Deciding if an Instant Approval Credit Card is Right for You

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

Many people are attracted to an instant approval credit card because they want instant gratification. Basically, advancements in technology have caused our society to become used to getting things quickly. Credit cards are no exception. While there are many reasons why you might want to get an instant approval credit card, there are many things you need to take into consideration in order to decide if an instant approval credit card is what you are looking for.

Do you need the credit card right away, or can you wait?

If you need a line of credit right away, an instant approval credit card may be just the thing you are looking for. For example, if you had a great business opportunity or vacation package suddenly appear and you need the funds right away, then you might want to apply for an instant approval credit card. Or, if you have unexpected medical expenses or other emergency-related expenses, then you might want to get a credit card right away to help you take care of those expensive. Or, perhaps you lost your job and need to pay your bills. In this case, an instant approval credit card might be what you need in order to stay on top of your living expenses as you get through rough times. If you don't have a pressing situation to contend with, however, you don't necessarily need to apply for an instant approval credit card.

You are probably now wondering what could be the harm in applying for an instant approval credit card if you don't absolutely need a credit card right away. In some cases, there may not be any harm in this. On the other hand, many instant approval credit cards have a higher interest rate than traditional credit cards. Or, they assess processing fees, annual fees, or other membership fees for the convenience of instant approval. If you do not need to have the card right away, it is simply not in your best financial interest to apply for an instant approval credit card online.

Are there benefits to this instant approval credit card that you can use?

If there are special benefits to the instant approval credit card, then it might be a good idea to go ahead and apply for the card. For instance, if the card offers a great introductory APR or if it has a rewards program that suits your lifestyle, then the instant approval credit card might be a good idea. Just be sure to look at what the card has to offer beyond being an instant approval credit card. Don't let that be the deciding factor that makes you choose the card. Instead, look at the fact that it offers instant approval as a bonus for a credit card you would want to have in your wallet anyway.

As with any credit card, make sure the benefits associated with the instant approval credit card are ones that you will actually use. If, for example, the card provides discounts to restaurants that are not even near to your home, you are not likely to be able to take full advantage of what the card has to offer. Take the time to research available instant approval credit cards online to learn as much as you can about them and to compare them side by side in order to decide the one that is best for you.

Have you applied for any other cards recently?

Applying for an instant approval credit card should not be taken lightly. It is just the same as applying for a traditional credit card, and applying for too many credit cards within a short period of time will reflect negatively on your credit report. Therefore, take the time to research different cards to find the one that you think best suits you and has the best chance of being approved. That way, you don't have a large number of inquiries into your credit history bringing down your overall credit rating.