Typically, when you apply for a credit card, you may be instantly denied, or you may receive a notice that the card issuer needs more time to evaluate your application. Another possibility is that you’re instantly approved for the credit card; there are cards that guarantee a decision in just minutes.
When you receive an instant approval for a credit card, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll get the credit card and any applicable welcome bonus. In some cases, credit card issuers will allow you to have instant access to your credit card number. That can be useful if you want to make an immediate and time-sensitive purchase.
What Is an Instant Approval Credit Card?
An instant approval credit card is a credit card that guarantees a decision about your application within a matter of minutes. Once you submit your application, the credit card issuer will instantly let you know if you’ve been approved or denied for the card.
Not all credit card issuers do instant approvals, and it’s possible to not receive an instant approval even if you have excellent credit and income. For some issuers and certain credit cards, when you’re instantly approved, you also receive your credit card number and everything else you need to make a purchase with the card right away.
How Instant Approval Credit Cards Work
When you apply for a new credit card, the card issuer will typically conduct a hard pull of your credit report and review your credit history, income, and other financial information. They will use this information to decide whether or not to approve you for a card.
If they have enough information on your credit report to approve you automatically, you may be instantly approved. In other cases, a credit analyst may need to review your application before making a decision. This will impact how long it takes to get a credit card.
Many credit card issuers also allow you to prequalify for a credit card. When a lender prequalifies you for a credit card, they usually take your basic information and do a soft pull on your credit report, as opposed to the hard inquiry done for formal approval of your application. This soft pull allows them to see a limited amount of information about you, which may be enough for them to prequalify you.
Being prequalified does not mean that you’ll necessarily be approved when you fill out the complete application. In contrast, when you receive an instant approval, that means that you’ve actually been approved for the card.
Fast credit cards approval has some obvious upsides, but there are also some possible downsides to take into consideration as well:
Pros
Cons
You know right away when you are approved
You may not be instantly approved, even with good credit and income
You may be able to access your card information instantly
Instant access to your credit card number may tempt you to spend more
When to Consider an Instant Approval Credit Card
The only time it may be worth it to go out of your way to go for an instant approval card is if you have a large purchase that you need to make within the next day or two. In that case, being able to secure a big signup bonus on a new card or get a card with an introductory 0% APR offer may be worthwhile, given how credit cards work.
When possible, however, it’s better to manage your credit cards and credit card applications so that you don’t have to depend on instant credit card approval.
When to Skip an Instant Approval Credit Card
In most non-emergency cases, it doesn’t make sense to go out of your way to find an instant approval credit card. Instead, review the different credit cards that are out there and find the best card for you — regardless of whether you might be instantly approved.
Choosing a credit card that’s right for you might earn you hundreds of dollars or more in rewards. In the end, it may be worth more than getting the card information a few days earlier.
Choosing an Instant Approval Credit Card
It’s not always possible to determine whether any particular card will give you instant approval. Some card issuers (including American Express) publicly state that they offer instant credit card numbers to eligible cardholders.
That being said, receiving instant approval (and an instant credit card number) is contingent on the information on your credit report and the credit card requirements of the card issuer itself. In other words, instant credit card approval and use is not something that can be guaranteed.
Increasing Your Chances of Approval
While there isn’t always a guarantee of getting instant credit card approval, there are a few things you can do to help increase your chances of getting approved immediately.
Provide Information About Your Income
Most credit card applications ask about your total household income. Providing accurate income information can help the credit card issuer understand your financial situation and possibly approve you instantly.
Remember, one of the key credit card rules is that you should be truthful. If an issuer finds out that you were dishonest on your application, they may close your account.
Another great idea if you’re hoping to secure instant approval on a credit card is to check your credit report. Keep your eye out for any incorrect or inconsistent information. If there’s incorrect negative information on your credit report, it may prevent you from being instantly approved for a credit card.
In general, it’s a wise financial move to regularly review the information on your credit report at least on a yearly basis.
Apply for the Right Instant Approval Credit Card
You’ll also want to be realistic about your approval odds for the credit card you’re looking at. If your credit isn’t that great, you might not want to try applying for an instant approval credit card that requires excellent credit (meaning a score of 800+). It’s more important to try to apply for a card that you’re likely to get approved for than one that might offer instant approval.
Alternatives to Instant Approval Credit Cards
One alternative to an instant approval credit card is to just apply for the best credit card for you, regardless of whether you might be instantly approved. You might also look at virtual credit cards, where you can get a temporary, randomly generated credit card number that’s linked back to your actual credit card account.
