Getting approved instantly for a credit card is now easier than ever. Credit card issuers use sophisticated algorithms to “approve” applications in seconds instead of days or weeks.
This article reviews some of the best instant approval credit cards available in Canada right now.
Key Points
- Several credit cards offer quick approval, though final approval isn’t guaranteed until the creditor has reviewed your credentials.
- Some credit card issuers provide notification of approval within a few minutes, while others provide notifications seconds after application submission.
- If the creditor offers a virtual card, you can start using your credit card shortly after you’ve been approved.
Are Instant Credit Card Approvals Guaranteed?
While some credit card providers may give you an immediate response following application that you’re approved, this doesn’t necessarily mean the deal is sealed. You may be tentatively approved for a credit card, but there is still the need for the credit card issuer to conduct a further review of the details of your application.
If the provider uncovers issues with your application, such as errors or a problem with your credit report, they could revoke their approval. As such, instant credit card approvals can’t truly be guaranteed until the creditor has had a chance to verify all details provided.
Best Instant Approval Credit Cards In Canada 2025
| Annual Fee? Best For? | Response Time | |
| Amex Cobalt | Best rewards credit card | Get a response in 60 Seconds after applying |
| Neo Secured Mastercard | Best secured credit card | Get approved in less than 5 minutes |
| BMO CashBack® Mastercard® | Best no-fee credit card | Get a response in 60 Seconds after applying |
| Meridian Visa Cash Back | Best credit card from a credit union | You’ll find out if you’re approved right after you submit your application. |
| KOHO Essential | Best for bad credit borrowers | Instant approval |
| MBNA True Line Mastercard | Best for low interest purchase rates | You’ll find out if you’re approved right after you submit your application. |
| Amazon Rewards Credit Card | Best for Amazon Prime members | Instant approval available |
Amex Cobalt
The Amex Cobalt card is a rewards credit card that offers Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases. You’ll earn 5X the points on eligible food and drinks, 3X the points on streaming subscriptions, 2X the points on gas and transit, and 1X the points on other eligible purchases.
The card also comes with other benefits, like travel coverage, purchase and mobile device protection, exclusive event access, and Instacart statement credits.
Amex Cobalt Features
Annual Fee: $155.88 (QC residents: $150 as of July 8, 2025)
Purchase Rate: 21.99% (Cash Advance Rate: 21.99%)
Cash Back:
- 5X the points on eligible restaurants or food delivery purchases
- 3X the points on streaming services
- 2X the points on gas, transit, and ride sharing
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points
Eligibility: Must be a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file
Extra Perks:
- Front Of The Line presale and reserved tickets
- Special perks when you stay 2 or more consecutive nights at participating hotels
- Up to $60 in Instacart statement credits
- Purchase protection
- Mobile coverage
- Travel coverage
Neo Financial Secured Credit Card
The Neo Secured Credit card stands out for its flexibility and ease of approval. As a secured credit card, you must make a deposit of at least $50 to be approved. You can apply today and get approved in just a few minutes. Once approved, you can start using your card instantly with their virtual card.
Furthermore, the card offers strong rewards with a 1% cash back on gas and groceries. You can also upgrade to Premium Neo credit cards for higher cash back rewards, though requirements may vary.
Neo Financial Secured Credit Card Features
Annual Fee: $5 monthly
Purchase Rate: 19.99% – 29.99% (QC: 19.99% – 24.99%) [Cash Advance Rate: 22.99% – 31.99% (QC: 22.99% – 25.99%)]
Cash Back:
- 1% cashback on groceries, and gas
- Extra cash back offers at Neo partners
Welcome Bonus: N/A
Eligibility: No credit checks required. Minimum security deposit is $50. Must be a Canadian resident and be the age of majority where you live.
Extra Perks:
- Payments are reported to both credit bureaus
- Check your free credit score on the Neo app
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®
The BMO CashBack Mastercard is an appealing option for those seeking instant approval. It provides up to 3% money back on key categories like grocery and gas with no annual fee. Although there are monthly spending caps on the 3% earnings, the card offers above-average rewards for a no-fee card. Cardholders can expect to earn over $250 annually through the great grocery and modest bill cash back rewards.
Its $0 annual fee, digital account access, easy redemption process, and ancillary cardholder perks make it a standout instant approval credit card with an above-average earnings rate. Switching products into premium BMO rewards cards in the future provides additional long-term value.
BMO CashBack Mastercard Features
Annual Fee: $0
Purchase Rate: 21.99% (Cash Advance Rate: 23.99% (QC residents: 21.99%)]
Welcome Bonus: 10% cash back in your first 3 months and 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months
Cash Back: 3% on groceries, 1% on recurring bills and 0.5% on everything else
Eligibility: N/A
Extra Features: Get up to 7 cents off per L on gas from Shell stations
Meridian Visa Cash Back
The Meridian Visa Cash Back Card is a credit card offered by Meridian Credit Union that lets you earn rewards on everyday purchases. You’ll earn anywhere from 0.5% to 1% cash back on categories such as gas, groceries, pharmacy, and utility bills.
