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Best Credit Cards With Instant Card Numbers

Best for Groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Up to 6% Reward Rate

Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cashRead More

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

17.74%-28.74% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

Big spenders at US supermarkets and road warriors who frequently spend at US gas stations or transit like taxis, rideshares or transit can rack up impressive cash back rewards.

Pros & Cons

• High cash-back rewards in several categories of spending
• No enrollment is required, cash back is automatic
• Comes with several travel benefits and protections

• Charges an annual fee
• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets is capped at $6,000 in annual spending (then 1%)

Card Details

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% to 28.74%
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
• Terms Apply.

Best for Everyday Spending

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Up to 3% Reward Rate

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. on up toRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to $250

Regular APR

17.74%-28.74% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

For no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers excellent value in the right hands. Spending a lot at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations brings plump rewards, while the introductory APR rate on purchases helps keep your interest expenses down. Look elsewhere for foreign transactions.

Pros & Cons

• No annual fee
• Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Above-average earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and online retail purchases in the U.S.

• Elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. are capped at $6,000 in annual spending per category
• Rewards earning outside of the bonus categories is just 1% cash back

Card Details

• Earn up to $250 – Here’s How: Earn up to $150 back when you shop with PayPal. Earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you use your new Card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back as a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 17.74% – 28.74% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
• Terms Apply.

Best for Gas and Costco Purchases

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi *

Up to 4% Reward Rate

Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1%Read More

Regular APR

18.24% variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Why We Picked It

With 4% back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, 3% on restaurants and travel and 2% on your Costco shopping, this card has the potential to reward Costco shoppers and road warriors generously.

Pros & Cons

• High rewards rates in bonus categories
• No foreign transaction fee
• Use the Costco Anywhere Visa card as your Costco membership ID

• Requires an active Costco membership
• Rewards can only be cashed out at Costco via an annual certificate
• Certificate expires at year-end

Card Details

• Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com and 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with paid Costco membership
• No foreign transaction fees

Best for Walmart and grocery pickup or delivery

Capital One® Walmart Rewards® Card *

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% back on Walmart.com & in the Walmart app, including Grocery Pickup and Delivery; Earn 2% back on restaurantsRead More

Welcome Bonus

5% cash back for the first 12 months

Regular APR

17.99% - 27.74% variable

Credit Score

Fair (650 - 699)

Why We Picked It

The card offers excellent rewards for those who frequently shop at Walmart, particularly online. With no annual fee, it's a sweet deal to earn up to 5% cash back.

Pros & Cons

• Up to 5% cash back at Walmart.com
• 2% cash back at restaurants and travel
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee

• Base reward rate of 1% could be better
• High to very high APR, depending on creditworthiness
• No intro APR offer

Card Details

• Earn 5% cash back in Walmart stores for the first 12 months when you use your Capital One® Walmart Rewards
• No annual fee
• 5% back on Walmart.com & in the Walmart app, including Grocery Pickup and Delivery
• 2% back on restaurants and travel, and at Walmart Stores, Walmart & Murphy USA Fuel Stations
• 1% back everywhere else Mastercard® is accepted
• $0 fraud liability: If your card is ever lost or stolen, you won’t be responsible for fraudulent purchases
• Capital One Mobile app: Pay your bill, get real-time purchase notifications, lock or unlock your card and more.

Best for Travel and Dining

American Express® Green Card *

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on restaurant purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis,Read More

Welcome Bonus

40,000 points

Regular APR

18.99% to 25.99% variable

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

With its generous rewards on travel, transit, and dining purchases, the relaunched American Express® Green Card is an attractive option. That said, the $150 annual fee is a bit steep, considering the limited perks and lack of Gold or Platinum prestige.

Pros & Cons

• No foreign transaction fee
• Flexible redemption and points transfer options
• High rewards rate on Dining, Travel and Transit

• High annual fee
• Mediocre base rewards rate
• Limited features and perks
• No intro APR offer
• No balance transfer option

Card Details

• Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $2,000 on purchases on your new card in your first 6 months
• Annual fee: $150
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours and ridesharing services
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards points on other purchases
• Use Pay With Points for purchases at American Express Travel, Amazon.com, Ticketmaster, Best Buy and other retailers.
• AMEX Travel benefits include: $100 CLEAR® Credit, $100 LoungeBuddy Credit, Baggage Insurance Plan, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist® Hotline, and more.
• Enjoy shopping benefits including Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

Best for Flights

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Up to 2X Reward Rate

Earn 2X miles at restaurants worldwide; Earn 2X miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta; Earn 2X miles atRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 65,000 miles

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

Regular APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a middle-of-the-road co-branded Delta Air Lines credit card. If you prefer to check bags but don't have elite status, you can easily justify the annual fee after a few uses of the first checked bag free perk each year when you fly Delta and make this card a worthwhile addition to your wallet.

