If you’re shopping on the Internet, chances are good that you will be using a credit card to do so. Credit cards are easier and even safer than checks are cash transactions. But if you don’t already have a credit card, is there a way to get credit instantly?

1. Go to a large retailer

When you’re shopping online, you will generally receive offers for credit cards if you make a purchase with a larger retailer. In some cases, this will be a card that you can use on their site or at their local shops. With a good credit rating, you can even get a percentage off your total order or free shipping as an enticement.

However, you will have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

2. Just when you’re online shopping

And also at larger retailers, you can instantly apply for major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are the largest) when you complete a purchase. Again, these can allow you to receive discounts on your purchase.

3. Through payment sites

When you’re using PayPal or other merchant online payers, you can also apply for credit cards instantly. These can come with benefits like lower fees on transactions through their site as well as cash back on purchases that are made on the card.

4. At a store

And if you’re shopping in person, you can also apply for a credit card instantly by merely filling out a form and waiting to be approved. This only takes minutes and can save you money on your order during that visit and usually at the visit that follows. Some stores even offer gift cards after purchases total a certain amount.

5. How to be approved instantly

But the fact of the matter is that you can’t get instant credit card approval if you don’t already have good credit. This means that you will need to show another major credit card as well as undergo a credit screening. This not only shows your history of paying bills but also how many other credit cards you have. It will also determine how high of a limit you will receive on that card.

Almost anyone can get instant credit card approval for almost any purchase online or in a physical store. All you have to do is apply and have a good credit report to back you up.