Writer: Adam West
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we may earn a referral fee from our partners. For more, see our ad disclosure and review policy.
Key Takeaways
Most credit cards for bad credit provide same-day approval decisions, but you’ll have to wait until the physical card arrives to use your credit line.
-
Our top recommendation is the Milestone® Mastercard®, which offers prequalification and quick approval.
-
If you can’t wait for a card to arrive in the mail, 24/7 Lending Group is our top loan recommendation, which can send you money as soon as the next business day.
Unexpected expenses have a way of arriving at the worst possible time. If you have bad credit and need help covering an urgent bill, waiting days for a credit decision may not be an option.
Many credit card issuers can approve an online application within minutes, even for applicants with imperfect credit. But same-day approval doesn’t always mean same-day access to your credit line. Most cards still need to arrive in the mail before you can activate and use them.
Below, we compare credit cards that offer fast decisions, as well as loan options that may provide funds as soon as the next business day.
Most Credit Cards Provide Same-Day Approval
Most credit card issuers can process an online application and provide a decision within minutes. If approved, however, you’ll typically need to wait for the physical card to arrive before you can use your new credit line.
The cards below accept applicants with less-than-perfect credit and offer quick online decisions. Some issuers may also provide expedited delivery, although availability and fees vary.
- Guaranteed $700 credit limit if approved.
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
- Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 minutes | See terms | Yes | 9.0/10 |
The Milestone® Mastercard® is offered to applicants with bad credit and has very reasonable terms for a product of this type. The annual fee and APR are lower than those of some competitors, and there are no monthly maintenance charges for the first year.
You may still run into fees for cash advances, foreign transactions, late payments, over-limit spending, and returned payments. That’s why it helps to read the terms and conditions carefully, so you understand your APR, annual fee, and any other charges ahead of time.
- Earn Cash Back Rewards* – 3% on Eligible Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
- Use Anywhere Mastercard is Accepted
- No Security Deposit
- $0 fraud liability**
- Free access to your Credit Score†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
**Fraud liability subject to Mastercard rules.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 minutes | 36% Fixed | Yes | 8.0/10 |
The biggest draw for the Fortiva® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard is its cash back rewards and up to $1,000 credit limit. You can prequalify for the card, apply, and receive approval in minutes. But you’ll still have to wait to receive this card in the mail before you can use it.
- Earn Cash Back Rewards* – 3% on Eligible Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
- Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
- Prequalify** without affecting your credit score
- No security deposit
- Free Access to your Credit Score†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 minutes | 36% Fixed | Yes | 8.0/10 |
The Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard is a solid choice for anyone who wants to earn rewards with their card. You can prequalify on the site before you officially apply to see whether you qualify for an account. If you submit an application, you’ll receive your approval decision within seconds.
- Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
- See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
- Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
- Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
- Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
- Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 35.90% Fixed | Yes | 8.5/10 |
The Surge® Platinum Mastercard® offers credit limits of $300 up to $1,000, but the amount you receive will depend on your creditworthiness. This card doesn’t charge an initial program fee but does tack on an annual fee when you activate your card, which must come in the mail before you can access your credit limit. Processing times vary based on your location and creditworthiness.
- See if you’re pre-approved with no impact to your credit score.
- Qualify for rewards like a credit limit increase (subject to credit approval) or APR decrease in as little as six months.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on purchases.
- Building your credit? We report to the major credit bureaus and good payment habits can pay off.
- Easily manage your account and make payments using BrightWay App.
- BrightWay cards are issued by WebBank.
- See the OneMain BrightWay® Card rates and fees.*
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 35.99%* | Yes | 9.5/10 |
The OneMain BrightWay® Card allows you to quickly see if you are approved without a hard inquiry. If approved, the card will earn you unlimited 1% cash back on purchases, and you can easily manage your account through the card’s dedicated mobile app.
The OneMain BrightWay® Card may also allow you to qualify for a higher credit limit or an APR decrease in as little as 6 months.
Same-Day Loans For Bad Credit
The biggest drawback when using a credit card to fund a big purchase is that interest charges, annual fees, and other expenses can quickly make that large purchase a gargantuan one.
If you’re only looking to use the funds one time, you may be better served by applying for a loan instead of a credit card. Many lenders can deposit funds into your checking account within 24 hours and have flexible repayment terms.
If a personal loan seems like the better fit, the video below explains how to find one with bad credit and what to consider before applying.
Once you understand how these loans work, you can compare the lending networks below to find an option that fits your needs and credit profile.
- Personal loans from $500 to $35,000
- All credit types are considered and welcome
- Simple, no credit impact form
- Helping consumers since 2001
- 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating with 2,000+ reviews!
