Can I use a new credit card before it arrives?

Unless the credit card issuer allows newly approved cardholders instant access to their card number, you will have to wait until the card arrives in the mail.

How long should I wait to use a credit card after activating it?

You can begin using your card immediately after receiving it in the mail and following the designated instructions to activate.

Can you get a credit card on the same day?

Assuming you apply online and receive instant approval, some issuers like American Express can provide you with access to your credit card number immediately, but others will not. However, another option is to ask if your card can be shipped via expedited mail. This won’t give you access to your card immediately, but will be much faster than standard mail.

Do all credit cards give an instant decision after submitting your application?

In some cases, you may be approved instantly after submitting your application. However, it is not uncommon for an issuer to need extra time to review your application before making a decision on whether or not to approve it. In some instances, they may take 2 weeks, or more, to review your application.

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Credit Cards

Best Instant-Use Credit Cards That Issue Card Numbers Upon Approval [April 2025]

Updated: March 31, 2025, 11:27am CDT

Edited by:

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Table of Contents

Overview
Why Use an Instant Credit Card Number?
Issuers That Offer Instant-Use Card Numbers
Issuers That Do Not Currently Offer Instant Card Numbers
How Do I Get an Instant Credit Card Number?
What Is the Easiest Instant Credit Card To Get?
Business Credit Cards Offering Instant Use
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Applying for a new credit card can at times be a nerve-wracking experience — but it quickly turns to excitement when you see the words, “Congratulations, you’ve been approved!” appear on your screen.

If you’re applying for a new card, you will likely be eager to start using the credit card today. However, there are a variety of factors that will determine how quickly you can begin using your new card.

Even though your application process may result in an instant decision, usually credit card issuers will require you to wait until you receive the card in the mail before you begin using it. The wait for your new card can often be 5 to 7 business days.

Some issuers will issue your credit card number instantly upon approval so you can begin using it right away.

To make matters easier, we’ve compiled a list of all major credit card issuers and their respective policies on issuing credit card numbers after approval ready for instant use.

Overview

SCROLL FOR MORE

Card	Best For
Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card	Overall Rewards
The Platinum Card^® from American Express	Premium Travel Perks
American Express^® Gold Card	Dining and Groceries
The JetBlue Plus Card	JetBlue Benefits
Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express	Shopping and Everyday
Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express	Cash-back

Why Use an Instant Credit Card Number?

So why should you rush to get your credit card number in the first place? Here are a few reasons why you might want the option to use your card right away:

Upfront Discount: If it’s a co-branded credit card you’re after, you’ll likely receive some sort of perk or discount with the merchant as soon as you are approved. This could be as simple as a discount off of your airfare when you’re about to complete your booking. In this case, having the card number right away allows you to apply that discount to the purchase you were about to make anyway.
Large Upcoming Purchase To Help Meet Welcome Bonus Offer: If you’re familiar with the world of points and miles, you know that credit cards can come with very lucrative welcome bonuses for meeting the minimum spending requirements. The sooner you can meet the spending requirement, the sooner you get a large influx of points! Because of this, many people like to open a new credit card when they have a large upcoming purchase, such as a wedding or moving expenses.
Emergency Need: Sometimes, you may find yourself in need of a line of credit quickly, and perhaps a 0% intro APR offer makes the most sense for you. In any case, if you need help financing a large or unexpected purchase you likely will want access to that credit sooner rather than later.

Issuers That Offer Instant-Use Card Numbers

American Express

An instant card number upon approval of a new account is available on all American Express credit cards.

However, some people report that for co-branded cards, the card number issued instantly is only for use at the co-brand location. For example, a Hilton card may only be used with Hilton or a Delta card only for use with Delta.

After your card number is given to you, remember to write it down and/or take a screenshot. You can request the number again from Amex, but it’s far quicker to take note of the card number as you’re approved for the card.

Keep in mind that the card number you receive will likely be the same as the one on your physical card, but your temporary security code likely will not be the same.

Bottom Line: American Express is by far the most convenient option when it comes to getting access to your new credit card number immediately. In this case, we highly recommend these cards as a top option for those who need to access their new credit card number instantly.

Recommended American Express Cards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Welcome OfferEarn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$200

Annual Fee

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express apart from the rest?

This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.

Cons

Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee.
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday^® Card. Enrollment required.
Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

HIGHEST CASH BACK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Welcome OfferEarn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

Pros & Cons

Pros

6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)

Cons

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 20.24% - 29.24%.
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
$84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred^® Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

Hot Tip: If you don’t see your card number as soon as you’re approved, you can request the card number from Amex by getting in contact with them. In addition, many users have reported being given a statement credit if Amex’s software fails and is unable to issue the card number.

Chase (Use “Spend Instantly” Feature)

Chase credit cards offer a “Spend Instantly” feature as part of its Chase Mobile app. Once you’re approved for a new card, you can immediately add that card via your app to 1 of 3 digital wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.

Here is how it works:

Step 1: Log in to your account.

Step 2: Select your new card, then scroll down to Manage Account and click Digital Wallets.

Chase Spend Instantly — Image Credit: Chase

Step 3: From there, you can select which digital wallet you want to instantly link your card to.

Step 4: You’re all set! Now you can start using your card before it even arrives in the mail.

