What is an instant approval credit card? You must have come across many credit card companies online claiming that you can apply for a credit card right away and it will be approved ‘instantly’. However, it does not primarily mean that once your application is approved, you can start shopping. You have to actually receive the actual credit card which can take a few days to arrive in the mail, before you can start using it.

The best thing about applying for a card online is that you can come to know within a short time, if you are eligible for the card or not. You do not have to fill the credit card application on paper and send it through the snail mail. You do not have to wait for weeks for the credit card company to run through your credit report and finally send you the credit card. When you apply online, the procedure is convenient, because you are notified of your approval status in just minutes, not weeks. You also get the advantage of comparing the cost of credit offered by other credit card companies against the one which interests you.

Getting your credit card application approved instantly is not every one’s cup of tea. The companies who offer such credit cards generally target people with a good credit history or record. Here are 5 tips for applying for instant credit card approval:

1. Just apply. It may be the norm for credit card companies to offer instant credit cards to people with a good credit, but it is not a compulsion. The competition between credit card companies, these days is so tough that there are many companies who cannot afford to lose a single prospect just because of mere speculation that he may not repay the credit. So, even if you do not have a good credit history or rating, go ahead and apply.

2. Do not give into shrewd marketing tactics. Do not be charmed away by deals and offers by a credit card company online. There are a lot of websites and a lot many credit companies in the line which may give you better deals and more promotional offers. Think practically and shop around different websites to compare the cost of credit offered by different credit card companies before you make an informed decision.

3. Do not get carried away and fill a lot of credit card applications online just because every second offer looks enticing. Choose the best one and apply for only one credit card. Remember, if you apply for many credit cards, it can affect your credit rating, because you are looked upon by credit card agencies as someone who is in dire need of credit.

4. You should never delay making payments on your credit card. If you default on your payments or make a late payment, it affects your credit history. It also makes it all the more difficult for your instant credit card application to be approved. So be prompt with your payments and you stand to be a worthy contender for getting your application approved rather quickly.

5. If you do not get your credit card application instantly approved by the standard credit card companies, do not worry. Attempt filling the application for cards like a department store credit card. They stand a chance to be approved easily and they are good for beginners who have just begun to use credit.

Please note that there is no point in trying again if your application for an instant approval credit card is rejected. It is better to wait for some months or so before you apply again. If your application for the card is turned down, it affects your credit rating. You have to realize what is important; applying for an instant credit card or maintaining your credit rating. Your credit status is of utmost importance because it affects every buying decision of yours be it a car or a home. It is fine to apply for an instant credit card online but not at the cost of ruining your credit.