www.supermoney.com Open in urlscan Pro
172.67.70.188  Public Scan

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

This site requires JavaScript to function properly. Please enable JavaScript in
your browser.Skip to content


Explore

Log inSign up


HOW TO APPLY FOR A CREDIT CARD SO YOU’LL GET APPROVED

Personal Credit Cards
3 more


Last updated 03/15/2024 by

SuperMoney
Applying for a credit card today is often as easy as handing over a couple of
pieces of information and waiting for a response. Getting approved for a credit
card, however, is a different matter.
The good news is that card approval rates are on the rise. A Consumer Finance
Protection Bureau (CFPB) report indicates that the approval rate for all types
of credit cards, whether your rating is superprime to subprime, is up to 39.1%
across the board from a low of 36.2% a few years ago.
However, that still means 6 out of 10 applications are not accepted. Here is
what you need to know if you want to get approved for a credit card and some
tips to help you make the right credit card choices.


COMPARE CREDIT CARDS

Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of leading credit cards.
Compare Credit Cards


MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY FOR A CREDIT CARD

Just because you’re old enough or can qualify for a credit card doesn’t
necessarily mean that you’re ready for one. Using credit is a big
responsibility, and it’s important that you only use it to buy the stuff you can
afford. If you don’t manage your credit properly, it can be a disaster for your
credit.


STEP 1: KNOW YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Before you apply for a credit card, you should know your credit score. Your
credit score is one of the most important factors that a card issuer will use to
determine whether or not to approve your application. Banks and credit unions
vary some with their ratings, which are generally based on a FICO score, but a
general classification is:
 * 559 or below – deficient credit
 * 560 – 639 – poor credit
 * 640 – 699 – fair credit
 * 700 – 749 – good credit
 * 750 – 850 – excellent credit

You can find out your credit score for free here. If you’re interested in a
rewards credit card or a credit card with a 0% introductory period, you will
likely need good to excellent credit to qualify. So if your credit score is
lacking, you might want to take some steps to improve your finances before you
apply for a credit card.


STEP 2: IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

One-third of your credit score reflects your total amount of debt. The rating
bureau looks at what is called your credit utilization ratio, which is the
amount of debt that you have divided by your credit limits. This ratio should be
less than 30% on all of your current cards.
For example, if you have a credit card with a $1,000 credit limit, your
outstanding balance should be less than $300 at all times. Paying down existing
credit card balances is one way to improve your credit score. Other ways to
improve your credit score include disputing any incorrect items on your credit
report and having a diverse credit profile. You can get a free credit report
once a year at annualcreditreport.com.


STEP 3: REDUCE YOUR DEBT BY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Reducing your overall level of debt involves more than just paying down credit
cards. If you have outstanding medical bills, student loans, or personal loans,
pay down the balances on those debts. This will improve your credit and your
chances of getting approved for a credit card.


STEP 4: APPLY FOR A CREDIT CARD THAT FITS YOUR CREDIT PROFILE

Once you know your credit score, target credit cards that fit your credit
profile to increase the odds of acceptance. If you have poor credit, you
wouldn’t want to apply for a rewards credit card that requires good to excellent
credit.
Each time you apply for a credit card, the credit bureaus make a note of your
inquiry on your credit report. Too many inquiries in a short period will have a
negative impact on your credit score. If you’re not sure about your
qualifications, research the company. SuperMoney provides expert reviews and
makes it easy to filter credit card companies by their eligibility criteria.


STEP 5: INCLUDE OTHER FACTORS ON YOUR APPLICATION

While most credit card issuers use credit score as their primary decision
factor, it’s not the only variable they consider. Credit card companies also
want to know how much money you make so that they can calculate your
debt-to-income ratio.
Your debt-to-income ratio is your total monthly debt divided by your gross
income. The requirement will vary by lender, but 43% or below is commonly used
as an acceptable benchmark. If yours is higher, you might want to pay off some
debt before you apply for a credit card.
Also, make sure that you include all of your income. Understating your income on
a credit application will lessen your chances of approval.


