest cards to get can help you access a credit line and boost your credit score. The easiest credit cards to get, especially with bad credit or no credit, are secured credit cards.

Secured cards like the Discover it Secured Credit Card use a security deposit instead of a hard credit inquiry for approval, making them easier to get if your credit is subpar. Other cards, like the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, only require fair credit and may be easier to qualify for than cards with higher credit requirements.

Secured Credit Cards

Credit Card
Best For
Credit Needed
Capital One Platinum
Credit Card
No credit
Fair (FICO credit score of 580-669)
Indigo Mastercard
Bad credit
Fair
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
Credit Card
No income
(No employment check)
None–poor (FICO score of 300-579)
Capital One Spark Classic
for Business
Business owners
None–poor
Capital One QuicksilverOne
Cash Rewards Credit Card
Cash back
Fair

ON THIS PAGE:

What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?
MoneyGeek’s Tips to Get Approved for a Credit Card
Questions You May Have About Easy Approval Credit Cards

What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For?

Not all credit cards are created equal. Each card offers its own set of unique benefits, rewards and perks and, with that, its own set of requirements for approval. Some credit cards, like secured credit cards, are easier to get approved for, while others require meeting more stringent credit requirements and other criteria.

If you have poor credit or no credit, a secured credit card allows you to build credit and, in some cases, still earn rewards. Your creditworthiness is based on a FICO score. Your FICO credit score is important to know because this helps lenders decide what you can qualify for and which credit cards you can get.

FICO CREDIT SCORES

Poor: 300 - 579
Fair: 580 - 669
Good: 670 - 739
Very Good: 740 - 799
Excellent: 800 - 850

For People With No Credit History

Getting approved for a credit card when you have no credit history is a challenge. Most card issuers rely on credit scores and history to determine whether applicants are worth the risk. Luckily, there are still some quality credit cards specifically geared toward individuals with little to no credit history. These cards serve as credit-building tools to help you eventually qualify for other credit cards and financing opportunities.

Capital One Platinum Secured Card - Best for credit monitoring
The Capital One Platinum card carries no annual fee and provides free credit score access and other digital tools, including a mobile app, virtual card assistant, account alerts and more.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card - Best for no security deposit
There's no credit check required to apply for the Chime Credit Builder card, although it requires opening a checking account with the bank and making a $200 qualifying direct deposit. The secured credit card carries no minimum security deposit or annual fee and reports payments to all three major credit bureaus.

Citi Secured Mastercard - Best for identity theft protection
The Citi Secured card is a no-frills credit card with no annual fee. The security deposit acts as the credit limit, with a $200 minimum required for up to $2,500. Citi Secured comes with access to Mastercard's ID Theft program, account alerts and the ability to choose your payment date.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best secured card for building credit on a budget
- Limited – BadRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- $49Min. Security Deposit
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 29.74% VariableAPR
There’s a lot to like about the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, starting with the budget-friendly lack of annual, monthly or foreign transaction fees and a 25-day grace period if you forget to pay your bill.
While the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card does require a refundable security deposit, Capital One generously allows you to get a $200 line of credit with as little as a $49 deposit if you qualify. If you make more than that minimum deposit, you could instantly get a credit limit of up to $1,000.
Perhaps most importantly of all, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card allows you to access a higher credit limit in just six months if you make your payments on time. Do that, and this card will serve as a great way to boost your credit score by reducing credit utilization.
Pros
Great if you have limited or bad credit
No annual fee
25-day grace period
Good for building credit
Easy to get a higher credit limit
Online access for easy managing/monitoring
Millions of acceptable card locations worldwide