If you are in need of fast funding, there are other options to explore there, too. Some online lenders offer funding the same day you apply and get approved for a personal loan. You might also consider tapping into your emergency fund, which you then can replenish once you’ve addressed your need for fast cash.
The Takeaway
When you apply for a credit card, it’s possible the credit card issuer may instantly approve you. In other cases, they may need more time to decide whether or not to approve your application. If you are instantly approved, you may also be able to have immediate access to your card number and other credit card details. Instant approval credit cards with instant use can be useful if you have an immediate need to make a large purchase and want to do it on a new credit card.
Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.
FAQ
What credit score do I need for an instant approval credit card?
There isn’t a single credit score you’ll need to be approved for an instant approval credit card. Instead, each credit card has its own criteria for approval. When choosing a credit card, it’s important to select a credit card that matches your credit profile. If you have fair or worse credit, you shouldn’t apply for a credit card that requires excellent credit — you’ll likely be denied.
What is the difference between instant approval and instant use of credit cards?
When you apply for a credit card, you may be instantly approved if the card issuer has enough information to make an automatic decision. If you’re instantly approved, some issuers allow you to have instant access to your credit card number and account. That immediate access is what’s known as instant use.
Does an instant approval credit card guarantee you’ll be approved?
There’s no guarantee you’ll get approved when you apply for a credit card, and the same goes for instant approval credit cards. Whether you’re approved will depend on your financial specifics and the credit card’s requirements. Even if you’re prequalified or preapproved, that does not guarantee that you’ll be approved when you go through the formal application process.
What if my application for an instant approval credit card gets declined?
If your instant approval credit card application is denied, you may still eventually be approved for the card. It may just mean that the issuer needs additional information or more time to determine if they can extend credit to you. If you receive a firm denial, then it’s time to move on and find a credit card which will approve you.
Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Living on your own can be expensive, especially these days, thanks to inflation and a scarcity of housing. Add to that the fact that when we’re younger, we tend to have lower incomes, and it can be a major financial challenge to afford living on your own.
That said, it is certainly possible to afford moving out of your parents’ place. The key is to start planning and saving well in advance of your intended move. As a general rule, you want to have at least six months’ worth of living expenses saved up before setting off on your own. That may sound like a tall order, but these tips and strategies can help you get there.
Key Points
• Before moving out, ideally save six months’ worth of living expenses, though some manage with less.
• Calculate all potential upfront and ongoing costs to ensure affordability.
• Consider sharing expenses with a roommate to make moving more feasible.
• Research and compare housing options in different locations to maximize value.
• Establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses after moving out.
How to Financially Prepare to Live on Your Own
One of the most important first steps in getting ready to move out is determining how much it’s going to cost. Once you come up with a ballpark figure, you can determine a realistic timeline, then start setting aside a portion of every paycheck into a savings account that pays a competitive rate (such as a high-yield savings account) earmarked for your move.
Upfront Costs and Regular Bills
Let’s say a friend clues you in on a great deal on an apartment rental and says to hurry and get an application in. Just a minute, please! Before you can move out, you need to make sure you can truly afford to do so.
Start your research by tallying up all upfront costs and regular bills you’ll need to pay such as rent, auto and renters insurance, utilities, cell phone service, health insurance, transportation, and groceries. After calculating all necessary expenses, see how much room is left in your budget for extras like dining out or traveling.
Also consider the one-time hits your finances will take when you head out on your own: There may be broker’s fees, moving expenses (more on that in a minute), and other charges, as well as the price of buying furniture and other items for your home.
By looking at your budget this way, you can get an idea of whether you can comfortably afford to move out or if you need to wait a little bit longer to make a move work financially. You want there to be some breathing room in your budget so you don’t wind up putting necessities on your credit card and racking up debt.
Earn up to 3.80% APY with a high-yield savings account from SoFi.
No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.
9x the national average savings account rate.
Up to $3M of additional FDIC insurance.
Sort savings into Vaults, auto save with Roundups.
12 Steps to Afford Moving Out
Now that you have an overview of costs and expenses, it’s time to take the next step and drill down on understanding what you can afford, when you’re ready to move out, and how to navigate a move more easily.
These steps can help you get your own place without going broke.
1. Assess How Much Rent You Can Afford
As you plan this big step in adulting, you are likely most focused on how much rent you can pay. You’ll want to come up with a range of how much rent you can take on while still managing your other necessary bills, such as student loans, health insurance, and car payments.
