Credit Cards for Bad Credit with Instant Approval in May 2025

Instant-Approval Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Credit Card	Best For	Credit Score	Annual Fee	Welcome Bonus	Apply Now
Surge Mastercard® Unsecured Credit Card Apply		300–669	$75–$99 the first year, then $99 annually		Apply
Citi® Secured Mastercard® Apply		300–669	$0		Apply
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Apply		300–669	$35		Apply
First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card Apply		300–669	$49		Apply

When you have bad credit, getting a credit card is stressful. When you’re more likely to have your credit card application rejected, waiting hours, days, even weeks for your approval can feel daunting.

Fortunately, there are credit cards aimed at bad-credit borrowers—some of the best cards, in fact—that let you skip the nail-biting and get approved for your new card right away.

Are there credit cards for bad credit with instant approval?

Yes, there are credit cards for bad credit that offer instant approval. There are tons of credit cards for bad credit on the market, many of which offer different perks, borrowing terms, and qualification requirements.

Some credit cards for bad-credit borrowers are easier to get than others, and many of the easiest credit cards to get offer on-the-spot approval and high approval odds.

How do I get an instant-approval credit card when I have bad credit?

There are two ways to get an instant-approval credit card for bad credit:

1. Apply for a secured credit card: Credit cards that require security deposits are considered “secured.” Secured credit cards are easier to get when you have bad credit, as the money you put down acts as collateral in case you don’t pay your bills. Because they’re easier to get approved for, many secured credit cards offer on-the-spot approval.
2. Apply for an unsecured credit card: Your other option is to apply for an unsecured card (one that doesn’t require a security deposit) and try to get approved. Look for cards that advertise instant approval, high approval odds, or no credit checks. These are the easiest unsecured cards to get, particularly the no-credit-check cards, which will likely give instant approval if none of your personal information requires verification.

Best credit cards for bad credit with instant approval

Here are the best instant-approval credit cards for borrowers with bad credit.

Best unsecured credit card for bad credit with instant approval

Best credit card for bad credit with instant approval & no annual fee

Best credit card for bad credit with instant approval & no credit check

Best credit card for bad credit with instant approval & low APR