Cons
APR is a bit high
No extra rewards
Credit check required
Requires an initial security deposit of at least $49
Regular credit reports to all three bureaus
Initial credit lines start at $200
Cash advance of $3 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
Up to $40 late payment fee
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
A good secured credit card with no annual fees and interest
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
- UnspecifiedAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- $200Min. Security Deposit
We recommend the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card for people who wish to build their credit histories without paying any annual fees. However, you need to open a Chime checking account and ensure that it has at least one qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 in order to apply for this card.
Any amount you transfer from your Chime checking account into your Credit Builder account becomes your card’s credit limit. While you pay no annual fees or interest, you need to pay off your balances in full each month. Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it charges no foreign transaction fees.
This card reports your payments to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. As a result, making payments on time might help build your credit score. Besides, since this card does not come with a predetermined credit limit, it does not factor in the calculation of your credit utilization ratio.
Pros
No credit needed
No annual fees
No international fees
No maintenance fees
No interest

Cons
Checking account needed
Credit limit is based on money you move to the account
No rewards and introductory offers
$0 annual fee
No APR
0% foreign transaction fee
Mobile app
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Best credit card for building credit with no or limited credit history
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 26.74% VariableAPR
If you’re looking to build up credit for the first time but are having trouble getting approved for other cards, Citi® Secured Mastercard® could be your ticket to building a worthwhile credit score fast.
It features no annual or other incessant fees, and it allows you to access up to $2,500 of credit. Your credit limit is based on your initial deposit. As a secured credit card, this requires a $200 minimum deposit within 14 days of creating your account.
Once you open your account and make your deposit, you’ll benefit from a plethora of tools to help you build a quality credit score in no time. These include an auto-pay function and other financial planning tools, as well as free access to your FICO score.
Most importantly, this card reports to all three major credit bureaus. So with several months of responsible use, you’ll start to see improvements to your credit score across the board. You can also use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, so it’s not difficult to make purchases throughout the month and see that score improve when you pay on time.
Pros
No annual fee
Can use the card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted — worldwide
Multiple management options
Additional financial tools, auto-pay, etc.
Monthly reports to all three credit bureaus and free FICO score access

Cons
No rewards
High APR
Requires $200 security deposit minimum. Must pay the deposit within 14 days of opening account
$2,500 maximum deposit
Credit limit is equal to deposit
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply

>> MORE: Best First Credit Cards for No Credit

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

There's no such thing as guaranteed approval with credit cards. Some card issuers allow you to get pre-approved for a card through a soft credit check, which doesn't negatively affect your credit score. Going through the pre-approval step gives you an idea of what types of cards you may qualify for based on your credit.

For People With Poor or Bad Credit

Past credit mistakes won't keep you from getting a card even if your score is poor (FICO score of 300 - 579), but they will shorten the list of cards available. Your best options may be secured credit cards which rely on a security deposit instead of a credit check. Although, you may still qualify for an unsecured card depending on your credit score and other factors.

Indigo Mastercard - Best for pre-qualification
The Indigo Mastercard doesn't offer many perks, but it's an excellent tool for building credit. Monthly payments get reported to the three major credit bureaus. You can also pre-qualify for the card without hurting your credit.

OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard - Best for bankruptcy
The OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard is a secured credit card with credit limits from $200 to $5,000. There is no minimum credit score requirement, and a discharged bankruptcy on your credit report won't disqualify you from card approval.

Merrick Bank Double Your Line Secured Credit Card - Best for increased credit line
One of two secured cards offered by the bank, the Merrick Bank Double Your Line Secured card allows cardholders to double their credit limit after making minimum on-time payments for the first seven months from card opening. Merrick Bank also provides free monthly credit score access with the card.