It’s a good idea to tally up all your expenses and subtract that from your monthly after-tax income to see how much room is left in your budget and if the amount you can afford to pay is doable in your area. If you’re feeling as if you can’t quite come up with the necessary rent, you may want to consider how to move to another state or a nearby city that’s more affordable.
2. Consider Getting a Roommate
If it’s too hard to afford rent all on your own, you can think about having a roommate to help share the expenses with. Having a roommate can also make moving out for the first time feel less lonely.
3. Research Homes and Locations
Speaking of rent: Whether you plan to rent or buy when you move out, you’ll want to do some research on different housing opportunities in different areas. That way, you can see where you can get the most bang for your buck while still meeting your personal goals.
For instance, if you really value having a short commute, you might search for a studio instead of a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood you are targeting, if one-bedroom units are pricey. Or, if you’re hoping to rent a house, see what kind of prices you find in a neighborhood that’s adjacent to the one you are targeting or choose to go farther afield. You might find better deals due to more housing supply.
If you have a fair amount of things to move, it’s important to budget for the cost of movers. Yes, a friend with a van may be able to help with some smaller items, but things like a queen-size bed typically require movers.
Depending on how much you have to move and how far the move is (25 miles? 250?), your costs could be a few hundred or thousands. Ideally, you’ll want to get a couple of estimates from companies that come and actually eyeball how much you have.
Also, be sure to find out whether moving materials are included as you create your moving checklist. You may well be charged for boxes, wardrobes, tape, and moving blankets. In addition, it’s a good idea to inquire about “drive time” to and from your locations, which you may be billed for.
5. Don’t Make Any Excuses
It’s easy to think, “I can’t afford to move out” or “Rentals are hopelessly expensive” and give up (or at least procrastinate for a good long time). But if there’s a will, there’s usually a way. Finding your motivation and patience can be crucial to taking this step and getting your own place.
It’s common to get complacent when moving forward feels hard. If you do have to remain living with your parents or another family member while you save up to move out, keep your eye on the prize. Set up alerts for new home listings, put the word out that you are hunting for a home of your own, and keep saving and making career progress so you can attain your goal of moving out.
You might chat with friends or friends of friends to get their best advice on making your independent living dreams come true. They may have valuable hacks for you, too.
6. Have an Emergency Fund Saved Up
One way to lessen the financial stress of moving out is to have an emergency fund ready and waiting. That way, when you do move out on your own and hit an unexpected (and major) expense, you will have a financial cushion available to help you out.
How much should you have in an emergency fund? Experts advise having three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses stashed away (a high-yield savings account can work well). Figure out what that amount would be with the housing costs you expect to pay, and begin saving. Even $25 or $100 a month is a good start to get that layer of protection going.
7. Track Your Spending
When you are considering moving out for the first time, it’s wise to track your spending for a month or two. This will give you an idea of how much you tend to pay out each month, which can help you get a better idea of how much rent you can afford. For instance, how much do you typically spend on gas? On your WiFi provider? On eating out? As you look at these costs, you may be better prepared to know your budget once you are also paying housing costs.
Looking at your outflow of cash can also help you cut back on nonessential spending. For instance, you might realize you are spending over $100 a month on those iced coffees to go.
8. Budget for Home Needs
Figuring out how to move out with low income can be tricky. One hidden expense that is easy to forget about when budgeting for a move is home needs. Cleaning supplies, furniture, and appliances are expenses mom or dad may have taken care of in the past. Soon, they will be your responsibility. Consider how much that will cost and budget for it.
Also, if you are planning to buy a home instead of rent, budget for property taxes, home maintenance, and repairs.
9. Look for Cheaper Options on Furniture
When you are first starting out, you don’t need to splurge on expensive furniture. Thrift stores, garage sales, and inexpensive retailers can all get the job done. Freecycle and other similar sites (or Facebook and Nextdoor groups) can yield free or low-cost furnishings, too.
Over time, it’s likely to become easier to swap those inexpensive finds out for higher-quality pieces of furniture.
10. Manage Your Finances
To make moving out possible financially, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the money coming in and out each month. You’ll want to take some time to get all finances in order and to create a budget for this new chapter. Learning to manage money is a big step towards independence. It will have you that much more prepared for on-your-own living.
Your bank may well have an app that can help you track your incoming funds and your spending, which can help with this endeavor.
11. Set a Moving Timeline
Once it’s clear that a move is affordable, create a final timeline for finding a place to rent or buy and then moving in. Block out weekends for home hunting, and note how long before your move you want to get quotes from moving companies.
If you still need to save a bit more money, you can extend this timeline to include saving for a few months.
