Having access to an instant credit card number can be a game-changer. It lets you start using your new card right after approval—no need to wait for it to show up in the mail.
Whether you want to make a time-sensitive purchase, handle an emergency expense, or simply skip the wait, instant access gives you more flexibility and control from the start.
In this article, we’ll cover which credit card issuers offer instant card numbers, how the process works, and what to expect once you’re approved.
Benefits of Instant Credit Card Numbers
Some credit card companies now give you the option to use your card as soon as you’re approved. That means you can shop online, pay bills, or add the card to your phone and use it in stores—without waiting for the plastic.
Here are a few of the biggest perks:
- Instant access – Start spending immediately, whether it’s online or through a digital wallet.
- Mobile wallet compatibility – Most instant card numbers can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for contactless purchases.
- Emergency spending – If something urgent comes up, you won’t be stuck waiting for a physical card.
- Online convenience – No need to reach for another card if you want to place an order right away.
Things to Keep in Mind
Not every issuer offers the same setup. In some cases, you might get a full card number, expiration date, and security code. Others may give you a limited-use number with a spending cap until your card arrives.
Also, some instant numbers come with different expiration dates or security codes than the physical card—so hold off on setting up automatic payments until you’ve activated the actual card.
Now, let’s take a closer look at which credit card companies offer instant numbers—and which ones don’t.
Credit Cards That Offer an Instant Credit Card Number Upon Approval
Some credit card issuers make it easy to access your credit line right away. Others may require additional steps or don’t offer instant numbers at all. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of which companies support instant access and what you need to do to get it.
American Express
American Express is one of the strongest options for instant card access. If you’re approved and instantly verified, you’ll often be given your real card number right away—no temporary digits.
That number can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, or Amazon Pay before the physical card arrives. The full 15-digit number matches the one on the card in the mail, but the expiration date and security code may differ.
Not every approval qualifies, though. Eligibility relies on simple identity verification—if verification fails, the instant number might not appear.
Instant access is available for all personal and business AmEx cards except the Amazon Business and Amazon Business Prime cards. Co-branded cards (e.g., Hilton or Delta) may also come with usage limits tied to their brand, but AmEx will notify you if restrictions apply.
Examples of cards that often offer instant access:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- American Express Gold Card
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- American Express Cash Magnet Card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Amex EveryDay Credit Card
With AmEx, you’re in a good position to spend, earn rewards, or book a trip—before your plastic even shows up.
Bank of America
Unfortunately, most Bank of America cards do not offer instant use credit card numbers. While there are some reports of getting a number upon approval, there is simply no consistent policy to go by.
However, you can typically receive a card number when you’re approved for the Bank of America co-branded Alaska Airlines credit card.
Barclays
Most Barclays cards don’t give you an instant card number you can use anywhere. However, if you apply for select co‑branded cards while booking travel through the partner’s site (like Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Priceline, or Princess Cruises), you can use your card immediately for that booking.
Here’s a refined list of cards that often let you charge directly on the partner’s platform after instant approval:
- Frontier Airlines World Mastercard
- Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard
- JetBlue Card (including the new Premier World Elite)
- Priceline Rewards Visa Card
- Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Card
Just know that these instant numbers are limited to the partner’s site—you won’t be able to use them elsewhere until the physical card arrives.
Capital One
Capital One offers instant card numbers for many of its popular credit cards, including the Venture, Venture X, and Quicksilver. If you’re approved, you may be able to access a virtual card number right away through the Capital One mobile app or browser and add it to your digital wallet for immediate use.
While this feature is widely available, it’s not guaranteed for every applicant. Whether you receive instant access can depend on account verification and other factors, so some users may need to wait for the physical card to arrive.
Chase
Chase doesn’t issue a temporary card number, but many of its cards support a feature called Spend Instantly. If you’re approved, you can immediately add your new card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay through the Chase app and start using it right away—no need to wait for the physical card to arrive.
This feature is available for several of Chase’s most popular cards, including:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Most co-branded airline and hotel cards
Some cards may not support Spend Instantly, such as Chase Freedom Flex, Aeroplan, or certain business cards.
If you apply for a co-branded airline card like Southwest or United during the flight booking process, you may also be able to use the new card to pay for your flight immediately after approval.
Citi
Citi offers instant access on several of its popular credit cards—if you’re instantly approved and your identity is verified. After approval, a temporary card number may be displayed, but it’s typically viewable only once, so be sure to copy it right away.