Indigo Mastercard
A good unsecured credit card to build or rebuild credit
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
- $0–$99*Annual Fee
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 24.90%APR
You may consider applying for the Indigo Mastercard if you have less-than-perfect credit. Making payments on time and not using too much of your available credit gives you the ability to build your credit score because this card reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus. Prequalifying for this card does not have an effect on your credit score.
The Indigo Mastercard comes in three variants; Plat-602, Plat-603 and Plat-604. The annual fee you need to pay depends on the version for which you qualify and varies from $0 to $99. This card finds global acceptance, although using it outside of the U.S. comes with a 1% foreign transaction fee. You get basic Mastercard benefits too.
Pros
Plat-604 comes with no annual fees
No need to provide security deposit
Apply with no/limited/poor credit history
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Prequalification does not affect credit score
Low foreign transaction fees
$0 liability and identity theft protection

Cons
First year’s annual fee of $75 for Plat-602, $99 thereafter
$59 annual fee for Plat-603
High standard APRs
Steep late/returned payment fees
High cash advance fees
Apply with no, limited or poor creditworthiness
Pay $0 to $99 as annual fees
Does not require security deposit
Reports payment history to TransUnion, Equifax and Experian
1% foreign transaction fee
Zero liability protection
Mastercard ID theft protection
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard®
A secured credit card meant for people with poor or no credit histories
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
- $39Annual Fee
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 14.74%APR
You may benefit by getting the OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard® if you wish to build or rebuild your credit because it accepts applications from people who have poor or no credit histories. Applying for this card does not involve a credit inquiry. Instead, OakStone looks at your income and ability to make payments to arrive at a decision.
You may provide a security deposit of $200 to $5,000 and the same serves as your card’s credit limit. This card reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus, so using it in the right manner helps improve your credit score.
This card comes with a $39 annual fee. Using it outside of the U.S. is not a good idea as it charges a foreign transaction fee. While you might request expedited processing of your application, this service comes with an added fee.
Pros
Apply with poor or no credit history
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Credit limit of $200 to $5,000
No credit inquiry when you apply

Cons
Requires a security deposit
Annual fee of $39
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
High late payment fees
Expedited processing service fee of $19.95
$39 annual fee
Apply with poor or no credit history
Reports to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
Credit limit varies from $200 to $5,000
3% foreign transaction fee
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card
Best credit card for training good financial habits
- PoorRecommended Credit
- $36*Annual Fee
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 21.70% VariableAPR
The Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card is an accessible and rewarding secured credit card. It requires an initial deposit of at least $200. But once you make that deposit, you have the potential to double your line of credit without having to make another deposit at all.
Just make your monthly payments on time for seven months in a row without a hiccup. After the seventh billing cycle is complete, Merrick will automatically double your line of credit to $400.
Furthermore, those on-time payments will be reported directly to the three big credit bureaus, allowing you to build your credit over time. You can check your credit score regularly thanks to free FICO access, which is included with your account.
Other benefits include fraud liability protection and a host of online budgeting tools. All in all, this secured credit card is a perfect pick for folks looking to rebuild their credit and who want to build good financial discipline – there’s an attractive reward waiting at the end of seven months!
Pros
Reports to all three credit bureaus each month
Free FICO score access
$0 fraud liability protection
Lets you quickly double your credit limit

Cons
APR can be high
Foreign transaction fees
Deposit $200 initially. Following on-time payments for 7 months, credit line is doubled to $400 w/o requiring another deposit
$36 annual fee for the first year., billed at $3 dollars per month thereafter.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

The Surge Mastercard provides an initial credit limit of $300 to $1,000, with an opportunity to double it by making on-time minimum payments for the first six months. No security deposit is needed to obtain a card.

>>MORE: Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Credit Cards With No Employment Check

Besides credit, some card issuers look at an applicant's income or employment history to determine creditworthiness. You can still qualify for a credit card without employment, but your options are limited.

OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card - Best for low annual fee
The OpenSky Secured card only requires a $200 minimum deposit and no credit or employment check. It also features a low annual fee and additional benefits in partnership with Visa.

Discover it Secured Credit Card - Best for no annual fee
Discover doesn't charge an annual fee for its secured card. There's also no credit or employment check during the application process. The security deposit starts at just $200. Discover automatically reviews your account after seven months to see if you qualify for conversion to an unsecured card.