12. Be Realistic
It can take time to build the life you dream of, so don’t sweat it if your first home isn’t all that glamorous. Part of the fun of life is figuring things out and evolving over time. Many people have had first apartments that they still fondly look back on, despite how tiny, dark, or inconveniently located they may have been.
The best things in life often take time to fall into place, so be patient as you pursue your financial and lifestyle goals.
Prioritizing Financial Independence Over Savings
Many young people feel stuck at their parents’ because the finances of this situation make it possible to save on rent. They worry about moving out and not being able to save as much as they used to.
While there’s some truth to that point of view, understand that, yes, money is likely to be tight at first, but that is part of this rite of passage. Granted, you may not be able to save as you were before, but you can likely sock away a bit of money in savings (through your employer and/or into an emergency fund, perhaps) and begin to build your credit history, too.
It’s a big leap, but remember that your income will probably rise over time and help you save. Plus, living away from your parents can help you build your budgeting skills and financial savvy.
Banking With SoFi
Saving up for a major expense like a move? SoFi can help. When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
How much money should you have saved before moving out?
How much money you’ll need to move out varies from person to person. One rule of thumb is to save up at least six months’ worth of living expenses before moving out of a parent’s or family member’s home.
How do you move out when you can’t afford it?
It’s important for your financial health to not move out until you can afford to do so. To get to that point as quickly as possible, consider saving some of every paycheck and putting it in a savings account earmarked for your move. You might also want to look into sharing expenses with a roommate or perhaps taking on a temporary side hustle to earn extra income.
How do I know if I’m ready to move out?
You can get an idea of whether or not you’re ready to leave your parents’ place by calculating how much it will cost to live on your own. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of having a sufficient amount of income and savings. If you can afford to pay for rent and other necessities, plus have some fun (such as the occasional movie or dinner out), and you’ve built up some emergency savings, then you may be ready.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.
SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).
Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.
Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Good dental health can be essential to your overall well-being, but the cost of dental work — even after dental insurance — can make it challenging to pay upfront. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the average cost of a porcelain or ceramic crown is $1,213, while the cost of a root canal can range as high as $1,539 for a single session.
A dental credit card is a white-label version of a credit card intended to be used on dental care expenses. It is one way to cover these costs in smaller, more manageable installment payments. Although a credit card for dental work can serve as a useful financing tool, it’s also important to be mindful of the caveats of using credit for dental care.
What Is a Dental Credit Card?
A dental credit card is a credit card that’s designed specifically to pay for your out-of-pocket dental health care costs. These cards are typically offered in dental offices that accept the particular medical card it advertises as a form of payment.
Like a basic credit card, a dental credit card requires patients to undergo a credit check for qualification. The card’s use is limited to dental offices within the card issuer’s network for the purpose of financing your dental bills.
Dental care credit cards typically have high interest rates, even if they offer a temporary deferred interest period.
Your dental provider’s office might mention a dental credit card as a payment option if you’re unable to cover the expense in one lump sum. Typically, the office facilitates the process of completing your application for credit approval, but it is not financing the cost directly. In other words, your dental office isn’t the lender.
Instead, credit for dental care is provided by a third-party credit card issuer. Similar to how a conventional credit card works, your application is reviewed by the issuer’s underwriting team, and your credit history and score are evaluated.
If you’re approved, the card issuer will send you a physical credit card that you can use for services at an in-network health care office up to your approved credit card limit. Your dental provider is paid in full by the card issuer, and you’ll repay the issuer through monthly payments, plus interest if you carry a balance.
Deferred Interest Periods on Dental Credit Cards
Some credit cards for dental work offer zero interest charges for a limited period, also called deferred interest. This option can be advantageous if you’re confident that you can successfully repay the full balance before the deferment period ends.
However, if there’s a remaining balance after the deferment period ends, interest charges that accrued throughout the deferment period are added to the principal balance that’s due. Additionally, the new higher balance continues to accrue interest charges at the dental credit card’s APR, or annual percentage rate.
Because of this, use medical credit cards for dental work cautiously, as it’s a high-interest financing option that can lead to higher medical debt if you’re unable to repay your dental expenses quickly.
When applying for a credit card specifically for dental care expenses, make sure you ask about the card’s features, terms, annual percentage rate (APR), and how it calculates interest during and after any deferment period.
If you’re approved, ensure that your dental office provides you with a copy of your dental credit card’s disclosure agreement. Also pay attention to the agreed-upon amount for any dental services you receive so you can verify that the card was charged for the correct amount.
You’ll want to note the deferment dates for your card, if any, and the interest rate you’re offered. That way, you can make enough monthly payments to repay your balance in full before interest kicks in.
