#Instant Decision Credit Cards

How do instant decision cards work?

Instant decision cards are not really different to other credit card products; they just offer responses to applications quicker, by automating much of the decisioning process.

Once you ve completed an application for an instant decision card it is processed immediately. Issuers use secure links to the UK credit bureau to understand applicant s financial status and, in most cases, you will be told if you have been accepted or rejected for the credit card with a message on your screen.

Not all credit cards offer instant decisions so, unless time is of the essence, you may find you can access better products by looking at a wider range of credit cards or through category specific tables.

Benefits of instant decision credit cards

Many providers of 0% transfer cards now offer an instant decision facility also, meaning you can find out immediately if you are able to make a balance transfer quickly.

You don t necessarily have to have perfect credit in order to obtain an instant decision credit card. While your credit score will be one of the greatest determinant factors regarding the approval or rejection of your applications, there are providers that offer instant decisions on credit cards for bad credit and those with fair credit also.

Instant decision card application considerations

You should make sure that you have given yourself sufficient time between when you need the credit card and when you apply. Whilst, in many cases, issuers offer direct approval or rejection, this is not always the case. If a lender is unsure of certain details (if you ve moved jobs, house etc.) you may find that your response is that your application has been referred until they have conducted additional checks. This could leave you waiting for a response for the same length of time as you would with a standard credit card product.

You also may not receive your card until your final agreement is signed despite a successful decision for your application having been obtained. This may also mean that you won t actually be able to use the card for at least a few days while the card being prepared and is sent to you. ;/span

Be aware that:

If your application is rejected you should try to avoid immediately applying for another credit card (or other credit products). Having just failed in your credit application other potential lenders may decide you seem too desperate to obtain finance quickly (possibly because you are in financial distress). You can however ask the provider why you were rejected and check that there wasn t an error.