Milestone Mastercard - Best for no security deposit
The Milestone Mastercard doesn't require a security deposit, allowing you to keep money in your pocket and build credit. There's no credit or employment check to pre-qualify for the card.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
A good secured card for those who have poor credit
- None–FairRecommended Credit
- $35Annual Fee
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 21.64% (Variable)APR
We recommend the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card to people with poor creditworthiness, all the more so because it does not run a credit check when you apply. In addition, you may find out if you’re approved instantly. Capital One, the card’s issuer, claims that this card comes with an average approval rate of 85%.
You may choose any credit limit from $200 to $3,000 by providing the corresponding amount as security deposit. You have the option of increasing your credit limit as you go forward. To increase your credit limit, you’ll need to add to your security deposit.
Flexibility in choosing your due date is an added benefit.
Making your payments on time can help build your credit score, as this card reports payment history to the top three credit bureaus in the country. All cardholders get to view their FICO score online for free.
The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $35. If you use it outside of the U.S., expect to pay foreign transaction fees.
Pros
Can apply with poor credit
No credit check involved
Instant approval
Nominal annual fee
Security deposit may range from $200 to $3,000
Ability to add to the security deposit at a later stage
Flexible due dates
Reports to major credit bureaus
Gives you access to your FICO Score

Cons
Foreign transaction fees
Cash advance fees
No possibility of upgrading to an unsecured card
Annual fee of $35
Accepts any amount between $200 and $3,000 as security deposit
Offers eligibility-based upgrades to an unsecured card after six months
No credit check when you apply and instant approval
Flexibility in choosing due date
Reports to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion each month
View your FICO score online for free
3% foreign transaction fees
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
A good no-annual-fee secured card for earning cash back and building/rebuilding credit
- Limited–PoorRecommended Credit
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- 1%–2% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 2xRewards Rate on Gas
- 2xRewards Rate on Dining
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card might work well for people who wish to build or rebuild their creditworthiness and earn cash back in the process. Not having to pay any annual fees is a plus. What also helps is Discover reviews your account after seven months to determine if you qualify for a refund of your security deposit and an upgrade to an unsecured card.
The security deposit you need to provide can be as low as $200. Discover reports your payment history to the top three credit bureaus, giving you the ability to improve your creditworthiness. All cardholders get free access to their updated credit scores each month.
This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to a combined total of $1,000 each quarter. You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it does away with foreign transaction fees.
Pros
No annual fees
Up to 2% cash back
Security deposit can be as low as $200
Low intro APR offer on balance transfers
Reports to the top three credit bureaus
Automatic review for converting to unsecured card after seven months

Cons
Maximum security deposit is $2,500
Balance transfer fees
No annual or foreign transaction fees
Security deposit may vary from $200 to $2,500
10.99% APR for six months on balance transfers that post to your account by April 10, 2023, then a variable APR of 27.74% after that
Earn 2% cash back on total spending of up to $1,000 at gas stations and restaurants every quarter
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
Redeem cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit into your bank account, when checking out through Amazon.com or when paying via PayPal
3% balance transfer fees
Discover automatically reviews accounts for security deposit refunds after seven months
Reports to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax
Free access to credit score
$0 fraud liability
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Milestone® Gold Mastercard®
An ideal card for rebuilding your credit without paying a security deposit.
- Fair–GoodRecommended Credit
- $35–$99Annual Fee
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 24.90%APR
The Milestone® Gold Mastercard® is an excellent option for people who want to rebuild their credit without paying a security deposit. As long as you pay your balances on time, you’ll see a positive effect on your credit reports issued by the three major credit bureaus. Additionally, pre-qualifying for the card doesn’t negatively impact your credit score.
Since this is a Mastercard-affiliated card, you may use it globally. Fraud protection also ensures that you’re not held responsible for charges you don’t make.
Pros
Ideal for rebuilding credit
Does not require a security deposit
Pay no cash advance fees for the first year
Reports to three major credit bureaus

Cons
Creditworthiness-based annual fees
Cash advance apply fees after the first year
Foreign transaction fees
Penalty APR may apply when you make a late payment
Applying for this card does not require a security deposit.
It reports your payment history to three major credit bureaus and helps build your creditworthiness.
Annual fees you end up paying depend on your credit score.
Benefit by paying no cash advance fees during the first year.
The card finds global acceptance.
It comes with fraud protection.
It offers 24/7 online account management.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply

For Business Owners

Business credit cards can help you earn valuable rewards for business expenses and extend your spending power. They are also a great tool for establishing business credit. Some card issuers offer business credit cards geared toward individuals whose credit isn't up to par.