Paying for Dental Care If You Have Bad Credit
Getting approved for a dental care credit card might be challenging if you have bad credit. If you’re in a difficult position and need help paying for expensive dental work now, here are some options to explore:
• Inquire about a low-fee payment plan. Even if your dental provider doesn’t typically offer payment plans, it’s worth asking. They might accommodate you.
• Shop around with other dental providers. Prices vary across dental offices, so compare costs across a handful of affordable sources. You might consider a non-profit dental clinic or a dentistry school.
• Seek help from a family member. Ask a relative if they’re willing to offer a low-interest loan for your dental care.
• Explore local government programs. Some state and local governments offer low-cost dental care programs to residents.
Alternatives to Dental Credit Cards
If a dental credit card isn’t an option for you, there are a handful of other financing options to cover dental work, such as the cost of a root canal.
Credit Cards With 0% Interest Rates
Other types of credit cards, like a 0% APR card, are a good alternative to dental care credit cards. They offer a promotional period — sometimes from six months to 18 months — during which you don’t incur interest charges.
This kind of card may differ from deferred interest programs. With some promotional APR cards, interest only starts accruing on your outstanding balance after the promotional period ends. Still, the credit card rule applies to try to pay off your balance in full before the promotional period ends to avoid paying interest.
Payment Plans Through Your Provider
Some medical providers offer a payment plan at no additional cost or at a small installment fee. In this situation, you’re arranging low installment payments directly through your dental office until you’ve repaid your balance in full.
Not all dental offices offer this type of payment plan. But if yours does, it can work with you to create a custom monthly payment amount and due date that’s manageable for your finances.
Personal Loans
Compared to a dental credit card, personal loans might offer lower interest rates for qualified borrowers. A low-interest personal loan achieves the same result as a credit card for dental work in that you can chip away at your outstanding balance in small increments, plus interest.
Among the main differences: You’ll receive a lump-sum loan disbursement from your lender that can be used to pay your dental office upfront. Also, you may find that a personal loan has a lower interest rate than what a credit card would charge you.
Seeking financial assistance from a close relative can help you avoid dental care debt. When asking for help, clarify whether any available funds are a gift or need to be repaid.
If it’s the latter, discuss the repayment window and additional interest (if any). Also talk about expectations if you’re suddenly unable to make payments due to, say, an injury or job loss.
The Takeaway
Getting a credit card designed to pay for dental work can be useful if you’re faced with an urgent oral treatment or procedure and need fast financing. However, the high interest rates of credit cards for dental work compared to other financing options can make it a financially risky option.
Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.
FAQ
What credit score do I need to get a dental credit card?
Credit score requirements vary by credit card issuer, but generally, you’ll need at least fair credit. However, a higher score can help you qualify for more competitive interest rates.
Is a dental care credit card hard to get?
Dental care credit cards are commonly offered online or at your provider’s dental office, so applying for a card is typically straightforward. However, being approved for a dental credit card involves many factors, like your credit history, income, debt-to-income ratio, and other factors.
Should I pay for dental care with a credit card?
If you don’t have the cash flow to pay for your dental costs upfront, using a dental credit card helps you cover costs in small, monthly payments. That being said, doing so might cause you to incur high interest charges, so evaluate your financial situation and your options.
Can I get a dental loan with bad credit?
Dental loans for patients with bad credit are available, though they might come with high interest rates, low limits, or other restrictive factors.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Whether you’re interested in switching credit cards because you found one with better rewards or one with no annual fee, it can make sense to do so. Also called a credit card product change, some banks allow you to make a switch without much consequence.
But before doing so, it’s best to understand how changing credit cards works and how to switch credit cards properly.
What Is a Credit Card Product Change?
A credit card product change is where a cardholder switches from one credit card to another credit card offered by the same bank or issuer. Because each credit card offered by an issuer is referred to as a different product, a product change is simply switching credit cards.
In theory, switching credit cards within the same bank won’t affect your credit as you’re not applying for a new credit card. Typically, your credit limit will stay the same for your new card as it was for your previous card.
When you make a product change, you’re not canceling a credit card. Rather, you’re either switching to an equivalent credit card, upgrading to a card with more benefits, or downgrading to a card with fewer benefits. In many cases, your bank may send you targeted offers for different credit cards, and you may be able to switch to one of these credit cards.
Once you switch credit cards, you’ll no longer be able to use the credit card you previously had. You can start using the new credit card instead. Features and benefits will most likely differ, and in some cases, so too may your credit limit.
