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How we picked theseWhat is an instant approval credit card?
When you apply for a credit card online, you'll typically get a response within 60 seconds of submitting it. With instant credit card approval the card provider processes your application digitally.
But this near-instant credit card approval only happens if you:
- Have a good credit score.
- Meet the card's minimum income requirement or other criteria.
- Aren't spending too much each month (card companies look at your spending along with your income).
Once approved, you'll have to wait 5 to 10 business days for the physical card to arrive in the mail. If the card comes with a digital version you can set up the card in a smartphone app and use it instantly.
Are there "no credit check" credit cards in Australia?
No. Credit card companies have a responsibility under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 to provide credit responsibly. This means making sure customers don't take out credit cards or loans that are too big for them to handle.
Card companies check your credit report and examine your income, debts and your spending.
So how long is "instant" really?
In the best case scenario you'd find the right credit card, spend about 10 minutes filling out an application and then get approved within 60 seconds. You usually get notified by text.
If you're not approved, or the credit card provider needs more details (sometimes known as "conditional approval"), they may ask for additional documentation such as payslips and bank statements. From there, it could take about 2-5 business days to receive the final outcome.
Which credit cards are the easiest to get approved for?
Low rate credit cards or credit cards with no annual fee are usually the easiest to get approved for. These cards have fewer perks and benefits and lower fees.
They're best suited to customers who have never had a credit card before, don't need a huge credit limit (the amount you can spend on the card) or have lower incomes.
It's harder to get approved for a fancy card that lets you earn frequent flyer or reward points.
How to get instant approval for a credit card in 4 steps
Getting an easy, fast credit card approval comes down to your position as an applicant and the type of card you apply for.
- Choose the right card. Figure out what type of card you need.
- Make sure you're eligible. Read the fine print on the bank or card company's website. Look at things like minimum income requirements, age (need to be 18), residency requirements. Check your credit score too.
- Get all your documents ready. You'll need some ID (driver's license, passport) and information about your existing debts, spending and income. If you're applying for a balance transfer, you'll need to provide details of your existing account and the amount you want to transfer to the new card.
- Complete the application. The application should take about 10 minutes. You may need to upload ID information and provide estimates of your monthly spending.
If your application falls through, try to figure out why you got rejected before applying again.
More ways to speed up your application
- Income verification. When applying for a credit card online, you may be asked to log in to your internet bank account through a secure, third-party service. This is a fast way for lenders to verify your income and any other relevant financial details.
- Apply with your current bank. Your current bank knows a lot about you. You can often get approved for a credit card with a pre-approved credit limit instantly if you meet the criteria. You can often apply directly via your bank's app.
- Apply jointly. Applying with a partner boosts your chances of getting a card application approved quickly.
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