Cards that often come with instant access include:
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- Citi Rewards+® Card
- Citi Simplicity® Card
- Citi Diamond Preferred® Card
Instant access is also available for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, but only when you apply in-store. Once approved, you’ll get a barcode or temporary number you can use at Costco right away, though it won’t work for online purchases.
In some cases, the temporary card may have a lower spending limit until the physical card is activated.
Discover
Discover is one of the more reliable issuers when it comes to instant credit card numbers. If you’re approved, you’ll typically get immediate access to a temporary card number that you can use online or add to your digital wallet.
This number is available right after approval through your Discover account. You can start using it for purchases before your physical card arrives in the mail. Just like with American Express, keep in mind that your temporary card may have a different expiration date and security code than the one printed on your actual card.
Not all customers are guaranteed to receive an instant number, but many do—especially when applying directly through the Discover website.
Cards that often offer instant access include:
- Discover it® Cash Back
- Discover it® Chrome
- Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Discover it® Miles
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
If you need fast access to your new credit line, Discover is one of the better options.
Goldman Sachs (Apple Card)
The Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs, offers immediate access on your iPhone once your application is approved. The virtual card appears right in your Apple Wallet—you can start making purchases with Apple Pay before the physical titanium card arrives.
This setup lets you access your credit immediately, with the full functionality of the card and no waiting involved.
Synchrony Bank
Synchrony doesn’t provide an instant credit card number upon approval for most cards. You won’t receive a temporary Visa or Mastercard number right away like you might with some other issuers.
However, once your account is set up, you can often use tools like Click to Pay or a browser extension to generate a virtual card number for secure online shopping.
Many of Synchrony’s retail credit cards are store-specific, but some can be used anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. To explore the full list of options, check out our guide to Synchrony Bank credit cards.
Wells Fargo
The Bilt Mastercard, issued by Wells Fargo, provides instant access to your card number through the Bilt mobile app. Once approved, you can add the card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay and start using it right away—no need to wait for the physical card.
This instant-use feature is specific to the Bilt Mastercard. Most other Wells Fargo credit cards still require you to wait for the physical card before you can use them.
Store and Co-Branded Cards That Offer Instant Access
Some store and co-branded credit cards let you start shopping immediately after approval—especially if you apply in person. These cards usually give you a temporary number or barcode you can use right away, either online or in-store.
Target Circle™ Card
If you apply for the Target Circle Card in-store and are instantly approved, you’ll get a barcode on your receipt that can be used for same-day purchases. This temporary access is only valid in-store, not online. It’s a quick way to save 5% and take advantage of cardholder perks without waiting for the plastic.
Amazon Store Cards
Amazon frequently provides instant access if you’re approved during checkout. Whether you apply for the Amazon Prime Store Card or the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, you can often use the new credit line right away for that same purchase.
Bottom Line
Instant credit card numbers give you the chance to start spending right after approval—but approval still depends on your credit history and credit score. Apply only when your credit is in good shape to avoid unnecessary hard inquiries.
Not every issuer offers instant access, and some may have limits or restrictions. Before you apply, check the fine print so you know what to expect.
With the right card, you can skip the wait and start using your credit right away—whether you’re dealing with an urgent expense or just ready to earn rewards sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all credit card issuers offer instant numbers?
No, not all issuers provide instant card numbers. Some let you use your card right away after approval, while others require you to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail. Availability depends on the issuer and the specific card.
Can I add an instant card number to my digital wallet?
Yes, many credit card issuers allow you to add your instant card number to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay right after approval. This lets you make in-store or online purchases before your physical card arrives.
Can I set up recurring payments with an instant card number?
It’s not always recommended. Some instant card numbers use a temporary expiration date or security code that will change once your physical card is activated. To avoid failed payments, it’s better to wait and use your permanent card details for subscriptions or recurring charges.
How long does the instant card number remain valid?
In most cases, the instant card number stays active until you receive and activate your physical card. Some issuers may set a shorter expiration period or spending limit on the temporary number, so check the details after approval to avoid surprises.
Can I use the instant card number for international purchases?
Yes, you can usually use your instant card number for international purchases, as long as the merchant accepts the card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Just be sure to check with your issuer—some may have restrictions or require extra verification for international transactions.