When it comes to following the credit card rules, each credit card issuer will have its own guidelines regarding product changes. For instance, some won’t allow you to change to certain credit cards, while others may allow a product change only if you’re switching to a similar type of card.
In general, though, there are some rules that are usually the same across the board.
• For one, cardholders can’t switch from a business credit card to a personal one and vice versa, since these are considered different classes of cards and may have different credit limits.
• Additionally, issuers typically only let you change credit cards as long as they’re within the same family of cards, as this can impact how credit cards work. However, each issuer has a different definition of what that means.
For instance, if you have a travel rewards credit card and the bank offers two other cards that use the same travel portal to redeem points, all of those cards could be considered in the same family. Or, if you have a co-branded card with an airline, other co-branded cards with that airline may also count as within the same family of cards.
Unfortunately, it’s often not easy to find information about whether you can switch your specific credit card to another. Your best bet is to call your credit card issuer and ask them directly.
There are certainly upsides to converting credit cards rather than closing out your account and starting over. However, there are downsides to take into account as well.
Pros of Switching Credit Cards
Cons of Switching Credit Cards
Generally won’t affect your credit score if the bank doesn’t conduct a hard credit inquiry
Not easy to find definitive information online about product change rules
Possible to get more benefits with the new card you switch to
May not be able to switch to your preferred card, depending on issuer’s rules
Won’t need to submit a new credit application
May lose existing credit card rewards or points
Guide to Switching Credit Cards
Switching credit cards can be a relative straightforward process, but it does involve contacting your bank or credit card issuer. Here are some best practices to keep in mind before making the switch.
Decide Which Card You Want
You want to make sure your new card will be a good fit for you. Before making moves to change your credit card, check your bank’s website to see what other products are currently on offer. In some cases, you may find that you’ll get upgrade offers in the mail or after logging into your bank account online.
Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Issuer
You’ll also want to contact your bank to ask whether you can switch to the card you’ve decided on. If you can get the credit card you want, ask the bank what else you’ll need to do before you can officially make the switch.
You’ll also want to ask about certain features and benefits you’ll receive if you do decide to change credit cards. Specifically, make sure to ask about the following:
• Whether your credit limit will remain the same after switching cards
• If you need to pay off the balance before switching
• Whether you’ll be subject to a hard credit inquiry
• Whether you can keep existing rewards you’ve earned with your current credit card
Learning these answers will help you to make an informed decision and avoid getting caught off guard after making the switch. You may even be able to negotiate for things like bonuses or perks that you may not have gotten otherwise.
Effects of a Product Change on Your Credit Score
It’s important to determine whether switching credit cards will have an adverse effect on your credit score. When it comes to your credit utilization, as long as you’ll have the same credit limit with your new card, you should be able to maintain it. This is unlike closing a credit card, where you’ll lose that credit limit, which could result in an increased credit utilization ratio and a negative impact to your credit score.
In some cases, your card issuer may require a hard credit pull before allowing you to switch credit cards, which could temporarily ding your credit score. Your issuer may make this request for a variety of reasons, including to ensure your credit profile is still good and to determine whether to continue offering you the same amount of credit (especially if you tend to max out your card). You’ll be asked permission before the hard inquiry is conducted, so you’ll know it’s coming.
Effects of a Product Change on Your Credit Card Rewards
Depending on what card you want to switch to, you may be able to keep your existing credit card rewards. For instance, if you’re switching to a credit card that has the same rewards structure or program, you’ll probably be able to keep the points or miles you’ve earned.
However, if you’re going from a travel rewards card to a cash back program, for instance, your bank may not allow you to keep your existing rewards. That means you’ll have to use up your rewards or forfeit them, though it may still be worth speaking with a customer representative to see what they can do.
If you want to get sign-up bonuses on a credit card that you plan on switching to, check with your bank to see whether you’re eligible. Some cards don’t allow bonuses for existing customers.
The Takeaway
Requesting a credit card product change can be an easy way to switch to a new credit card without going through the full application process. Before you make any moves, however, take the time to confirm whether or not converting credit cards will impact your credit and whether you’ll be able to keep the rewards you previously earned. After all, valuable credit card rewards probably aren’t something you want to lose out on.
Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.
FAQ
Does a product change reduce your credit score?
A credit card product change may affect your credit score if your issuer requires a hard credit inquiry to make the switch. This should only impact your score temporarily though.
How do I request a product change?
To switch credit cards, you’ll need to contact your bank or credit card issuer to determine whether you can switch the card you want. From there, it will inform you of the other steps you need to take.
