The best instant approval credit cards in Canada for 2025

The American Express Cobalt is one of the highest-earning rewards cards out there, offering up to 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, and food delivery. Points are worth up to 1.75 cents each when redeemed for travel via Amex’s Fixed Points Rewards chart or 1 cent each if you want to keep things simple and use Amex’s straightforward Flexible Points program (1,000 points always equals $10 in travel rewards). The card has no specific income requirements, and when you apply online, you can get instantly approved in minutes if you qualify.

The PC Mastercard is one of Canada’s strongest no-fee rewards credit cards and store credit cards for everyday essentials. Approval decisions come within minutes of submitting your application online. You can earn at least 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart, 30 points per $1 spent at Esso and Mobil gas stations, and 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else. Other PC Financial cards to consider include the PC World Mastercard and the PC World Elite Mastercard. With these cards you can earn 30 PC Optimum points (the equivalent of 3% in store credit) at Loblaws-owned grocery stores. While that obviously includes Loblaws chains, it also includes several other locations - from No Frills and Fortinos to Real Canadian Superstores, and more. 

The SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express credit card lets you earn cash back equally across all categories - removing the complexity of some cash back reward credit cards and making it one of the best no fee credit cards in Canada. With SimplyCash Preferred, cardholders can earn 2% cash back on all purchases. Overall, this cash back credit card is a great option for those looking for an easy to understand rewards structure with no restrictions. 

While the fact that the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no annual fee card is a big reason behind its popularity, what really sets this card apart is its customizability. With this card, you can choose your bonus categories (which will earn you a strong cash back rate of 2% per $1 spent). This is rare in the credit card market and means you can avoid being locked into a bonus category that you can’t take full advantage of or that doesn’t align with your spending habits. On top of that, your cash back is refunded every month instead of the standard annual reimbursement. 

The BMO CashBack Mastercard - Student is a no annual fee, instant approval rewards credit card that offers particularly strong returns on everyday essentials from grocery stores and supermarkets. It earns 3% cash back on the first $500 you spend on groceries every month and 1% on recurring bills up to $500 every month (0.5% cash back after that). For all your other everyday purchases, you’ll net 0.5% cash back without limits.

While there are rewards caps on the card’s two bonus categories, they do reset with the start of every new 30-day billing cycle. And at $500 per month in each category, they’ll be hard to max out, especially on a student’s budget.

This credit card has the trio of features that most appeal to students: 1. no annual fees, 2. the ability to earn straightforward rewards, and 3. no income requirement.

The Neo Mastercard is an instant approval credit card that will provide you with an instant virtual credit card that you can use immediately through Apple Wallet or Google Pay even before your physical card arrives. You can use the app to view rewards by location and get cash back when you shop. 

The KOHO Essential is a prepaid credit card that is a great option for individuals with no or bad credit scores. KOHO Essential allows you to earn cash back rewards for every purchase and offers a credit building service for an additional fee, helping you build or rebuild your credit history. 

What is credit card instant approval?

Instant approval is exactly what it sounds like. After providing the necessary information (more on that below), the card issuer’s underwriting algorithm will automatically look at your application in real time and decide whether you meet the qualification requirements and are approved. 

Because the entire process takes place automatically online and there’s no need for a human underwriter to examine your application, you'll find out whether you’re approved for the card at the same time you apply.

This feature proves helpful in several situations. If you’re not sure whether your application will be approved, instant approval will spare you weeks of waiting. Additionally, if you plan to use a credit card for a specific purpose, like for an upcoming vacation, being instantly approved will also get the card in your hands faster.

However, it is important to note that instant approval doesn’t mean guaranteed approval. You’ll still need to meet the card’s application requirements and undergo a credit check. Instant approval just makes it easier and faster (we’re talking a matter of minutes) to get approved in cases when you do satisfy the qualification requirements.

How does my credit score affect a credit card instant approval?

The better your credit score, the more likely you are to be instantly approved for a credit card. 

A great strategy is to check your own credit score beforehand. Many websites, including Transunion, let you check your credit score for free. It's important to note that checking your own credit score isn’t the same as when banks do it and won’t hurt your score in any way.

Even if your credit score falls below the threshold for instant approval, you may still be approved for the card you want. The process might just take longer, and you might have to provide additional details, make a security deposit, speak with the card issuer in person or over the phone, and/or have a guarantor co-sign for the card. 

Additionally, you’ll need to meet other minimum requirements for these cards. Most notably, many premium credit cards have a minimum requirement for personal income – typically around $60,000-$80,000. 

