Writer: Adam West
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
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Key Takeaways
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Most credit cards provide same-day approval decisions, but you'll have to wait until the physical card arrives to use your credit line.
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Many card issuers and lenders allow you to prequalify without any impact to your credit score.
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Credit cards designed for subprime borrowers typically include higher interest rates and more fees.
Whether it’s a leaky engine, a busted refrigerator, or a broken bone, expenses have a way of popping up at the worst possible times — and life won’t wait around for you to be ready to pay for it.
If you’re applying for a credit card to help pay for an unexpected bill or other large purchase, it’s important to find a card that can give you access to your funds as quickly as possible. Because one extra day of waiting may be one day too many.
And besides — if life isn’t willing to wait for you, why should you have to wait for your credit card?
Most Credit Cards Provide Same-Day Approval
Thanks to modern technology, most credit card issuers can decide on your application within minutes—and for a fee, some can even overnight your card to you.
Some banks can even give you your new credit card number immediately after approval, so you can start using your credit line right away. Whether you go this route or another, there are plenty of ways to quickly get the funds you need when time is tight.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 that of some competitors, and there’s no monthly maintenance charges for the first year. You will face fees for cash advances, foreign transactions, late payments, over-limit spending, and returned payments, though. Be sure to read the terms and conditions so you know what your APR, annual fee, and other charges will be.
- 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 Financial BrightWay® Card rates and fees.*
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 35.99%* | Yes | 9.5/10 |
The OneMain Financial 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 Financial 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, like those listed below, can deposit funds into your checking account within 24 hours and have flexible repayment terms.
- 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.
- 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.
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- Receive a loan decision in minutes
- Get funds directly to your bank account
- Use the loan for any purpose
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $10,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 3 to 72 Months | See representative example |
If you’re looking for a slightly smaller — or much larger — loan, CashUSA.com gives borrowers with bad credit access to its database of lenders that offer loans from $500 up to $10,000 with repayment terms ranging from three months to six years. You can often receive funding in your checking account within one business day, and completing the initial application takes just a few minutes.
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- Get connected with a lender
- Simple form & quick funding
- Get your money as soon as next the 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Can I Get a Credit Card the Same Day I Apply?
In most cases, the simple answer is no. While some credit card issuers can give you access to your credit card number the same day you’re approved, banks typically reserve those cards for applicants with upper-tier credit histories.
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.
After you’re approved for a credit card or loan, you can reach out to the issuer to see if there’s a way to expedite the delivery of the card or funds to you.
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 also have the advantage of lower interest rates and more flexible terms — meaning you can pay off your debt in installments over a longer period. Just remember that the longer you take to pay off the debt, the more interest you’ll pay overall.
What Credit Card Can I Get with Bad Credit and No Deposit?
In the past, only folks with strong credit scores could snag quick access to funds through credit cards. But now, new players have entered the scene 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 — and competition means you’re likely to receive better terms than you would have, say, five years ago.
In the past, subprime credit cards often had sky-high interest rates, sometimes exceeding 30%. Nowadays, some of these cards offer APRs in the teens. 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:
| Year | Average Credit Card APR |
|---|---|
| 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.
Just keep in mind that no matter how urgent your situation may be, it’s crucial to explore as many potential credit card offers as possible before you apply.
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 |
Submitting several applications in a short time frame might signal to lenders that your financial situation is shaky. They could see this as you possibly taking on more debt than you can handle, which marks you as a higher risk.
These inquiries can impact your credit score for up to a year. Over time, you’ll see their negative effects lessen if you steer clear of applying for new credit. However, they’ll still show up 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.
How Long Should I Wait to Apply for Another Card After Being Rejected?
The standard recommendation from most banks is to wait at least six months after being rejected before you apply for another credit card. But that’s not always going to be the case.
The reasons a lender could reject your credit card application include your credit score, payment history, too many recent inquiries, or another factor — it’s important to read the reason for denial provided by the lender. That works as a clue to help you understand what you need to improve to increase your approval odds the next time you apply. You can sometimes fix certain credit report issues in less than six months to make your application more appealing.
If you’re in a hurry to get funds, improving your credit might not be an option. Many credit cards aimed at those with poor credit might overlook some issues, but they often come with higher costs.
Keep in mind that most applications result in a hard inquiry on your credit report. The more inquiries you have, the more your score can decrease.
Here is a look at some of the differences between hard and soft inquiries:
| Hard Credit Inquiry | Soft Credit Inquiry |
|---|---|
| Visible to anyone who pulls your credit reports | Not visible to others who pull your credit |
| Can impact scores for up to 2 years | Won’t impact your credit scores at all |
| Requires your direct permission or an application for credit | Does not require your direct permission or an application for credit |
It can be tempting to apply for another card after a rejection, but this can actually lower your chances of approval—not just now, but for up to two years.
If you’ve been rejected for the card you had your heart set on, you may be better served by seeking out cards that offer pre-qualification through soft inquiries. That way, you won’t hurt your score and can prepare to take on another hard inquiry only when you know your chances for approval are greater.
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.
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