Best Instant Approval Credit Cards in Canada

When we say "instant approval," we mean exactly that.

After you fill out your application online, the card issuer's system analyzes your information right away using sophisticated algorithms.

No human reviewer needed! Within minutes, you'll know whether you're approved or not.

1. KOHO Essential Mastercard (Alternative)

Even if you’re using a traditional credit card, it helps to run your everyday money through something stable and low risk like KOHO Essential:

• It has a low monthly plan fee that can be waived when you set up direct deposit or add +$1,000.

• Use a prepaid Mastercard® for groceries, bills, subscriptions, and travel.

• Grow your savings with a 2% interest savings rate on your entire balance.

• Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation.

• You can subscribe to Credit Building for $10/month, it's an affordable way to build your credit history.

• Enjoy unlimited transactions and free e-transfers (never worry about fees when sending money to someone again).

2. American Express Cobalt Card

• Earn 5 points per $1 on eligible eats & drinks (including restaurants, bars, cafes, grocery stores, and food delivery in Canada, with a monthly cap).

• Earn 3 points per $1 on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.

• Earn 2 points per $1 on eligible gas, transit, and ride share.

• Fee shown as $15.99/month (equals $191.88 annually) for non-Quebec residents.

3. PC Mastercard

• No annual fee.

• Earn 1% back in points (on eligible PC Financial categories) and 2.5% back in points at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix.

4. BMO CashBack Mastercard (Student)

• 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bills, 0.5% on everything else (with category caps).

Instant approval ≠ Easy approval

When shopping for credit cards, it's important to understand that "instant approval" and "easy approval" are actually two different things—even though they're often confused.

What "instant approval" actually means

Instant approval cards offer a quick decision process—usually within minutes of submitting your application online. This convenience is about speed, not necessarily accessibility.

What "easy approval" really means

Easy approval can refer to:

• A simple, straightforward application process with minimal paperwork (similar to instant approval cards)

• Cards specifically designed for people with limited or damaged credit histories that have lower approval requirements

How to Increase Your Odds of Getting an Instant Decision

• Use your legal name and current address exactly as your bank records show.

• Enter income details carefully (even student income sources can count for some student cards).

• Apply when you have time to answer follow-up questions (sometimes they just need a quick verification).