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $35,000 | 5.99% – 35.99% | 60 Days to 72 Months | See representative example |
The 24/7 Lending Group is a network of direct lenders that can net you a short-term or installment loan the same day you apply. Most subprime credit card offers come with low initial limits, so if you need a larger sum to cover an unexpected expense, a loan from this network may be the better choice.
- Short-term loans up to $5,000
- Online marketplace of lenders
- Funds available in as few as 24 hours
- Simple online form takes less than 5 minutes
- Trusted by more than 2 million customers
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $5,000 | Varies | Varies | See representative example |
MoneyMutual charges no application fee for its short-term loans of up to $5,000. Since MoneyMutual is an online lending marketplace, one short application can match you with multiple lenders and possibly allow you to pick the best terms for your loan.
Lenders on the platform often make decisions within minutes, and once you accept an offer, you could have the money deposited directly into your bank account within 24 hours. That’s a faster turnaround than most credit cards can offer.
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- Get connected with a lender
- Simple form & quick funding
- Get your money as soon as the next business day, if approved
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $10,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 3 to 60 Months | See representative example |
As one of the oldest online lending networks, BadCreditLoans.com has more than 20 years of experience providing borrowers with loans ranging from $500 to $5,000. The only catch with the lenders on this network is that you must be an adult U.S. citizen with a valid checking account. But if you meet the criteria, you could have your funds deposited within one business day.
- Small personal loans starting at $100
- Receive an approval decision in as little as 2 minutes
- Funds can be deposited into your account in one business day and used for any purpose
- No hidden fees
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 to $20,000 | Varies | Varies | See representative example |
SmartAdvances.com can approve customers in as little as two minutes for loans as small as $100. That speed can make all the difference for those who need quick cash to cover a small emergency or shortfall, but the lender also works with people who need as much as $20,000.
Interest rates vary, but SmartAdvances.com doesn’t charge any hidden fees, so you’ll have all of the information you need upfront.
- Loans from $250 to $35,000
- Large lender network
- Fast loan decision
- Use the loan for any purpose
- Funding as soon as one business day, if approved
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250 to $35,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 3 to 72 Months | See representative example |
If you’re in the market for a large loan, perhaps more than a credit line will afford you, you could qualify for as much as $35,000 through the PersonalLoans.com lending network. The amount you may qualify for will depend on your credit history and the type of loan you choose, as PersonalLoans.com offers three types of loans on its network — peer-to-peer, personal installment loans, and bank personal loans.
Can I Get a Credit Card the Same Day I Apply?
In most cases, the simple answer is no. Instant card numbers are less common among cards designed for applicants with bad credit.
If you can hold off for about 24 hours, several credit card issuers offer the option to mail your card overnight — for a fee — so you can tap into your credit line sooner. Most online lending marketplaces can also deposit funds straight into your active checking account by the next business day, and the best part is, you won’t need to pay extra for the speedy service.
You won’t get a physical credit card on the same day you get approved, but your issuer may provide your card number so you can start using it for online purchases immediately.
Thanks to today’s advanced technology, you have a better chance of getting your card quickly. Most credit card issuers and lending platforms offer applications that take just minutes to fill out, with decisions made in mere seconds.
Once you’re approved for a credit card or loan, consider contacting the issuer to inquire about speeding up the delivery of your card or funds.
Just remember that, at least with credit cards, there will likely be a fee attached to the faster processing — and that fee could be taken, along with initial set-up or annual fees, from your available balance once you activate your card.
Loans can also come with lower interest rates and more flexible terms, which lets you repay what you owe in smaller installments over a longer stretch of time. Just keep in mind that the longer your repayment timeline, the more interest you’ll pay in total.
Does Same-Day Approval Mean I Can Use the Card Immediately?
Not necessarily. Same-day approval simply means the issuer has reviewed your application and approved your new account. In most cases, you’ll still need to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail before you can activate it and start making purchases.
Here’s how quickly you may be able to use a newly approved card:
| Account Status | What It Means | Can You Make Purchases? |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day approval | The issuer approved your application | Not necessarily |
| Instant card number | You receive digital card details before the physical card | Usually online |
| Digital wallet access | You can add the card to a compatible mobile wallet | Yes, where that wallet is accepted |
| Physical card activated | Your card has arrived and you’ve activated it | Yes, wherever the card is accepted |
If you need access quickly, check the card’s terms before applying or contact the issuer after approval. You may be able to request expedited shipping, although an additional fee may apply.
Which Cards Provide an Instant Card Number After Approval?
If you have bad credit, instant card numbers are still fairly hard to come by. Even if you get an approval decision in minutes, none of the cards listed above promises immediate access to your available credit.
