⚡️⚡️⚡️
With energy prices rising, switch to a cheaper plan
💡
Compare Prices Now
⚡️⚡️⚡️
< path d="M52.6178 31.3114L44.7476 60.6733L74.1095 68.5435L81.9797 39.1816L52.6178 31.3114Z" fill="#F9C32D"/>
download the finder app!App

Instant approval credit cards

Compare credit cards that offer you a response in 60 seconds or less, check that you meet the eligibility criteria and apply online in 4 easy steps.

Avatar
Amy Bradney-George
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

Updated regularly
1 - 15 of 44
Updated regularly
Name Product Purchase rate p.a. Balance transfer rate p.a. Annual fee
St.George Vertigo Card
St.George Vertigo Card
13.99%
0% for 32 months
$0 for the first year ($55 thereafter)
Get a 0% interest rate on balance transfers for 32 months (with no balance transfer fee) and a $0 annual fee for the first year.
Go to site
More Info
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer
13.74%
6.99% for 12 months
$59
A no-frills card offering up to $400 cashback: $100 each month you make at least $1,000 of eligible purchases for the first 4 months.
Go to site
More Info
Citi Clear Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Citi Clear Card - Balance Transfer Offer
14.99%
0% for 36 months
$99
Offers 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 36 months with no balance transfer fee. Plus, complimentary insurance covers. Ends on June 29.
Go to site
More Info
St.George Amplify Platinum
St.George Amplify Platinum
19.49%
0% for 24 months with 1% balance transfer fee
$29 for the first year ($99 thereafter)
Earn 100,000 bonus Amplify Points (worth $450 in gift cards) when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days. Plus, a first-year annual fee discount and Kayo cashback offer.
Go to site
More Info
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
20.74%
$450
Earn 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 within 3 months. Plus, a yearly $450 Travel Credit.
Go to site
More Info
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card
Westpac Altitude Platinum Card
19.99%
0% for 24 months with 1% balance transfer fee
$49 for the first year ($150 thereafter)
Get 110,000 bonus Altitude Points (worth $350 cashback) when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days. Plus, a $49 first-year annual fee discount.
Go to site
More Info
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Finder Award
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
20.74%
$375
Earn 100,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, a complimentary return domestic flight per year.
Go to site
More Info
American Express Explorer Credit Card
American Express Explorer Credit Card
20.74%
$395
Get 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, a $400 Travel Credit each year.
Go to site
More Info
BankSA Vertigo
BankSA Vertigo
13.99%
0% for 32 months
$0 for the first year ($55 thereafter)
Offers 0% p.a. for 32 months on balance transfers (with no balance transfer fee). Plus, a $0 first-year annual fee.
Go to site
More Info
St.George No Annual Fee
St.George No Annual Fee
0% for 12 months, reverts to 20.74%
$0
Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate offer and a $0 annual fee. Plus, a minimum credit limit of $500.
Go to site
More Info
ANZ Low Rate
ANZ Low Rate
12.49%
0% for 30 months
$0 for the first year ($58 thereafter)
Now eligible for Cashrewards Max. Save with 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 30 months (with no BT fee) and $0 first-year annual fee. Plus a 12.49% p.a. purchase interest rate.
Go to site
More Info
Qantas American Express Discovery Card
Qantas American Express Discovery Card
20.74%
$0
Earn uncapped Qantas Points for every $1 dollar spent, plus an ongoing $0 annual fee.
Go to site
More Info
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
0% for 25 months, reverts to 20.24%
21.24%
$0 for the first year ($87 thereafter)
Now offering Cashrewards Max. Receive a 0% purchase rate offer for 25 months and a $0 first-year annual fee. Plus, complimentary overseas travel and medical insurance.
Go to site
More Info
St.George Amplify Signature
St.George Amplify Signature
19.49%
0% for 24 months with 1% balance transfer fee
$139 for the first year ($279 thereafter)
150,000 bonus Amplify Points when you spend $12,000 in the first 12 months. Plus, a first-year annual fee discount.
Go to site
More Info
Westpac Altitude Black
Westpac Altitude Black
19.99%
0% for 24 months with 1% balance transfer fee
$99 for the first year ($250 thereafter)
Earn 140,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $6,000 in the first 120 days. Plus, save with a reduced first-year annual fee.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Cards from

View more
Start comparing

What is an instant approval credit card?