Capital One Spark Classic for Business - Best for cash back rewards
Capital One Spark Classic offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases regardless of spending category. It comes with no annual fee, offers free employee cards and integrates with popular accounting software.

First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition Secured Visa Card - Best for a higher credit limit
FNBO's secured business card features credit limits from $2,000 to $100,000 (subject to approval). The card carries a $39 annual fee and comes with access to several digital tools for managing your account and spending.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
A great no-annual-fee business card with cash back for those with fair credit.
- Limited – FairRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 1.00%Cash Back Rate (Avg Value)
We love the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business because it gives small business owners with fair credit the ability to earn 1% cash back on all purchases. In addition, you earn 5% cash back when you use this card to book hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel.
What makes this business card for fair credit particularly worthy of attention is it charges no annual fees. However, using this card to carry forward balances from one month to the next is not a good idea because it comes with a reasonably high APR.
Using this card outside of the U.S. is ideal because it does not charge foreign transaction fees. This applies to the primary card as well as employee cards, which you may get for free.
Pros
No annual fees
May qualify with fair/average credit
5% cash back through Capital One Travel
1% cash back on all other purchases
Free employee cards

Cons
High APR
No early spend bonus
Pay no annual and foreign transaction fees
Earn 5% cash back on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
No limit to the cash back you may earn
Choose your own due date
Get free employee cards with customized spending limits
Set up automatic payments
Receive year-end summaries
Benefit through roadside assistance
$0 fraud liability
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.

With Cash Back Rewards

Having bad credit (FICO score of 300 - 579) or no credit doesn't mean you can’t get approved for a credit card or earn valuable rewards for card spending. You may qualify for unsecured or secured credit cards that earn rewards.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card - Best for unlimited cash back
The QuicksilverOne card earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The card also comes with free credit score access and automatic credit line reviews after just six months.

Petal 2 Visa - Best for no annual fee
The Petal 2 Visa card earns 1% cash back on purchases with the potential to earn more by paying your bill on time. You can also earn up to 10% bonus cash back with purchases at select merchants. The card carries a $300 minimum credit limit and no annual fee.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

Getting approved for a credit card can happen instantly, although some card issuers can take up to a week or longer to make a determination. Check with the card issuer to see how long it might take to get approved for a credit card.

Processing Time for Different Credit Cards

Card Issuers
Process Time
American Express
Instant card numbers upon approval
Apple Card
Instant access upon approval
Bank of America
Instant access to card information for existing customers who apply through targeted promotional offers
Capital One
Instant access to cards for existing customers
Chase
Instant access to most Visa cards
Citi
Does not offer instant access with most cards
Discover
Does not offer instant access
Wells Fargo
Does not offer instant access

>>MORE: How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

Instant Approval Credit Cards

You can sometimes qualify for instant approval for a credit card. This usually requires you to have good to excellent credit and provide enough information for the card issuer to determine quickly.

Apple Card - Credit needed: Good (FICO score of 670 -739)
Apple lets you apply and find out in a few minutes whether you're approved for the Apple Card without affecting your credit score. A hard inquiry is only performed if you accept a pre-qualifying offer. There are multiple ways to earn cash back, and you can track it easily with an iPhone. The card carries no annual fee.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card - Credit needed: No score required
The Discover it Secured card offers instant pre-qualification without hurting your credit score. The no-fee secured card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to the first $1,000 combined purchases quarterly. It also earns unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases and features an automatic cash back match on all cash back earned your first year.