Capital One, which now owns Discover, offers virtual card numbers to some eligible customers before their physical cards arrive. Both brands offer cards for consumers who are building or rebuilding credit, but approval doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive instant access. The issuer may need to verify your identity first, and you may not have access to your full credit line until you activate the physical card.
Be sure to distinguish between instant approval and instant use when comparing offers. Many cards for bad credit can provide a decision the same day, but most will still require you to wait for the card to arrive in the mail before you can make purchases.
What Credit Card Can I Get with Bad Credit and No Deposit?
In the past, only those with strong credit could quickly get funds via credit cards. But now, new companies have stepped in to fill the gaps left by the bigger banks.
That means several credit card options now accept bad or thin credit profiles and don’t require a deposit. And the flood of new offerings means there is competition for your business.
Subprime credit cards often have sky-high interest rates, sometimes exceeding 30%. Issuers generally set higher interest rates on deposit-free unsecured cards to offset the risks of providing credit to subprime consumers without requiring upfront collateral.
Here is a look at the average credit card interest rates based on Q4 data from each year. Mind you, these are all cards assessed interest, not just subprime cards:
| Year | Average Credit Card APR |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 22.30% |
| 2024 | 22.80% |
| 2023 | 22.75% |
| 2022 | 20.40% |
| 2021 | 16.44% |
| 2020 | 16.28% |
| 2019 | 16.88% |
| 2018 | 16.86% |
| 2017 | 14.99% |
| 2016 | 13.61% |
| 2015 | 13.70% |
You can avoid interest charges altogether, though, if you pay your balance in full each month.
That behavior will provide multiple benefits, as you won’t have to pay interest charges, you’ll always have available credit at your disposal, and responsible card usage will work, over time, to improve your credit score.
Even if your situation feels urgent, it’s vital to explore every potential credit card offer available before submitting an application.
While managing that immediate expense can bring quick relief, remember you’ll need to repay it eventually. Picking the wrong credit card or loan might stretch out your repayment period significantly, increasing the overall cost.
Is it Bad to Apply for Two Credit Cards on the Same Day?
Rejection can be tough. When a credit card issuer turns you down, you might start looking for another bank or lender that will approve you — especially when funds are tight, and you need them quickly.
But a succession of applications can work against your quest to obtain credit. That’s because most credit card applications — or applications for home, auto, or personal loans — leave a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Here’s how long some items can stay on your credit report, including hard inquiries:
| Item Type | Time on Credit Report |
|---|---|
| Soft Credit Report Inquiry | No Report Impact |
| Hard Credit Report Inquiry | 2 Years |
| Delinquent Payment (30+ Days) | 7 Years |
| Vehicle Repossession | 7 Years |
| Defaulted Account | 7 Years |
| Foreclosure | 7 Years |
| Bankruptcy Discharge | 7-10 Years |
Filling out multiple applications in a short period might suggest to lenders that your financial situation is unstable. They could interpret this as you possibly taking on more debt than you can manage, marking you as a higher risk.
These inquiries can affect your credit score for up to a year. The impact usually fades as time passes, especially if you avoid applying for more credit. Even so, the inquiries can remain on your credit report for a full two years.
That’s why it’s important to understand what kind of inquiry a lender uses when you apply for a credit card or loan. Some credit card issuers, like several listed above, can pre-qualify you for a card using a soft inquiry.
These queries don’t put a ding on your credit report and will let you know if you qualify for the card without damaging your credit score. Just keep in mind that once you pre-qualify, the issuer will require a hard inquiry to fully approve you for a card.
Obtain Fast Financing with a Same-Day Credit Card or Loan
Life is full of unexpected events. When financial challenges pop up, there are numerous options for people with any credit score to quickly secure funds through a same-day credit card or loan.
While some options might be pricier due to the convenience of a quick turnaround, they can be the lifeline you need to handle an expense and return to normalcy. Plus, using these options wisely can boost your credit score, helping you qualify for higher limits and better terms when life throws another curveball.
Advertiser Disclosure
BadCredit.org is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free for users, we receive advertising compensation from the financial products listed on this page. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear on the page (including, for example, the order in which they appear). BadCredit.org does not include listings for all financial products.
Our Editorial Review Policy
Our site is committed to publishing independent, accurate content guided by strict editorial guidelines. Before articles and reviews are published on our site, they undergo a thorough review process performed by a team of independent editors and subject-matter experts to ensure the content’s accuracy, timeliness, and impartiality. Our editorial team is separate and independent of our site’s advertisers, and the opinions they express on our site are their own. To read more about our team members and their editorial backgrounds, please visit our site’s About page.