STEP 6: CHOOSE THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD FOR YOUR NEEDS

Before you shop for credit card offers, decide how you are going to use your
credit card. Will you pay off your balance every month or are you looking for a
credit card to finance a major purchase? If you think that you will carry a
balance, look for credit cards that have the lowest annual percentage rates
(APRs). You also might benefit from a balance transfer card with a 0% APR
introductory period.
On the other hand, if you pay your bill in full every month, other factors might
be more important than the APR. You might want to find a card that has no annual
fee. Another option is a credit card that either gives you cashback or travel
rewards.


STEP 7: DON’T GIVE UP IF YOU DON’T GET APPROVED FOR A CREDIT CARD

If you’ve applied for a few credit cards that match your credit score profile
and are still denied, don’t give up too easily. Nearly all credit issuers have a
reconsideration line that you can call to discuss your case.
When you call this number, always be polite and make sure that you have a copy
of your credit report handy. Be ready to address any negative items and explain
to the agent why you are a responsible borrower.


WHICH CREDIT CARDS ARE EASIER TO GET APPROVED FOR?

Your income and credit score will determine which credits are easiest to get
approved for.
If you have a fair credit score, which is between 640 and 700, you should apply
for the Chase Freedom Visa card. This is a balance transfer credit card that
also offers generous rewards. You get a 15-month 0% introductory APR period.
There is no annual fee for this card and a straight 1% cashback program. You
also get 5% cash back on revolving categories.
Another good choice for those with fair credit is the Citi Double Cash card.
This Mastercard has a longer 0% introductory APR period (18 months). It also has
a cashback card, but without the rotating categories. Instead, you get 2% back
on all purchases, 1% when you buy, and another 1% when you pay your bill. There
is no annual fee with this card.
If your credit is a bit more challenged, let’s say 600 or lower, apply for the
Indigo Platinum Mastercard. Issued by Celtic Bank, you can pre-qualify for this
card without a hard pull on your credit. This card doesn’t offer cash back or
miles, but you do have access to Mastercard Gold benefit, which includes such
things as price protection and travel assistance.


OTHER OPTIONS IF YOU CAN’T GET APPROVED FOR A CREDIT CARD

Let’s assume that you just can’t qualify for an unsecured credit card right now.
You still have a few options. The first thing you should do is see if there is
anyone who might agree to cosign on a credit card.
The next option is to get a secured credit card. The USAA Secured American
Express® card is an excellent choice. You can qualify for a secured credit card
by placing the equivalent amount in a USAA CD account as security. This is a
great way to build your credit and eventually qualify for an unsecured credit
card.
If you don’t qualify for the USAA card, check out the Secured Mastercard from
Capital One. With just a $49 deposit, you can start with a $200 line of credit.
You can increase that credit line simply by depositing more money into an
account, up to a total of $3,000.
A final option is getting added as an authorized user on someone else’s credit
card account. Your credit activity will reflect on your credit report, but it
won’t have as much weight as a co-signer or unsecured credit card.


SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST DEAL

When you’re looking for a credit card, shop around for the best deal. Compare
factors such as the APR, any fees, rewards, and introductory offers. If you have
just fair credit and don’t qualify for the best deals, your terms can improve if
you handle your credit wisely. Make your payments on time, and you might qualify
for a lower APR or higher limit in just six months.
Ready to find the right credit card? Search the best credit card offers now and
apply for one that fits your credit score profile.


COMPARE CREDIT CARDS

Compare reviews and details for top Credit Cards before making a decision.

Credit Score Range



No Annual Fee

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured,
and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for
mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

Community reviews are used to determine product recommendation ratings, but
these ratings are not influenced by partner compensation. SuperMoney checks for
and removes fake reviews when identified.

Destiny™ Mastercard® - $500 Credit Line


Member FDIC

Strongly recommended
20

3
View 25 Reviews

Purchase APR

24.9%

Disclaimer popup with additional information



Fixed APR

Balance Transfer APR

N/A
Get Started


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Card

Strongly recommended
29


View 33 Reviews

Purchase APR

14.99% - 29.99%

Disclaimer popup with additional information



Variable APR

Balance Transfer APR

14.99% - 29.99%

Disclaimer popup with additional information



Variable APR

Get Started

Promo Offer

Earn a $200 bonus!

