If you're looking to finance an emergency expense, such as a broken fridge or car repair, you may want fast access to a new credit card. Show
However, most credit cards arrive in the mail within 10 business days, which may be too long to wait if you need to pay for an expense right away. But if you apply for certain cards, you may receive an instant card number, allowing you to complete purchases right after approval. Instant credit cards are a great way to pay for unexpected expenses or new transactions without checking the mail everyday for your card. Keep in mind, instant card numbers are temporary, but you should receive your physical card in the mail before it expires, so that won't likely be an issue. It's also important to note that you may only be able to use a portion of your credit limit while you wait for your physical card. Below, we'll list credit cards that offer instant access, without waiting for the physical card to arrive in the mail. Credit cards that offer instant card numbersMost credit card issuers offer an instant decision on whether you're approved or denied, but don't frequently offer instant use of your card. However, certain types of cards offer instant card numbers, which we list below. American Express instant cardsInstant co-branded or store cardsWhat to do if your credit card doesn't offer instant accessAs you'll notice from the cards mentioned above, instant card numbers primarily come with Amex cards, co-branded cards and store cards. That leaves out many major card issuers, such as Discover and Chase, so you'll have to wait roughly 10 business days to receive those cards in the mail before being able to use them. However, you may be able to get your new card sooner if you're approved for a premium card. Many issuers provide expedited shipping for high-end cards or upon request for any card. Keep in mind, if you request faster shipment, you may have to pay a fee. Before submitting your request, consider whether you really need the card ASAP and whether the fee is worthwhile. If it's not, you can simply wait for it to arrive in the mail. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Green Card, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express Cash Magnet® Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here. Information about the American Express Cash Magnet® Card, American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, Apple Card, Bloomingdale's Credit Card, Target RedCard™, Walmart Rewards Card, Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Card, Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, Amazon Prime Store Card and Amazon Store Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication. If you purchase something through the Amazon credit card links, we may earn a commission. Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. Cash advance credit cards are unique tools that allow you to borrow money from your credit card account. Unexpected expenses could leave you in a financial crisis. If you need an influx of cash for an emergency but don’t have enough funds to cover it, a cash advance can be a real lifesaver. What's the downside? MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 10 Credit Cards with Lower Cash Advance FeesThe top cash advance credit cards we’ve selected include several that do not charge any cash advance fees. The best ones also come with competitive cash advance APRs. For example, the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card charges no cash advance fees for transactions carried out at Navy Federal branches or ATMs, and you may qualify for a low cash advance APR depending on your creditworthiness. Other factors that require your attention when choosing a card include annual fees, the ability to earn rewards, purchase APRs and added benefits. Scroll for more The links in the table above will take you to one of our partner's sites where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card. On This Page:
Best Cash Advance Credit CardsBelow, we list the very best cash advance credit card offers currently available. These include both low-fee cash advance cards and no-fee options. Our detailed listings offer insights, pros and cons, and an expert editorial review of the card.
The Best Cash Advance Credit Cards at a GlanceSorry. We were not able to load data for table... Other Credit Cards with Low Fees HOW WE RANK CASH ADVANCE CREDIT CARDS Our experts ensure you get the latest and most accurate information by collecting 57 data points from card issuers' websites, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and our partners. They rely on our unique ranking methodology to examine all new and existing cards from this category to arrive at their revised lists of the best cash advance credit cards on an ongoing basis. The process involves assigning specific percentages to all important parameters. Examples include:
How to Compare Cards with Cash Advance Features in MindWhile taking out a cash advance isn’t the best idea, it’s a valuable option if you’re in a financial pinch. If you’re thinking about applying for a cash advance card, here are several factors to consider while you research available credit cards. Cash Advance FeesIf you’re taking out a cash advance, look for a card with low cash advance fees. Typically, cash advances fees are a set amount ($5–$10) or a percentage of the advance total, whichever is higher. Some cash advance cards don’t charge any fees — we recommend seeking these out first. If unexpected expenses pop up, the last thing you want to do is tack on even more debt with costly card fees. Cash Advance APRAlong with expensive fees, most cards charge a higher APR for cash advances. Always check the APR before you open a new card. Also, understand that — unlike standard APR — interest starts accruing on charges immediately when you take out a cash advance. Introductory APR OfferCards may also feature an introductory APR offer. These offers typically feature 0% interest for extended periods of 12 to 18 months. Charging emergency expenses to your card and paying them off over time may be a better option than taking out a cash advance, especially with cards that have introductory APR offers. MONEYGEEK QUICK TIP: Cash advances are helpful if you need cash quickly, but they’re also an expensive way to borrow because of high rates and fees. There may be better options available, such as a balance transfer card or one that offers introductory 0% APR on new purchases, which would allow you to pay off any emergency expenses over a longer period. Other FeesCredit cards also charge other fees like annual fees, late fees and more. Always determine what charges are associated with a specific card before you apply. Card BenefitsWhile you may be looking for the best card to use for cash advances, it’s a good idea to look at what other benefits a credit card offers. Many credit cards come with travel perks, purchase protections and other useful long-term benefits. Credit ScoreYour credit score and credit history determine if you qualify for a credit card. If your credit score isn’t up to par, look for credit cards geared towards people with fair or low credit. MoneyGeek’s Quick Guide to Understanding Credit Card Cash AdvancesWith so many people living paycheck to paycheck these days, there’s often no extra cash cushion when unforeseen expenses occur. Your washing machine breaks. Your car needs repairs. Unexpected doctor visits lead to a pile of medical bills you can’t cover. Credit card cash advances are a way to tap into quick cash to cover emergencies like these, especially if you don’t have an emergency fund. A cash advance is money given by a credit card issuer. They often come with expensive fees and APR charges, so they aren’t ideal in most circumstances. So, why would someone use a cash advance? You can look at a cash advance as a short-term loan from your credit card company to use to get out of a financial bind and then pay it back. Cash advances are also more convenient than applying for loans, which can take several days or weeks to be approved. It’s essential to understand how cash advances work, why they tend to be expensive, and alternatives that might be a better option in the long run. How a Cash Advance on a Credit Card WorksA cash advance is essentially a loan from your credit card company for access to quick cash. Depending on your card, you can get cash advance funds in person, through an ATM or by check. Cash advance limits are usually lower than your credit limit. The primary benefit of using a cash advance is the ability to address a pressing financial need immediately. Cash advance funds are easily accessible, giving you a quick way to take care of emergencies. While you can pay for an emergency expense with a cash advance, remember that these charges are immediately subject to interest charges. Hefty fees and high APR rates usually accompany cash advances. Using a cash advance means you’ll end up paying more than the unexpected expenses themselves. It’s not an ideal option if you just want extra cash in your pocket. MoneyGeek recommends only using cash advances in extreme circumstances where there’s no other option available, or you need access to extra money fast. Why Cash Advances Are ExpensiveMost experts say to avoid cash advances because of the high fees and interest charges attached to them. If you’re low on available funds, the last thing you want is extra charges on top of what you borrow. That’s precisely what happens when you use a cash advance. Most cash advance fees are either a minimum flat rate charge or a percentage of the cash advance amount. For example, let’s say you take out a $500 cash advance. If the card has a $5 or 5% fee (whichever is greater), your cash advance fee would be $25. The cash advance fee isn’t the only charge you need to worry about. Most cards have different APR rates for purchases and cash advances. Consider Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, one of the most popular rewards credit cards in the world. Depending on your credit, you could score a purchase APR as low as 15.99% with this card. Compare that to its 24.99% cash advance APR. Also, consider that the APR on card purchases doesn't typically kick in until after your statement due date. Interest on cash advances starts to accumulate immediately. If you had to borrow cash because of a difficult financial situation, the chances are it will take you a while to pay back your advance, leading to expensive interest charges. The True Cost of a Cash AdvanceUsing the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card mentioned above, let’s look at how much it would actually cost to use a cash advance. This particular card carries a cash advance APR of 24.99%. In our example, we’re taking out a $500 cash advance that we’ll pay back in 30 days, or roughly one month. Cash Sapphire Preferred comes with a cash advance fee of $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. The cash advance fee in this scenario is $25.
A $500 cash advance with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card would cost you $35.27 to borrow for 30 days. Alternatives to Cash AdvancesUsing a cash advance may get the job done when you need access to cash quickly, and you’re able to pay it off fast. There are several other options available that might prove to be better and cost less money, though:
Expert Advice For Finding the Right CardWe asked industry experts a couple of questions about cash advance credit cards with the aim of helping you make suitable decisions surrounding their use.