What are the downsides of a credit card product change?
You may lose the rewards you’ve earned on your current card if you decide to switch credit cards. Your credit score could also be temporarily affected if your issuer conducts a hard credit check when you switch cards.
Photo credit: iStock/RgStudio
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Sooner or later, most of us hit that moment where we need some cash — and fast. Maybe a major car repair or medical bill arrives, you get laid off, or you simply overspend for a period of time: All are ways that you can unfortunately find yourself in a hole financially.
A particularly expensive (or unlucky) month might make a credit card cash advance seem appealing. But before you go ahead and get a bundle of bills from your credit card issuer, read up on the consequences of doing so.
Can You Get Cash Back from a Credit Card?
Yes, it’s possible to get a cash advance on a credit card. But just because you can do something doesn’t always mean you should.
A credit card cash advance is a stopgap for a financial emergency that can come with high costs to a person’s immediate financial situation. Furthermore, if not paid back quickly, it may also affect their credit history in the long term.
While a cash advance is certainly easy (it’s similar to making an ATM withdrawal from your checking account), there are typically better and more affordable options for most financial needs.
A credit card cash advance is used to get actual cash against a credit card account’s cash limit, which might be different from the credit limit. It’s essentially a loan from the credit card issuer. Here’s how it usually works:
• You put your credit card into an ATM, enter the card’s PIN, and choose an amount to withdraw. The cash is then dispensed for you to use as you see fit.
• If you don’t know the card’s PIN, a cash advance can be completed by going into a bank or credit union with the credit card and a government-issued photo identification.
• A cash advance check directly from the credit card company — sometimes included with mailed monthly billing statements — can also be used to get a cash advance.
Why Do People Use Cash Advances?
Why use a cash advance from a credit card? The bottom line: convenience and speed. ATMs are plentiful in most towns, and it takes just a few minutes to complete the process of getting a cash advance at an ATM. There’s no approval process required either.
Some people may assume they don’t have enough time to access other kinds of credit. This isn’t always true, however. For instance, funds obtained through an unsecured personal loan are sometimes available in just one to five days after approval of the loan.
As fast and simple as a credit card cash advance may seem, however, there are significant costs involved. Realizing the financial impact of these withdrawals may encourage a person to look elsewhere for funds.
A cash advance is an expensive way to borrow money. To put it in perspective, they’re just a step up from payday loans (which typically have much higher interest rates than credit card cash advances, extra fees, and short repayment terms). Here’s a closer look at how these expenses can pile up.
Cash Advance Fee
It’s typical for credit cards to have a fee specifically for cash advances. This fee can be anywhere from 3% to 5% of the total amount of the cash advance. This fee is added to the account balance immediately — there is no grace period.
Higher APR
The average APR, or annual percentage rate, a credit card issuer typically charges for a cash advance is quite a bit higher than normal purchase charges. Currently, the average credit card interest rate on purchases is almost 25%. But what is the APR for a cash advance? The rate is likely to be between 25% and a whopping 30% or more, according to recent research.
What’s more, unlike interest charged on regular purchases, there is no grace period for the interest to start accruing on a cash advance. It starts accumulating immediately and increases the account balance daily.
ATM Fee
Getting a credit card cash advance from an ATM may also mean incurring an extra fee charged by the ATM owner, if that’s not the financial institution that issued your credit card. These fees currently average $4.73 or so per transaction. As you see, the ATM fee can increase the charges for a cash advance, which often add up quickly.
Payment Allocation Rules
If you’re thinking that a cash advance can be paid off first and then the interest rate will revert to the lower rate charged on regular purchases, guess again. While federal law dictates that any amount more than the minimum payment made must go toward the highest interest rate debt, the minimum payment amount is typically applied at the credit card issuer’s discretion. This might well work in the card issuer’s favor, not yours.
You might be wondering just what a cash advance looks like in actual dollars and sense, so let’s consider this scenario.
Say a person is carrying a credit card balance of $1,000 with an APR of 25%. Perhaps they are trying to financially survive a layoff and need funds, so they find out how to get a cash advance on their credit card and take out $1,000 with a 30% APR. When they receive the billing statement, they pay $1,000 toward their credit card balance.
The minimum payment due amount of $35 is applied to the regular purchases that are accruing interest at a rate of 25%. The remainder, $965, is applied to the cash advance balance that’s getting charged a 30% interest rate.
In order to completely get rid of that 30% APR, the account holder would have to pay the full $2,000 balance.
The cash advance will only be paid off when the entire credit card balance is paid in full, which means they could be setting themselves up with higher interest charges for a long time to come.