There’s no annual fee. Plus, the card also comes with extra perks such as purchase protection, extended warranties, mobile device protection, and travel accident insurance.
Meridian Visa Cash Back Features
Annual Fee: $0
Purchase Rate: 19.50% (Cash Advance Rate: 21.99%)
Cash Back: 1% on gas, groceries, drug store purchases, and utility bills and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 7,000 reward points on your first purchase
Extra Perks:
- Mobile app
- Transaction alerts
- Virtual card
- Insurance products
KOHO Essential Prepaid Mastercard
The KOHO Essential Prepaid Mastercard is a reloadable prepaid card designed to help consumers spend more responsibly. It’s also an ideal financial product for those who may not qualify for a traditional credit card due to poor credit. With this card, simply preload your account and make purchases as you would with a regular credit card.
The KOHO Essential Prepaid Mastercard offers 1% cash back on groceries, transportation, and dining. With your account, you can check your credit score for free and take advantage of instant transfers and unlimited transactions, all with no monthly fee.
KOHO Essential Features
Annual Fee: $0
Purchase Rate: N/A
Cash Back: 1% cash back on groceries, transportation, and eligible food and drinks and up to 6.5% extra cash back at selected retailers
Welcome Bonus: N/A
Eligibility: N/A
Extra Perks:
- 2.5% interest on your balance
- Free credit score
- Instant e-Transfers
MBNA True Line Mastercard
The MBNA True Line Mastercard is a low-interest card designed to help Canadians keep costs low when borrowing on credit. With a 12.99% purchase rate, the MBNA True Line Mastercard is one of the lowest-rate credit cards available in Canada. Plus, it offers a 0% promotional rate on balance transfers for 12 months to help you pay down your credit card debt without incurring additional interest charges.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of other perks, including discounts on car rentals and zero liability on unauthorized purchases, all with no annual fee. Keep in mind that this card does not offer cash back rewards, and instead is designed to make credit more affordable thanks to its low purchase rate.
MBNA True Line Mastercard Features
Annual Fee: $0
Purchase Rate: 12.99% (Cash Advance Rate: 24.99%)
Cash Back: N/A
Welcome Bonus: 0% promotional APR for 12 months on balance transfers completed within 90 days
Eligibility: Must be a Canadian resident and be at least the age of majority in your province or territory
Extra Perks:
- Apple Pay
- MBNA Payment Plan
- Discounts on Avis and Budget car rentals
- Zero Liability
Amazon Rewards Credit Card
The Amazon Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee card that lets you earn points on eligible purchases. You can earn up to 2.5% on qualifying purchases on Amazon.ca and Whole Foods as a Prime member, and up to 1.5% as a non-Prime member. Plus, you can earn up to 5% cash back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods, supermarkets, and restaurants for the first 6 months if you make at least $3,000 in qualifying purchases as a welcome bonus.
You’ll also enjoy additional benefits, such as car rental discounts, purchase protection, extended warranties, and trip assistance, with no monthly fee.
Amazon Rewards Credit Card Features
Annual Fee: $0
Purchase Rate: 19.99% (Cash Advance Rate: 22.99% (QC residents: 20.99%))
Cash Back:
- Prime members earn 2.5% back on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores (non-Prime members earn 1.5% cash back)
- Prime members earn 2.5% back on eligible foreign currency transactions when travelling abroad (non-Prime members earn 1% cash back)
- Earn 1% rewards on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus: $85 Amazon.ca Gift Card upon approval. Earn 5% back in the first 6 months on your first $3,000 spent at Amazon.ca, grocery stores, and restaurants
Eligibility: Be a Canadian resident and be at least the age of majority in your province or territory
Extra Perks:
- 0% Payment Plan
- $20 Amazon.ca Gift Card for every 2,000 points earned
- Avis and Budget car rental discounts
- Trip Assistance
- Purchase Assurance
- Extended Warranty
Can You Use Your Credit Card Right After Getting An Approval?
Even after you receive final approval for a credit card, you won’t be able to start using it until you receive the physical card in the mail. Depending on the credit card issuer and where you live, it can take up to two weeks to get your new card in the mail, though wait times can be much shorter or sometimes longer.
In some cases, you may be able to pick up your card at your local bank branch, especially if the creditor needs to verify additional information.
That said, many credit card issuers offer virtual cards, which means you’ll be able to start using your credit card much sooner than you would if you had to wait for a physical card to be delivered. In this case, you can start using your virtual credit card as soon as it’s linked to your account.
Of the above credit cards, those that offer virtual cards include the following:
- Koho Essential
- Neo Financial Secured Credit Card
- Meridian Visa Cash Back Card
- BMO CashBack Mastercard
- MBNA True Line Mastercard
How To Get A Credit Card With Instant Approval
There are certain steps you can take to help increase your odds of getting an instant credit card approval.
