Getting a new credit card can be exciting, whether it’s your first or you’re just adding some other rewards card to your collection. Your new card will usually arrive in the mail in a few days, but you may not have to put it on hold that long to use it.
In some cases, you may be able to utilize a new credit card before receiving the actual card in the mail. Even though this isn’t an option for all cards, it’s something to look into if you have to use a new credit card quickly.
Pre-using Your New Credit Card
It is possible to use a credit card before it gets there, but only with certain cards. If you want to use a credit card before the due date, you need either a card that lets you use it right away or a card that lets you use a virtual account number.
Credit card for Instant Use
With just an immediate use card, you can apply and get approved in a few minutes, giving you access to your account right away. One of the common types of cards that can be used right away is a retail store card, which you can apply for in the store and then use to pay for something right away.
Ranjit Sarai, vice president of digital banking product at Credit Sesame, says that customers who sign up for a retail credit card in-store may get a copy they can use right away. He says that the first in-store purchase can be recorded by printing the credit card number on a receipt. Most of the time, these cards come with discounts or rewards to get people to use them right away.
Along with retail credit cards, the following are some of the most popular instant use cards:
- Amazon Prime Visa Signature Card with Rewards
- Blue Cash Preferred® American Express Card
- Premium Rewards credit card from Bank of America
- Credit Card from SoFi
Numbers for virtual accounts
When compared to actual credit cards, virtual account numbers work in a different way. When you get a virtual credit card number, each time you make a purchase, you get a credit card number that can only be used once. When you buy something, you’ll be asked for an identification number (PIN) to make sure you’re who you say you are.
The best thing about a virtual credit card number is that it can be safer than a normal credit card with a single number that can be used more than once. They are also easy to use online, just like a normal credit card.
How to Add a Credit Card to an Electronic Wallet
Whether you have a credit card that you can use right away or a virtual account number, it’s a good idea to add it to your preferred digital wallet.
1.Select your digital wallet
There are many different kinds of digital wallets, so the first thing to do is decide which one you want to use. Checking which app works best with your device is the easiest way to choose a digital wallet. For example, people who use Android may choose Google Pay, while most people who use iOS will choose Apple Pay. PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App are some other digital wallets.
2.Install the wallet app
Once you’ve chosen an app for your digital wallet, you can download it from the app store on your device. Most digital wallets are free, but you should read the terms and conditions to make sure there aren’t any hidden fees or costs.
3.Include your payment method
If you don’t already have an account, you’ll probably be asked to make one after you’ve downloaded the app. The last step is to add your billing address and credit card number to your digital wallet. Most of the time, you’ll get an email telling you that the card was linked successfully.
Read more: 7 reasons why you should use eReceipts