Debora Almirall Instructor of Finance at the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at the University of Minnesota Prateek Sharma Assistant Professor of Finance at The University of Minnesota, Duluth Robert Warren Instructor at The University of North Dakota Dr. Ajay Patel Thomas S. Goho Chair in Finance, Area Chair and Professor at Wake Forest University Catalin Stefanescu Professorial Lecturer at the Kogod School of Business at American University Madeline Reeves Founder and CEO at Fearless Foundry Abhijit Roy Professor of Marketing at The University of Scranton Michael Outar Founder at Savebly.com Jared Weitz CEO at United Capital Source Donna Bobek Schmitt Professor of Accounting, Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina Brendan Sheehan Managing Director at Waymark Wealth Management David Peters CPA, CFP, ChFC, CLU, CPCU, CGMA Craig Joncas Financial Advisor & Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Grannick Financial Planner & Owner Credentials: CFP® Jon Coughlin Private Wealth Manager at Munroe Morrow Wealth Management Gabriel Shahin President, CFP, MBA Robby Lewis Investment Advisor Representative at Gerber Kawasaki & Investment Management Lena Nebel, CFP®, MSFS Chief Operating Officer at BFG Financial Advisors Rick Raybin, CFP® Author and Founder of Lifetime Capital Group Nick Rose, CFP®, CEPA® Co-Founder & Financial Consultant at TrailWise Financial Partners Rachel McCullough Financial Planner at TCI Wealth Advisors Kane Brolin CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner AJ DiLiberto COO, CCO at Noble Wealth Management Thomas Kopelman Co-Founder and Financial Partner at AllStreet Wealth John Lopez Senior Professor of Practice at C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston Jordan Frey MD, Founder of The Prudent Plastic Surgeon Dr. Cory S. Fawcett Medical Doctor, Certified High Performance Coach Blain Pearson Professor of Practice at Kansas State University Raymond P. H. (Pat) Fishe The Patricia A. and George W. Wellde, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Finance and Professor of Finance at the University of Richmond Ling Thich Personal Finance Content Creator at Finsavvy Panda Marc Compeau Professor of Practice, Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Clarkson University Nada Nasr Bechwati Associate Professor of Marketing at Bentley University D'Arcy Becker Professor and Chair of Accounting at the University of Wisconsin Elizabeth Buffardi CFP(R), CPA Bobbi Olson Financial Coach & Host of the "CentsAble Chat" Podcast Jeanne Kelly CEO and Founder of The Kelly Group Sherrill Shaffer Guthrie Distinguished Professor of Banking and Financial Services Emeritus at the University of Wyoming Danielle Seurkamp, MS, MPAS®, FBS®, CFP® Founder at Well Spent Wealth Planning Rob Bertman, CFA, CFP® Founder, Family Budget Expert Jon Dulin Founder and CEO at Money Smart Guides FAQs About Cash Advance Credit CardsMoneyGeek answered some of the most critical questions about using a cash advance and cash advance credit cards: Cash advances aren’t an ideal option for borrowing money, especially if you’re looking to avoid extra credit card charges. But, if you’re in a bind and need access to cash fast, using a cash advance may be the best choice available. Take time to research each card option by looking at details like cash advance fees and APR charges before choosing a card. Next StepsTake a close look at what the best cash advance cards have to offer and make a selection after comparing your top options based on parameters such as cash advance fees, cash advance APRs, annual fees and the possibility to earn rewards on purchases. Compare Credit CardsCompare Credit Cards
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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information
available. What credit card can I get ASAP?Here are several popular co-branded and store cards that offer instant access:. Apple Card (co-branded). Bloomingdale's Credit Card (co-branded). Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (co-branded). Target RedCard™ (store). Walmart Rewards Card (store). Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (co-branded). What is the easiest card to get with bad credit?Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card. Best Overall. ... . Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card. ... . Tomo Credit Card. ... . OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. ... . Discover it® Secured Credit Card. ... . Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit. ... . Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card.. What banks give you an instant virtual card?Answer: Only three banks in the United States offer virtual credit cards to their customers. They are Citibank, Bank of America, and Capital One.
Can I get approved for a credit card with a score of 500?Yes, you can get an unsecured credit card with a 500 credit score, but you will likely end up with high fees, high interest rates, and a low credit limit. The best unsecured credit card to get with a 500 credit score is the Credit One Visa card.
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