Instant Use Credit Cards

You could get a virtual credit card instantly

You could get a decision in as little as 90 seconds1 with our easy application process. Instantly access your credit and start using your new virtual card right away, if eligible.2

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A person uses their mobile wallet to pay with their instant credit card from Discover® by tapping their phone at a grocery store contactless payment terminal.

How do instant credit cards work?

An instant use credit card from Discover® isn't a special kind of Discover credit card: it's a virtual card number that applicants could receive when they're approved for a new Discover® Card. That virtual card number connects to your new account, so you can shop and earn rewards right away.2

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Apply for a Discover cash back rewards card.
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You could be approved in as little as 90 seconds.1
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If you're eligible, you'll get a virtual credit card that you can use online even before your physical card arrives in the mail.2
Collage of 3 images: a woman makes a contactless payment at a cafe; another woman opens a cardboard box at home; a stack of 3 Discover® credit cards.

Shop and earn before you get your physical Discover® Card

A Discover virtual credit card includes the same cardmember benefits that come with every Discover rewards credit card. Use a Discover virtual credit card online to enjoy rewards on every purchase2, our $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee(you're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card)3, and real human customer service 24/7.4

What's the benefit of using an instant credit card?

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Shop instantly

As soon as you have your instant credit card number, you can use that information to pay for orders online.2

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Real account, real number

You don't need to change billing information when your plastic card arrives.

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Use your card for what you need

Unexpected expense? A big purchase on a limited sale? No need to wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail.

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Instant credit card FAQs

An "instant approval" credit card is not the same as an "instant use" credit card.

 

An instant approval credit card is a type of credit card application that can tell you in minutes if you've been approved or denied for a new credit card. For example, you can apply for a Discover® Card and get a decision in as little as 90 seconds.1

 

An instant use credit card is a credit card that lets a cardholder use their new account as soon as they get approved, so they don't have to wait to receive a physical card in the mail to start spending. This instant use is made possible with a virtual card number that the customer can enter online.

When you get instant credit, you'll find out your credit card number immediately. You can use your new credit card number right away to shop online.

Not all approved applicants will qualify for a virtual card number with their new Discover® Card account. If your application includes a balance transfer, requires you to submit additional information or documentation for application verification, or is subject to other factor as listed in the terms, you are ineligible for an instant credit card number.1

 

It's also important to note that every Discover Credit Card has a virtual card number option. The Discover it® Miles Card and the Discover it® Secured Card do not offer instant credit card numbers; if your application for one of these cards is approved, you'll have to wait for your physical card to arrive before you can use your account.

Maybe you need immediate credit for a large, unexpected expense, or you want a new card with cash back rewards for a big purchases you'd like to make right away. Instant credit is helpful when you don't have time to wait for a card to arrive in the mail.

Your Instant credit card comes with the same benefits as the physical card, such as no annual fee, cash back, and our $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee (which means you're never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card account).3
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Learn more about instant credit cards

Are Instantly Approved Credit Cards the Same as Instant Use Credit Cards?

Learn whether instantly approved credit card are the same as instant use credit cards, and how to access your new credit cards for immediate use.

What Do You Need to Apply for a Credit Card?

Credit card approval depends on past credit history, income, and other financial factors. Here's what you need to apply for a credit card online.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

Learn how long it takes to get a credit card, including credit card approval times, how long it takes, to receive a card in the mail, and why there may be delays.

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