Apply for a new credit card and get approved instantly within 60 seconds or less.
When you apply for a credit card online, it's not uncommon to receive approval within 60 seconds or less. Once your card is approved, you should usually receive your card and start spending within a week or two. If you want to receive instant approval on your next credit card application, you will still need to meet the card's eligibility requirements. Use this guide for everything you need to know to increase your chances of success when applying for an instant approval credit card.
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0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers
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Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
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An exclusive offer from ANZ which gives you an access to platinum card benefits, introductory rates on balance transfers and purchases, plus an annual fee waiver in the first year.
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- Cash advance rate of 21.49% p.a.
- Up to 55 days interest free
- Minimum income requirement of $35,000 p.a.
Compare Credit Cards with 60-second approval
Credit cards for applicants with bad credit
You'll only receive instant approval for a credit card if you meet the eligibility requirements and provide all of the relevant documents. If you have a bad credit score or are unable to meet the eligibility requirements, you won't be accepted. If you have a bad credit history, you can work on improving your credit score or consider an alternative for applicants with poor credit. As rejected applications can hurt your credit score even further, it's important to consider these conditions before applying.
How do instant approval credit cards work?
Most banks Australian banks and credit card issuers allow you to apply for cards online. While the application might take around 10 minutes to complete, you'll usually find out the fate of your application within 60 seconds or less. The credit card issuer can access the online national credit bureau and can calculate their response using your credit status almost instantly. It's only if there's an issue with your application or credit history that it might take longer than 60 seconds for the bank to process. As well as instant approval, applying for a credit card online also has some security benefits. Your application will be protected by 128-bit encryption and an online application is easier to track, reducing the chance of lost documents.
Like any other credit card application, though, your approval will depend on your credit history, income and the information you included in your application.
How to apply for an instant approval credit card in 4 steps
An instant approval credit card is an easy way to apply online and receive your credit card as soon as possible. To improves your chances of instant approval though, there are a few steps you'll need to take to make sure you've completed your application properly.
Step 1. Compare your options
As you can apply for most credit cards online and offer instant approval within 60 seconds, it's important to compare your options before applying. Rather than basing your decision on the fact that you could potentially receive approval within 60 seconds, make sure to consider the fees (such as the annual fee and late repayment fees), rates (such as purchase rates, cash advance rates and balance transfer rates) and features (like rewards programs, balance transfer offers, purchase offers or complimentary insurance). Make sure that you can afford the card it offers the extra features that you need to manage your credit.
Step 2. Check the eligibility requirements
While you could receive approval within 60 seconds, you won't receive approval at all if you don't meet the eligibility requirements. Some of the criteria you'll be expected to meet include:
- Good credit history. Most banks only accept applicants who have a good credit history with no evidence of defaults.
- Residential status. Depending on the card, you might only be able to apply if you're a permanent Australian resident. Some banks do offer cards for temporary residents, so you can use our guide to compare your options.
- Income. You'll need to meet a minimum income requirement to receive approval for the card. If you don't meet the income requirement of a card, you might want to compare low-income credit cards for more choice.
Step 3. Collect the necessary documents and information
When you apply for a credit card online, you'll be required to attach a number of documents and provide some personal information to receive instant approval. Some of the personal information you'll need to provide includes:
- Proof of identity. You'll be asked to provide proof of your identity such as your drivers licence, birth certificate or medicare card.
- Personal details. You'll need to provide your full name, residential address and contact details.
- Employment and income. You'll need to provide proof of employment and income, including the details of your employer and recent pay slips. If you're self-employed you'll need to provide your accountant's details and if you're retired, you'll need to provide evidence of your centrelink payments or assets.
- Balance transfer details. If you're applying for a balance transfer, you'll need to provide the details of your existing account and the amount you're transferring during the application.
To ensure a smooth and quick application process, make sure you have these details on hand before you begin your application.
Step 4. Apply online
Once you've compared your credit card options, confirmed you meet the eligibility criteria and organised the necessary documents, you can select the 'Go to Site' button to begin your secure online application. This should only take around 10 to 15 minutes if you have all of the relevant details handy. Once you've submitted your application, you should receive your response within 60 seconds. You'll either be approved, rejected or, if the bank needs to investigate a detail of your application in further detail, left pending.
What to do if your credit card application is declined
If your application is rejected, you shouldn't apply for another credit card straight away. Applying for several credit cards in a short period and having rejected applications on your credit file can further damage your credit score.
Instead, review the eligibility requirements, your credit score and credit history and the necessary documents to narrow down some of the reasons you weren't approved. Once you've done this, you can spend some time improving your credit history or comparing other credit cards. Ideally, you shouldn't apply for another credit card for a few months to give your credit score some time to repair following the rejected application. Use our guide on reasons why your credit card might have been declined to get started.
Instant approval credit cards are an easy way to apply for a credit card online and get your credit card sooner. As instant approval credit cards still require you to meet the relevant eligibility requirements, it's important to compare your options and prepare your application before submitting it to improve your chances of approval.
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