Currently, most Chase credit cards are eligible for the Spend Instantly feature, with the exception of the Aeroplan^® Credit Card, Amazon cards, business cards, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Disney cards, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard^®, the Instacart Mastercard^®, and IHG cards. Fortunately, 3 of our favorite cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® are all included.

Recommended Chase Cards

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome OfferEarn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$250

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% back on all other purchases

Cons

3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited Time Intro Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%.
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

POPULAR CHOICE

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

$95 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Bank of America

According to Bank of America, customers who apply and are approved for a credit card via the Bank of America Mobile Banking app can upload it immediately to their digital wallet.

However, for those who apply through the website, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® Credit Card seems to be the only one that gives an instant card number.

SoFi Bank, N.A.

SoFi offers one credit card to its customers. When you are approved for the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card, you can immediately add it to a digital wallet and begin using it for purchases with your mobile device.

Barclays

Several Barclays co-branded credit cards offer instant card numbers and credit available for purchases made through the co-branded website:

Frontier Airlines World Mastercard^® — Instant credit toward purchases made through the Frontier website
Hawaiian Airlines^® World Elite Mastercard^® — Instant credit toward travel purchases made through the Hawaiian Airlines website
The JetBlue Card — Instant credit toward purchases through the JetBlue website
Priceline Rewards™ Visa^® Card — Instant credit toward purchases through the Priceline website
Princess Cruises^® Rewards Visa^® Card — Instant credit when used to purchase a cruise with Princess Cruises

Citi

A handful of Citi cards will offer you instant card numbers, including:

Citi Custom Cash^® Card
Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite™ Mastercard^® — Temporary instant credit number for purchases through the American Airlines website
Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

Goldman Sachs

The Apple Card will allow cardholders to use the card instantly upon approval via the Wallet app on your iPhone.

HSBC

HSBC will provide you with your credit card number after approval, but not the CVV or your card’s expiration date.

Synchrony

The only cards offered by Synchrony that give instant access to your card number are:

eBay Mastercard
PayPal Cashback Mastercard

You can make an online purchase of up to $250 via PayPal with either card.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank has begun issuing instant credit cards for mobile/online use on some cards with plans for this to roll out to all cards in the near future. This option is currently limited to those processing a credit card application with the text-to-apply option, which only can happen for an application processed by a banker, either in-branch, over the phone, or via email.

Wells Fargo

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard^® Credit Card, issued by Wells Fargo, allows you to access your card number instantly through the Bilt mobile app after you’re approved for the card.

Issuers That Do Not Currently Offer Instant Card Numbers

Alliant Credit Union
BBVA
Capital One
Discover
Navy Federal Credit Union

How Do I Get an Instant Credit Card Number?

The most important thing to remember is that not all credit cards, or credit issuers, offer an instant card number feature. Given that, we recommend you choose one of the cards that we’ve outlined above in order to be able to receive an instant credit card number in the first place.

Assuming you’ve been approved for one of the cards we’ve highlighted above, you’ll usually receive your instant credit card number in 1 of 2 ways.

Some issuers, like American Express, will provide you with an account number immediately upon approval that you can begin using until your physical card arrives.

Other issuers, such as Chase, offer a “Spend Instantly” feature, allowing you to add your new card right to a digital wallet like Apply Pay or Google Pay right after you’ve been approved. This allows you to use your card just as you would any other that has been added to your digital wallet, even though you haven’t received the physical card yet.

What Is the Easiest Instant Credit Card To Get?

A great card option that is relatively easy to be approved for and offers instant use is the Freedom Unlimited card. For a $0 annual fee, you’ll earn 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome OfferEarn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$250

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% back on all other purchases

Cons

3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited Time Intro Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.49%.
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

While some credit cards are easier to get than others, for those that are worth having at least where earning rewards are concerned, you will need a relatively strong credit score no matter what.

Given that, if your credit score isn’t exactly where you’d like it to be at the moment, we recommend you focus on these tips to improve your credit score.

Business Credit Cards Offering Instant Use

Yes, in fact, 2 of our favorite business cards, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express and the American Express^® Business Gold Card are both able to receive an instant card number after being approved for the card.

LIMITED TIME TRAVEL OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome OfferEarn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
150,000 points + $500 statement credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:
Up to   $3,800

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight and hotel packages booked through Amex Travel
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection (as of 10/2024).
Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required.
Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
$199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
$695 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

American Express^® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Welcome OfferEarn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
Up to   $2,200

Annual Fee

$375

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros & Cons

Pros

4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
- Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
- Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection

Cons

$375 annual fee (rates and fees)
No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
*Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

We highly recommend both business cards, not just for the rewards and benefits they provide, but as great options for those who need a business card that they can use instantly.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while there are some issuers that will allow you to receive your card instantly, you’ll usually need to wait between 5 to 7 business days to receive your new credit card. If you happen to need access to your card right away, we recommend you consider an American Express card, as that will likely be your best bet.

Keep in mind that these policies can change at any time, and issuers can operate at their own discretion when deciding whether or not to issue your new card number instantly.

We love it when our readers share their experiences with us, so if you have a data point that confirms (or conflicts) with ours, please let us know in the comments below!