When you apply for a credit card online, you'll typically get a response within 60 seconds of hitting 'submit'. If your application is successful, this is the closest you can get to an instant approval credit card in Australia.

Credit cards for applicants with bad credit

Make sure you check the eligibility criteria for any credit card you want to apply for. If you have a bad credit score and are unable to meet the eligibility requirements for a credit card, your application won't be approved. If you have a bad credit history, you can work on improving your credit score or consider an alternative form of credit. As rejected applications can further damage your credit score, it's important to consider these conditions before applying.

How does instant credit card approval work?

Credit card issuers that offer instant approval aim to respond as quickly as possible. With an instant credit card application, the bank or card provider assesses key details from your application and credit history within a few seconds.

This process means you can get an outcome almost as soon as you submit your application. If you're approved, you should get your card in the mail within 5-10 business days (depending on the provider). There are even some virtual credit cards you could set up and start using straight away.

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.

How can I get an instant approval credit card?

An instant approval credit card gives you a simple way to apply online and get your credit card as soon as possible. But it does not guarantee approval of your credit card application. So if you want to improve your chances of instant approval, there are a few steps you'll need to take to complete your application properly.

Step 1. Compare your options

As you can apply for most credit cards online and get approval within 60 seconds, it's important to compare your options first so that you can get a card that suits your needs.

The key details to consider include:

  • The purchase interest rate
  • The cash advance rate
  • The annual fee
  • Introductory offers (e.g. bonus points or a promotional 0% interest rate)
  • Rewards and other perks

When you're looking at different cards, think about how you plan to use it and what's most important to you so that you can narrow down your choices.

Step 2. Check the eligibility requirements

Before you can get approved for a credit card, you'll need to make sure you're eligible to apply. Each credit card has different eligibility criteria but usually include the following:

  • Age. You have to be at least 18 years of age to apply for any credit card in Australia.
  • Residency status. Depending on the card, you might only be able to apply if you're a permanent Australian resident or citizen. Some banks do offer cards for temporary residents – Finder's guide gives you details on what's required.
  • Income. Some cards list a minimum income requirement, while others ask for proof of regular income. If you're worried about meeting the minimum income requirement, you can compare low-income credit cards for more choice.
  • Credit history. Most banks only accept applicants who have a good credit history with no evidence of defaults. Other details, such as late payments or other recent applications for credit, could also have a negative impact on your credit score. If you have a low credit score, spend some time repaying existing debts and improving it before you apply for a card.

Free credit score & report

Lenders know your credit score, so why shouldn't you?

Get your credit score and comprehensive report now!

Step 3. Collect the key documents and details

When you apply for a credit card online, you need to provide a mix of personal and financial details, plus some supporting documents, before you can receive instant approval. Usually, this includes:

  • Proof of identity. Such as your driver's licence, passport or Medicare card.
  • Personal details. Your full name, residential address, living situation and contact details.
  • Employment and income. Proof of employment and income, including the details of your employer and recent payslips. 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.

Having these details ready before you begin your application will help speed up the process when you apply for a new credit card.

Step 4. Apply online

The online application 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 contacted by the bank for further details.

Can I get an instant approval credit card with bad credit?

If you already have bad credit, then it will be more difficult to get approved for a credit card straight away. So even if you apply for a credit card that offers a response within 60 seconds, it doesn't always mean you'll get "instant approval".

If there are issues with the details you've provided or with your credit history, your application may be declined or result in "conditional approval" – a term which usually means you need to provide further details before you can get your credit card fully approved.

Another important detail to keep in mind is that every application you make will be listed on your credit report – and could hurt your credit rating. If you're worried about your credit score, focusing on improving it before you apply can help improve your chances of a successful application.

Can I get instant credit card approval without a credit check?

In Australia, there are no credit card providers that will give you a credit card without doing a credit check. This is to ensure that they don't take on excessive risk and that people who should not be issued credit do not get further into credit card debt.

Reasons why your credit card might have been declined

As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and complete the application properly, most credit card issuers in Australia offer instant approval. But as any declined applications will hurt your credit score, it's important to compare your options and check that you meet the card's requirements before submitting an application to increase your chances of approval.

More guides on Finder

    Go to site