What are the Barclaycard credit score requirements?

Barclaycard approval odds largely depend on your credit score, income and debt. All Barclays credit cards require a minimum of 700 or 750 credit score; this means you need either good or excellent credit to get approved for a Barclaycard. And that alone tells you the average American’s Barclaycard approval odds aren’t so hot. The average credit score is below 700, and you need to be above that mark for good Barclays approval odds.… read full answer

Here’s what you should know about your Barclaycard approval odds:

• Barclaycard will consider your credit history, income, existing debt and number of recent inquiries, among other things, when reviewing your application. The exact approval criteria for each card aren’t public, though.
• Some Barclaycards require excellent credit for approval.
• The vast majority of Barclaycard credit cards require at least good credit for approval.
• When applying, you must provide your permanent address, date of birth, Social Security number and mother’s maiden name.
• Business card applicants must provide their company’s legal name, trade name and phone number, plus how many employees they have, how long they’ve been in business, and their annual revenue.
• You can’t check if you’re pre-approved for a Barclaycard. You could receive a pre-approved offer in the mail, but there’s no way to request that.
• You should check your latest credit score before applying. If it’s not good enough for a Barclaycard yet, you’ll want to look into other cards for building credit.

The best thing you can do for your Barclaycard approval odds is use credit responsibly. Paying down balances, making payments on time and not maxing out your existing cards all help your chances. And if Barclaycards aren’t a realistic option right now, you still have choices. Plenty of other credit card companies have offers for people with fair, limited and bad credit.

There isn't a Barclaycard for bad credit. All Barclaycards require at least good credit, and some require excellent credit.

But Barclays isn't the only issuer out there, and several others have secured cards for people who are rebuilding their credit. Secured cards are generally open to those with bad credit because they require a security deposit. The deposit serves as your credit limit, and as collateral if you default. If you pay off your balance and close your account, you'll get your deposit back. Some of the best options even offer rewards.… read full answer

Here are some alternatives to a Barclaycard for bad credit:

• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card: $0 annual fee. 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 spent quarterly in the 3% and 2% categories combined), and 1% back on all other purchases . Requires a minimum security deposit of $300. Your credit line is the same as your deposit.
• Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit: Annual fee of $75 intro 1st yr, $99 after. 1% cash back on gas and grocery purchases, as well as 1% back on mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Unsecured, with a $300 initial credit limit. Open to those with bad credit.
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: $0 annual fee. Minimum deposit of $49, $99 or $200, depending on the specifics of your credit. Your credit line is a minimum of $200, plus anything you add, up to your maximum approved credit line.
• OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: $35 annual fee. No credit check when you apply. Minimum deposit is $200. Your deposit serves as your credit limit.

The best alternative to a Barclaycard for bad credit is a secured card from another major issuer. While there are unsecured credit cards for bad credit, their secured counterparts will often have better rates and even offer rewards. If you pay your bills on time and avoid maxing out your credit limit, you'll start seeing your credit score go up.