Pros & Cons

• No foreign transaction fees
• Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
• Large variety of airline partners

• High regular APR
• Has an annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 65,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Offer ends 11/9/2022.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
• Terms Apply.

Best for Hotels

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express *

Up to 14X Reward Rate

Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7XRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 150,000 points

Regular APR

18.74% - 27.74% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

The flagship card from Hilton, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a price tag to match its top-tier status and perks. It's a perfect fit for big spenders who haunt Hilton properties enough to leverage the rich suite of benefits that come with the complimentary Diamond status.

Pros & Cons

• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with enrollment
• Up to $600 in statement credits
• Instant Hilton Diamond status with rich set of benefits

• High annual fee with no first-year waiver
• High regular APR and penalty APR
• No intro APR offer
• Points have a lower value than most rewards programs

Card Details

• Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership.
• Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases on your card for: Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants.
• Earn 3X Hilton Honors bonus points on other eligible purchases.
• $250 Hilton Resort credit: With your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, enjoy up to $250 in statement credits each year of card membership for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts.
• Hilton Honors Diamond status. With your Hilton Honors Aspire Card, you can enjoy complimentary Diamond status which includes even more perks from Hilton, such as 100% extra bonus points on all base points you earn, room upgrades, and more.
• Free night reward. Enjoy night one reward night with your new Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card and every year after renewal. Plus, earn an additional night after you spend $60,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.
• $250 airline fee credit. With the Hilton Honors Aspire Card you can also take advantage of the $250 airline fee credit for incidental charges that are charged by the airline to your card account.

Read our review of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Best Co-Branded Store Card

Macy’s American Express® Card *

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants; Earn 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and supermarkets (excludingRead More

Regular APR

28.99% variable

Credit Score

Good to Excellent (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

The Macy's American Express® Card lets you earn rewards for Macy's purchases without paying an annual fee. You can also apply in-store to finance your Macy's purchases on the spot. The reward rates are attractive, with one major downside — you may redeem your rewards only at Macy's stores or Macys.com.

Pros & Cons

• Complimentary Silver status earns you 2% back in Star Rewards
• Star Money Bonus Days
• Even those with fair credit may be eligible for approval

• Very high APR
• Reward certificates expire within 30 days of issuance
• Limited redemption options
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• Minimum interest charge of $2

Card Details

• Earn automatic Silver status in the Macy’s Star Rewards program
• No annual fee
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on your Macy’s American Express Card at restaurants
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and supermarkets (excluding superstores and warehouses)
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases made outside of Macy’s
• 1,000 points = $10 in Star Money. Rewards go toward Star Money that you can use on anything at Macy’s except Gift Cards, services & fees.
• Entertainment Access: Be among the first to buy tickets to some of the best concerts, Broadway shows and sporting events nationwide.
• Travel Benefits: Unlock special travel upgrades and savings when you use your Macy’s American Express Card, including flights, cruises, hotels and vacations

Methodology

To develop this ranking of the best credit cards with  instant card numbers, we compared card issuers to find out which ones offer the option to access a card number right after approval that can be utilized until the physical credit card arrives in the mail. Some card issuers only allow this option for use through a digital wallet or at specific stores, however, which we have noted below.

In addition to comparing cards in terms of their instant  card number, we also look at rewards programs and other cardholder benefits that may make signing up worthwhile. We also considered any annual fees associated with card ownership, giving preference to options that don’t charge high fees the first year or thereafter.

Best Credit Cards with Instant Card Numbers of 2022

How to Pick a Credit Card with an Instant Card Number

The credit cards on this list all offer “instant approval” of some sort, but they don’t all work the same and it’s possible your application won’t be approved quickly. With American Express credit cards, for example, you can only get an instant account number if the card issuer is able to verify your identity online instantly and without delay and your credit profile doesn’t require a manual review. Other cards might make you apply in-person in order to get an instant approval for shopping inside a specific store or apply while booking travel to take advantage of a discount.

Either way, here are some tips that can help you find the best credit cards with an instant card number for your needs this year.

• Decide why you need an instant line of credit. If you need an instant line of credit for a specific purchase, you’ll need to make sure any  card you apply for offers a card number you can use for that specific purchase before your physical card arrives in the mail. This won’t be a possibility for all cards, so make sure to check.
• Know your credit score. Credit cards that offer instant card numbers are typically limited to those with good to excellent credit. In order to limit applications to cards you can actually be approved for, you should check your credit score to see where you stand before you apply.
• Compare rewards structures. If your credit is good enough to qualify for a rewards credit card that offers an instant credit card number, make sure you understand and approve of the type of rewards you will earn.
• Check for fees. Also make sure to check for pricey annual fees and other fees on the card, and particularly on ones for poor credit. Many cards in this niche charge high annual fees and other fees that can add up over time.

Click here to view the rates & fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

Click here to view the rates & fees for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.

Click here to view the rates & fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.

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