Finding an "Instant" Decision Credit Card

While most credit card companies like to have some time to evaluate your application, more and more rely on credit reporting formulas and online information access and can in almost all cases get you an instant credit card within just a few minutes of your application online.

Beware, though, that these aren't always the cards with the best rates, and that sometimes banks recognize that instant decision credit cards are for people who have little patience for more traditional application processes, so the rates are often jacked up even higher.

But the good news is that there are definitely cards you can apply for online, and here's a summary of some of the best, with the latest terms as detailed:

Amazon.com Platinum Visa Card

• $20 automatic discount on your first qualifying Amazon purchase
• No annual fee
• Instant approval
• Free rewards that quickly generate Amazon gift certificates
• 0% APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers, then a low variable rate afterwards (currently 13.24%)

apply online

Blue from American Express

• 0% introductory APR on purchases for up to 15 months
• Then a variable APR as low as 7.99%
• 3.99% fixed APR on balance transfers
• Free rewards program - Earn one point for virtually every dollar
• Earn points redeemable for travel, merchandise and more
• No annual fee

apply online

Citi Platinum Select Card

• 0% APR* on balance transfers and purchases for 9 months
• No balance transfer fee for balances transferred in response to this offer
• Secure, free online account management
• $0 liability on unauthorized purchases
• No annual fee

apply online

Blue Cash from American Express

• 0% introductory APR on purchases for up to 15 months
• Balance transfers: 5.99% or 7.99% fixed APR until paid in full
• Up to 5% cash back on purchases
• Pay over time or pay in full
• No annual fee

apply online

The GM Credit Card

• 5% GM Card Earnings on every purchase
• Redeem earnings toward the purchase or lease of a new GM vehicle
• 0% APR on initial balance transfers for six months*
• Exclusive offers and promotions
• No annual fee

apply online

Household Bank / Orchard Bank Credit Card

• Only 3.9% APR for the first six months
• Annual Fee of $0 to $79, depending on your credit history
• Exclusive offers and promotions
• Apply Online and Get Accepted within 60 Seconds

apply online

Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card

• 0% APR* on balance transfers for 9 months, 9.49% thereafter
• 5% cash back** on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores & gas stations
• Earn 1% cash back** on all other purchases
• $0 Liability on unauthorized purchases
• Secure, free online account management
• No annual fee

apply online

Blue for Business from American Express Credit Card

• 0% APR* on balance transfers for 9 months, 9.49% thereafter
• 5% cash back** on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores & gas stations
• Earn 1% cash back** on all other purchases
• $0 Liability on unauthorized purchases
• Secure, free online account management
• No annual fee

apply online

American Express Gold Business Credit Card

• First year fee-free
• Gold card events
• For businesses with good credit
• Get a decision in less than 60 seconds
• No pre-set spending limit

apply online

Platinum Business Credit Card from American Express

• 0% APR for the first 9 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Get a decision in less than 60 seconds
• Good credit ratings needed
• Pay over time
• No annual fee

apply online