Step 1. Check Your Credit Score
First, you’ll want to check your credit score. Most credit card providers require a good credit score for approval. You can check your credit score for free through services like CompareHub by Loans Canada.
Learn more: What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Credit Card?
Step 2. Check The Income Requirements
Before submitting your application, confirm you meet all eligibility criteria such as age, residency and income.
Credit card companies will use your income to assess what credit limit you can apply for and if you can afford to pay back the money you borrow.
Step 3. Limit The Number Of Credit Card Applications
Be sure to limit applying for multiple cards quickly, as each application typically triggers a hard credit check. Excessive checks can temporarily negate positive aspects of your credit profile, so it’s best to space out applications.
What Do You Need To Apply For An Instant Approval Credit Card?
To get approved for an instant approval credit card, you’ll typically need to provide the following:
- Personal information such as your full name, date of birth, address and contact information
- Proof of identity such as a passport or driver’s license
- Financial details such as income and employment information
- A credit check is often required
How To Get A Credit Card With Instant Approval
There are certain steps you can take to help increase your odds of getting an instant credit card approval.
Step 1. Check Your Credit Score
First, you’ll want to check your credit score. Most credit card providers require a good credit score for approval. You can check your credit score for free through services like CompareHub by Loans Canada.
Learn more: What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Credit Card?
Step 2. Check The Income Requirements
Before submitting your application, confirm you meet all eligibility criteria such as age, residency and income.
Credit card companies will use your income to assess what credit limit you can apply for and if you can afford to pay back the money you borrow.
Step 3. Limit The Number Of Credit Card Applications
Be sure to limit applying for multiple cards quickly, as each application typically triggers a hard credit check. Excessive checks can temporarily negate positive aspects of your credit profile, so it’s best to space out applications.
What To Look For In An Instant Approval Credit Card
When looking for an instant approval credit card, consider the following:
1. Lucrative Welcome Bonuses
Seek cards offering substantial sign-up bonuses within a specific spending window after approval. These bonuses can provide significant value, including cash back, points, or miles, making them a lucrative perk for new cardholders.
2. Digital Card Access
Opt for cards that swiftly provide digital versions upon approval. This enables immediate online transactions while awaiting the physical card’s arrival, ensuring seamless and immediate access to your card.
3. Enhanced Bonus Categories
Select cards with accelerated rewards in essential spending categories like groceries, dining, travel, gas, or recurring bills. Focusing on cards with strong bonus categories amplifies your reward potential, boosting your overall benefits.
4. Low Fee Structures
Consider cards with no annual fees to minimize costs while maximizing benefits. This ensures you can enjoy the perks of instant approval and rewards without the burden of additional fees.
5. Soft Credit Checks
Prioritize cards offering pre-approval with a soft credit check, allowing you to assess your eligibility without impacting your credit score. This feature offers the advantage of understanding your approval odds before applying formally.
Pros & Cons Of Instant Approval Credit Cards
Be sure to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of instant approval credit cards before submitting an application:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Get approved (or denied) within minutes – Digital cards let you spend immediately – Pre-qualification checks don’t hurt credit – Easy and convenient online applications – Approval decisions are automated 24/7 | – Instant decision doesn’t guarantee approval – In some cases, you will still undergo a hard credit check when applying – Low credit score leads to denial – Prescreen eligibility checks may be inaccurate |
Rebuild Credit With An Instant Approval Secured Card
For those with poor credit who are denied at the instant approval stage, a secured credit card is a great option that can help rebuild your credit score. These cards require an upfront, refundable security deposit that acts as collateral and sometimes sets the card’s spending limit.
They are also much easier to qualify for since little or no credit check is required. Using a secured card responsibly demonstrates that you can properly manage credit and make timely monthly payments, improving your score.
A great option is the Neo Secured Credit. Applicants who can meet the minimum security deposit requirement of $50 will be approved with no credit check required.
Bottom Line
Instant approval credit cards provide a fast, convenient way to get approved for new credit in minutes. By utilizing automated underwriting systems, these cards can dramatically accelerate the application process compared to traditional manual reviews. This accelerated process saves time compared to traditional underwriting.
Approval odds increase when you have a good credit score (660+) and meet all eligibility criteria. While approval is not assured, these cards offer a straightforward pathway to accessing new credit quickly in today’s digital world. Even if initially denied, the instant decision process makes it easy to understand where your credit profile stands and what steps may be needed to qualify eventually.
Instant Approval Credit Cards FAQs
Which banks offer instant credit card approvals?
Can I get an instant approval credit card if I have bad credit?
What is the easiest credit card to get instant approval?
Can I get a credit card immediately?
Which credit card can I get with instant credit card approval and no credit check?
¹Minimum balance in a Neo Everyday account required to earn the highest rate. Cashback earn subject to monthly maximum spend limits. Cashback may be limited and varies by perks, offer, and partner. There may be monthly limits for boosted cashback offers.
