Which Credit Card Issuers Instantly Provide Card Numbers?

A big expense comes up, and you want to charge it on a credit card…but you haven’t applied for the card yet. Which credit card issuers will instantly issue the card number upon approval so that it can be used immediately for online purchases or at a vendor who accepts card numbers without a physical card?

Before breaking this down by card issuer, it’s important to remember a few key points:

1. Getting the card number instantly happens only if you receive automatic approval. If the application goes into pending and gets approved later, an agent is unlikely to provide the card number over the phone.
2. Many card issuers offer expedited shipping for physical cards, so you could have the card at your doorstep in less than 48 hours.

Here’s the exhaustive list of credit card issuers and their policies regarding instant card numbers, based on current information:

1. Alliant

• Does not currently offer instant credit card numbers.
• Exploring this as a future feature.

2. American Express

• Availability: Most Amex cards receive instant card numbers upon approval.
  • A link to the instant card number is sent via email or available in your account.
• Restrictions:
  • Business cards less frequently offer instant numbers compared to personal cards.
  • Some co-branded cards only allow the instant number to be used at the co-branded location.
• Workarounds:
  • Use Google Pay or Chrome Payments by adding the card via authentication.
  • Add the card to Apple Pay directly from the Amex app.
  • Use Amex Checkout at participating merchants.
• Notes:
  • Temporary credit limits may apply.
  • Instant numbers may not count toward spending bonuses without intervention.
  • Amex will not provide temporary numbers over the phone.

3. Apple – Goldman Sachs

• The Apple Card provides instant usability through Apple Pay upon approval.

4. Bank of America

• Instant Numbers:
  • Offered for specific cards, such as:
    • Alaska Airlines card
    • Air France/KLM card
    • Amtrak card
  • These temporary numbers may be restricted to purchases with the associated brand.
• Mobile Wallets:
  • Many users can add approved cards to Apple Pay or other wallets via the Bank of America app.
• General Cards:
  • Most other Bank of America cards do not offer instant numbers.

5. Barclays

• Instant card numbers are not commonly provided.

6. Bilt

• Provides instant card numbers via the Bilt app for approved applicants.

7. BBVA

• Does not currently offer instant card numbers.

8. Capital One

• Occasionally offers instant numbers for some cards, but this is inconsistent.

9. Cardless

• Specializes in offering instant card numbers for newly approved accounts.

10. Chase

• Provides instant card numbers for select cards, particularly co-branded ones like Marriott and United cards.

11. Citi

• Offers instant card numbers for some cards, especially co-branded ones like Costco and American Airlines cards.

12. Costco Credit Card (Issued by Citi)

• Rarely offers instant card numbers.

13. Discover

• Instant numbers are not commonly provided.

14. Final

• No longer issues cards; the company shut down.

15. FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha)

• Does not typically provide instant card numbers.

16. HSBC

• Does not currently offer instant card numbers.

17. Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)

• Rarely provides instant card numbers.

18. PayPal Business 2% Card

• Occasionally offers instant card numbers upon approval.

19. SoFi

• Provides instant card numbers immediately upon approval.

20. Synchrony

• Some Synchrony cards (e.g., store cards) offer instant numbers, but this is not consistent.

21. USAA

• Does not offer instant card numbers.

22. U.S. Bank

• Provides instant card numbers for certain co-branded cards like REI and Altitude Reserve.

23. Wells Fargo

• Rarely offers instant card numbers, except in specific situations.

How It Works with Store Cards

• Many store cards issued by Synchrony, Citi, or Comenity offer instant card numbers usable at the store’s location. Examples include:
  • Amazon Store Card (Synchrony)
  • Target RedCard (TD Bank)

Conclusion

While some issuers, like American Express and Apple, excel at offering instant card numbers, others are more limited. Co-branded cards and store cards are more likely to offer instant numbers, but their use is often restricted to specific merchants.