Editor’s note: This post has been updated with current credit card information. It was originally published on Nov. 27, 2019.
In this day and age, unless you’ve got a high number of recent credit card inquiries, issuers will typically give you an instant response when applying for credit cards. If they don’t, you can always call and ask to be reconsidered if you’re initially declined.
Instant access to your new card number allows you to immediately begin maximizing your purchases to meet the minimum spending requirement of a card’s welcome bonus. After all, the clock on welcome bonuses starts the day your account is approved — not on your statement closing date or when your card is activated. Let’s take a look at the major credit card issuers to see which offer instant card numbers upon approval.
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American Express
American Express will always provide your new account number immediately after approval of your online application, assuming the issuer is able to verify your identity. This means that anyone approved for a card such as The Platinum Card® from American Express could begin earning 5x points on airfare right away when booking directly with an airline or at the American Express Travel Portal. You can also get instant access to Centurion Lounges.
Related reading: Choosing the best American Express card for you
Previously, you needed to take a screenshot or write down your card number immediately upon approval, since you weren’t able request it again later. However, US Credit Cards 101 reports this isn’t the case anymore and American Express will now email you a link where you can view your instant card number if requested. The number will be the same as the one you’ll get in the mail, but the Amex four-digit card identification number (CID) on the front of the card will be different, so you might want to hold off on using it for recurring payments.
Note that instant card number of some cobranded cards, such as the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, may only be used with the cobranded company.
Even if you’re not interested in getting your card number right away, you should still request it when prompted by the system. There have been numerous cases where Amex’s system was unable to issue card numbers. If that happens to you, the silver lining is that, if you’re lucky, Amex may give you a statement credit as high as $315 to compensate.
Bank of America
As reported by other sources such as Doctor Of Credit and Crediful, the only Bank of America card that consistently offers an instant card number is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card. There have been some reports of other cards offering instant card numbers, but it’s more sporadic and I wouldn’t count on it.
Related reading: The best Bank of America credit cards
If you’re thinking about applying for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card, now is a good time to do so, as it’s currently offering a limited-time welcome bonus of 40,000 miles, a $100 statement credit and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Since you’ll get your card number upon approval, you should be able to begin meeting the spend requirement right away.
Barclays
Barclays never offers instant card numbers. However, if you apply for the Uber Visa Card directly through the Uber app, you’ll be able to start using it immediately to pay for Uber purchases.
Capital One
The issuer of cards such as the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card used to allow instant access to your card number and expiration date through the app, but no longer offer this service.
Related reading: The best Capital One credit cards
Chase
Although Chase will often give you an instant decision on whether or not you’ve been approved, it will never issue card numbers before your physical card arrives.
Related reading: Maximize your wallet with the perfect quartet of Chase cards
Citi
As with Bank of America, Citi has some cobranded cards that issue instant card numbers. According to Doctor Of Credit, these include the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite
Mastercard®. Citi will issue a temporary card for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, but only if you apply in person at a Costco location; and you’ll only be able use it in the store. ThankYou Rewards-earning cards such as the Citi Premier℠ Card don’t offer instant card numbers.
The information for the Citi Premier and Uber Visa card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related reading: The best Citi credit cards
Discover
As with Barclays and Chase, Discover will often give you an instant decision on whether you’ve been approved, but it will never issue card numbers before your physical card arrives.
Goldman Sachs (Apple Card)
Titanium is one of the more exciting features of the new Apple Card, but you don’t need to wait for the physical card to arrive so you can use it. The card is available through Apple Pay immediately after being approved. In fact, having a physical card is completely optional.
Bottom line
Some issuers offer expedited shipping for your new card, but in most cases, you’ll have to wait five to seven business days for your new piece of plastic (or metal) to arrive in the mail. Having instant access to your new card number can make a big difference. If you’re in immediate need of a new credit card, you can usually depend on Amex to offer an instant card number, though there are some other issuers which will do so as well. What has your experience been in these situations? Share it in the comments below.
Featured photo by Prykhodov/Getty Images.
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