Total Card Visa - Credit needed: None–Fair (FICO score of 0 - 669)
The Total Card Visa is issued by the Bank of Missouri. It requires an active checking account and an $89 program fee. You can get approved for the Total card within seconds of filling out an online application. The card also comes with free TransUnion credit monitoring.

MoneyGeek’s Tips to Get Approved for a Credit Card

No matter your credit score, there are steps you can take to get approved for a credit card more quickly. Follow our tips below to speed up the credit card approval process the next time you apply.

Pre-qualify
Check pre-qualifying offers to see which cards you may qualify for before applying for a card. Pre-qualification only requires a soft credit check, which won't affect your credit score.
Provide accurate information
Providing up-to-date and complete information makes the card issuer's job easier when approving applications. Make sure to update your income if it's changed since the last time you applied for a card.
Improve your credit
If your credit isn't good enough to qualify for the card you want, work to build your credit score first and then apply. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and paying down existing card debt.

How to Compare Credit Cards

There are hundreds of credit cards to choose from, and finding the right one isn't always easy. Follow the tips below to determine the best card for your situation.

Check your credit

Knowing where your credit score stands will guide you toward cards you're most likely to get approved for when applying.

Determine your needs

You want a card that lines up with your goals. Figure out why you want a card and search for cards that match your needs.

Pay attention to fees

Card issuers often charge fees for access to a credit card. Look for annual fees and other charges — like foreign transaction fees and late fees — that can increase the cost of having a credit card. Only choose cards with fees you're willing and able to pay.

Check the interest rate

Some credit issuers charge high interest rates on cards, especially if you have less than stellar credit. Check the card's terms and conditions to view the rate range to help you determine whether you may be awarded a good APR. Paying your balance in full each month will help you avoid costly interest charges.

Pre-qualify when possible

Look for cards that allow you to pre-qualify before applying. Even if you don't qualify for that specific card, the card issuer may direct you to cards that are a better fit.

Questions You May Have About Easy Approval Credit Cards

Knowing which cards are the easiest to get can be a huge benefit if you're considering applying for a credit card. You still have options even if you have poor credit or no credit history. A peek at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions will help you understand those options and which steps to take next.

Learn More About Credit Cards

About the Author

Kevin Payne is a personal finance writer specializing in credit cards, banking, and student loans. He is a regular contributor to Forbes Advisor, The Ascent, Investing Answers, and Student Loan Planner. Kevin is the budget and family travel expert behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com.

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Discover. "Discover Credit Card Pre-Approval Form." Accessed October 9, 2022.
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Oakstone. "Oakstone Gold Secured Mastercard." Accessed October 10, 2022.
Merrick Bank. "Merrick Secure Cards." Accessed October 10, 2022.
Continental Finance. "Surge Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
OpenSky. "Secured Credit Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
Discover. "Discover Secured Credit Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
Milestone Card. "Milestone Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
Capital One. "Spark 1% Classic." Accessed October 10, 2022.
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Petal. "Petal 2 Visa." Accessed October 10, 2022.
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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more aboutour editorial policies andexpert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.

What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For?

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Secured Credit Cards

What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For?

For People With No Credit History

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For People With Poor or Bad Credit

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Credit Cards With No Employment Check

For Business Owners

With Cash Back Rewards

How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

Processing Time for Different Credit Cards

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Instant Approval Credit Cards

MoneyGeek’s Tips to Get Approved for a Credit Card

How to Compare Credit Cards

Check your credit

Determine your needs

Pay attention to fees

Check the interest rate

Pre-qualify when possible

Questions You May Have About Easy Approval Credit Cards

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What credit score do you need for a credit card?

What American Express card is easiest to get?

What Citi card is easiest to get?

What Chase card is easiest to get?

What is easy-access credit?

Why can't I get approved for a credit card?

Learn More About Credit Cards

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