To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking
Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from
your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards
Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking
account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part
of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer.
Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good
standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have
settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade
VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus
offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will
be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit
within 60 days after meeting the conditions.
View Offer


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Upgrade Life Rewards Visa Card

Strongly recommended
5
2
View 3 Reviews

Purchase APR

14.99% - 29.99%

Disclaimer popup with additional information



Fixed APR

Balance Transfer APR

14.99% - 29.99%

Disclaimer popup with additional information



Fixed APR

Get Started

Promo Offer

Earn a $200 bonus!

To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking
Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from
your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards
Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking
account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part
of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer.
Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good
standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have
settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade
VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus
offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will
be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit
within 60 days after meeting the conditions.
View Offer


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card

Strongly recommended
5
1
View 3 Reviews

Purchase APR

29.99%

Disclaimer popup with additional information



Variable APR

Balance Transfer APR

N/A
Get Started


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Mostly recommended
8
5
3
View 16 Reviews

Purchase APR

25.64%

Disclaimer popup with additional information



Variable APR

Balance Transfer APR

N/A
Get Started


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compare all Credit Cards


Share this post:



Table of Contents

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Make sure you’re ready for a credit card
Which credit cards are easier to get approved for?


YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All ContentProductsArticles

Credit Cards

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

SuperMoney

How to Get a Lower APR on Your Credit Card

SuperMoney

Personal Loans Provide Financial Discipline for the Credit Phobic

Audrey Henderson

How To Make Clever Money Decisions by Improving Your Financial IQ

Pamela Britton-Baer

How to Get Approved for a Credit Card

Allison Martin

How to Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio

Jessica Walrack

Credit Cards

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

SuperMoney

Credit Cards

Best No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Cards

SuperMoney

Credit Cards

Best Rewards Credit Cards

SuperMoney

Credit Cards

Best Credit Cards for Debt Consolidation

SuperMoney

Credit Cards

Best Wells Fargo Credit Cards

SuperMoney

Credit Cards

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards

SuperMoney

How to Get a Lower APR on Your Credit Card

SuperMoney

Personal Loans Provide Financial Discipline for the Credit Phobic

Audrey Henderson

How To Make Clever Money Decisions by Improving Your Financial IQ

Pamela Britton-Baer

How to Get Approved for a Credit Card

Allison Martin

How to Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio

Jessica Walrack

6 Credit Card Questions To Ask Your Partner Before You Say "I Do"

Julie Bawden-Davis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See More

BROWSE CREDIT CARDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
Zions Bank Clarity Visa® Credit Card
Zions Bank Agility Cash Visa® Credit Card
Zions Bank Vivid Rewards Visa® Credit Card
SCHEELS® Secured Visa® Card
Credit One Bank Wander® Card
Credit One Bank® Secured Card
Credit One Bank® Best Friends® Credit Card
ABNB VISA® Signature Rewards
Advantis Credit Union Signature Cashback Rewards
Visa Signature® Max Cash Preferred Card
Visa Signature® Everyday Rewards+ Card


SuperMoney

About UsCompare ProductsHelp CenterCareersNewsTopicsStudiesEncyclopedia

Product Categories

Checking AccountsCredit CardsSavings AccountsPersonal LoansHome LoanHELOCShared
Equity Agreements

Partner With Us

Feature Your CompanyMonetize ProgramOffer Financing


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

InstagramFacebookX (formerly Twitter)LinkedinPinterestRSS Feed
Terms of Site

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Privacy Policy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Security

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accessibility

© 2024 SuperMoney, LLC. All rights reserved

SuperMoney is not responsible for third party products, services, sites,
recommendations, endorsements, reviews, etc. All products, logos, and company
names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders.
Their use does not signify or suggest the endorsement, affiliation, or
sponsorship, of or by SuperMoney or them of us.

Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of
the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed
by any financial institution. This editorial content is not provided by any
financial institution.

SuperMoney.com is an independent, advertising-supported service. The owner of
this website may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain
sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this
website. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site
(including, for example, the order in which they appear), with exception for
mortgage and home lending related products. SuperMoney strives to provide a wide
array of offers for our users, but our offers do not represent all financial
services companies or products.

Third-party loan provider information is not available to residents of
Connecticut or where otherwise prohibited.

We endeavor to ensure that the information on this site is current and accurate
but you should confirm any information with the product or service provider and
read the information they can provide.