Customer inserts their credit card into a card reader at a bakery food cart

Easy-Approval Credit Cards

4 min read

Last Updated: February 3, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Secured and student credit cards may be easier to qualify for than other credit card options, especially if you have a limited credit history.
When you apply for a credit card online, you typically receive a response quickly.
Some credit card issuers offer immediate access to your account once you’re approved through a virtual credit card number.

Getting approved for a credit card may seem difficult at times, especially if you’ve never had credit or you’re working on improving your credit score. But no matter where you are on your credit journey, there may be a credit card option that works for you.

There’s never a guarantee that you’ll qualify for a credit card, regardless of your credit score. However, some credit card issuers may offer options for credit card applicants with a wider range of credit histories and financial circumstances.

What credit cards are the easiest to get approved for?

Credit card companies may have several credit card options designed for people with limited credit histories or less-than-ideal credit scores.

If you qualify for a student or secured card, you may use it responsibly to build your credit history. With Discover^®, you also earn rewards on all purchases every time you use your card, so you don’t have to miss out on cash back.

Learn More

If you’re looking for an accessible credit card, one of the following options may be the right fit.

Secured credit cards

When you open a secured credit card account, you provide a refundable cash deposit as collateral for your credit limit. If you default on your credit card by failing to make payments, the card issuer keeps your deposit to offset any potential losses.

Because your deposit reduces the lender’s risk of losing money, you may be approved for a secured credit card without a credit history or with a low credit score.

Student credit cards

College students experiencing their first taste of financial independence usually don’t have an extensive credit history. Plus, many students have limited income as they focus on their academic work. Student credit cards often have fewer eligibility requirements than traditional cards to accommodate students’ financial circumstances.

What are instant-approval credit cards?

Many different types of credit cards may have instant—or nearly instant—approval, depending on your credit file. When you submit a credit card application online, you may receive a response within moments. It typically doesn’t take long for a credit card issuer to conduct a credit check and review your financial background.

If you have a limited credit history or a low credit score, card issuers may take longer to process your application. To improve your chances of instant approval, keep track of your credit, pay your bills on time, avoid using too much of your credit limit, and limit the number of hard inquiries on your credit report.

Once you receive your credit card approval, you may have to wait a couple of weeks to receive your card in the mail.

Can you instantly use credit cards once you’re approved?

Yes, in some cases, you may start using your credit card as soon as you’re approved. Your credit card company may give you a virtual credit card number to add to your digital wallet soon after approving your application. You may use the virtual card to pay with your account before you receive a physical card in the mail.

Did you know?

Whether you activate a virtual or physical card, you may begin earning rewards. For example, with the Discover it Chrome Card, you earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.¹

Learn More

The bottom line

You may not need a perfect credit history to qualify for a credit card. If you have trouble meeting the eligibility requirements for more exclusive rewards cards, a secured card or student card may give you access to a line of credit. Using those cards carefully may help you develop the credit score you need to qualify for a wider range of options in the future.

Important Information >