What else can I do to increase my odds of being instantly approved?

One of the best ways to increase your chances of being instantly approved for the card you want is to do your research and make sure you meet its income requirements before hitting apply. Most credit card application pages will explicitly mention how much you need to earn in order to get approved.

Also read: Best credit cards for low income in Canada

As a long-term strategy, you’ll also want to maintain good personal finance habits to keep your credit score in good standing. Borrowing only what you can afford and paying all of your bills on time are two of the biggest things you can do to improve your creditworthiness. It also helps to stay well under your credit limit on the cards you already have.

After I’m instantly approved, can I use my credit card right away?

Unfortunately, just because the approval process is instant, that doesn’t mean you can start spending immediately. After you’re approved, you’ll have to wait until your new card arrives in the mail, which usually takes anywhere from 5-7 business days. However, some cards (which we have covered above) provide information enabling you to add it to your digital wallet, allowing you to start using it immediately. 

Some caveats to instant approval credit cards

In some cases, instant approval credit cards are only available to permanent residents, eligible work visa holders or citizens of Canada. If you’re new to Canada, you’ll likely have to step into a bank branch or call over the phone for a more detailed conversation with a banking specialist to get a card.

Instant approval credit cards may not offer as many rewards or benefits as other cards on the market. Some cards may also come with higher interest rates as well.

Guaranteed credit card vs instant approval credit card

It’s important to note that when it comes to credit cards, instant approval isn’t the same as easy approval or guaranteed approval:

• Instant approval credit cards give you a quick decision after you apply, usually within minutes. However, approval isn’t actually guaranteed. Even if the process is fast, you can still be declined if you don’t meet the card issuer’s requirements.
• Easy approval or guaranteed approval credit cards are designed for people with low or no credit scores who want to build or rebuild credit. These cards are typically secured credit cards, which require a security deposit. The deposit reduces the lender’s risk, which is why approval is almost guaranteed.

Here are the key differences between a guaranteed credit card vs an instant approval credit card:

While easy or guaranteed approval cards can help rebuild your credit, they often come with higher fees, lower limits, and no rewards. Instant approval cards, on the other hand, may look appealing for their convenience but can lead to hard credit checks and potential score dips if you apply too often. Always compare options carefully before applying.

How do I find the right credit card with instant approval for me?

With lots of credit card offers on the market, the choices can be overwhelming. Ratehub’s CardFinder tool can match you with the best credit card for you, based on your particular spending habits and approval likelihood, in under two minutes.

How to apply for an instant approval credit card

Applying for an instant approval credit card in Canada is quick, but taking a few minutes to prepare can improve your chances of getting approved. Here’s what to do:

• Compare your options:  Before you apply, take a few minutes to review different instant approval credit cards. Look at the annual fees, interest rates, and any rewards or perks the card offers. If you plan to carry a balance, prioritize a lower interest rate over rewards. If you always pay off your balance, a card with cash back or travel points could make more sense. 
• Check your eligibility: Lenders typically look at your income, credit score, and current debt levels before making a decision. Make sure you meet the minimum income threshold and are of the age of majority in your province. Reviewing your credit report beforehand can help you understand your likelihood of approval and avoid unnecessary hard checks.
• Apply online: Most instant approval credit cards are available through an online application that takes only a few minutes. You’ll be asked to provide personal details like your name, address, employment information, and income. Some issuers may request your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to verify your credit history faster, but it’s optional. Once submitted, you’ll usually receive an approval decision within minutes, and in some cases, you can start using your digital card right away while waiting for the physical one to arrive.

What are my options if the instant credit card application is declined

Instant approval credit cards use automated checks, and sometimes applications are declined because of missing information, recent credit inquiries, or a short credit history. Start by reviewing the reason for the denial (most issuers will include this in your email or letter). Then:

• Check your credit report for errors or outdated information that could be affecting your score.
• Wait before reapplying. Submitting multiple instant approval applications in a short time can lower your score further.
• Pay down existing balances to improve your credit utilization ratio. This is one of the quickest ways to raise your score.
• Apply strategically next time. Choose cards that clearly list the minimum credit score and income requirements so you’re not applying blindly.

If you’re consistently declined for instant approval cards, consider applying for an easy approval or guaranteed credit card instead. These cards have lower barriers to entry and can help you build a stronger credit history before reapplying for an unsecured option.

• 10 reasons why a credit card application is denied
• Best cash back credit cards in Canada
• Best no fee credit cards in Canada
• Credit card interest calculator