Waiting until the next monthly statement is available will just increase the amount due. Every day the cash advance accrues interest, it costs the cardholder more money. The faster the balance is paid off, the less interest will accrue.
Using a credit card interest calculator can be enlightening when figuring out how much purchases or cash advances will really cost with interest applied and how much time it might take to pay them off.
Personal Loans vs Cash Advances
Now you understand how to get a cash advance from a credit card and the expenses involved. So what are the alternatives to this kind of a cash advance? Ask friends or family for a loan? Find ways to make money from home?
While those options are certainly acceptable, an unsecured personal loan might also be an option for some people. These loans can allow you to get funds at a lower interest rate that you can use to pay off your high-interest debt. Here’s how they usually work:
• An application for a personal loan online can typically be completed in minutes and, if approved, the borrower may possibly get the funds within a couple of days. Personal loans can be used for a variety of reasons.
• Some common uses for personal loan funds are debt consolidation, wedding expenses, unexpected medical expenses, and moving expenses, to name a few. It’s even possible to use a personal loan to pay off that credit card cash advance, which may cost you a lot less in the long run.
There are several benefits to personal loans that are worth knowing about:
• Personal loans are likely to offer a more manageable interest rate on the money borrowed than the typical interest rate on a credit card cash advance. Of course, the personal loan’s interest rate will depend on the borrower’s creditworthiness, but it’s likely to be lower than the one tied to a credit card cash advance.
• When personal loans are used to pay off a cash advance, they can simplify a person’s debt. With a single personal loan, there is only one interest rate to keep track of, as opposed to juggling two high interest rates: one for the cash advance and one for regular purchases charged to the credit card.
• Credit card debt is revolving debt, which means that the borrower’s credit limit can be used, repaid, then used again, as long as the borrower is in good standing with the lender. A personal loan, however, is installment debt, and has fixed payments and a fixed end date. Unlike the revolving debt of a credit card, the funds from a personal loan can only be used once, and then they have to be repaid.
Personal Loans and Credit Scores
Another upside of choosing a personal loan over a credit card cash advance is that responsibly managing a personal loan might positively impact the borrower’s credit score.
One factor that goes into calculating a FICO® Score is the percentage of available credit being used, the credit utilization ratio, and it accounts for 30% of a person’s total score.
In the hypothetical scenario above, if the borrower had a $3,000 credit limit on their credit card, by using $2,000 of their total available credit, their credit utilization rate would be a whopping 66% (if that one credit card was the only account appearing on their credit report).
It’s fairly typical that credit card users continue to make charges on their accounts, which is likely to keep their credit utilization ratio high.
Installment debt, such as a personal loan, is looked at in a slightly different way in credit score calculations. Making regular payments on an installment loan may carry slightly greater weight than might someone’s credit utilization rate in calculating their credit score. Thus, making regular payments on a personal loan is likely to demonstrate responsible borrowing as the balance is paid down.
As you’ve now learned, considering a variety of funding sources when you need money fast is a smart money move. When you do so, a credit card cash advance may well be seen as a last-resort maneuver.
The Takeaway
Life can certainly deliver some unexpected financial challenges now and then — moments when you need cash quickly, for instance, but don’t have any available. While a cash advance from your credit card may seem like a fast, simple solution, tread carefully. There are significant costs associated with this withdrawal which could leave you with more long-term debt than you’d like. It’s probably wise to explore your options first.
While money management can be tricky at times, partnering with the right financial institution can help improve your financial life.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.
FAQ
What is a credit card cash advance?
A credit card cash advance is a quick, convenient way to access cash using your credit card. You insert it into an ATM or visit a bank branch to obtain the cash. However, this will likely involve your owing significant fees and being assessed a considerable interest rate on the money you have borrowed.
What are the costs of a credit card cash advance?
A credit card cash advance will involve a fee that’s typically 3% to 5% of the total loan amount. In addition, there may be an ATM fee of several dollars. The money that you are advanced begins to accrue interest right away, and this usually is at a higher rate than your rate on purchases. What is a cash advance APR usually? Between 25% and 30%.
What is the difference between a credit card cash advance and checking account withdrawals?
A credit card advance is significantly different from a checking account withdrawal. With a credit card advance, you are quickly getting access to cash from your credit card issuer. It is a form of a loan, and your interest rate will likely be between 25% and 30% until it’s fully repaid. With a checking account withdrawal, you are accessing your own money, so there’s no interest fee involved, though you might be charged a several dollars if you use an out-of-network ATM for the transaction.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
