What credit score is needed for Mastercard?

There is no minimum credit score needed to get a credit card. Some credit card companies don’t even check applicants’ credit history, so it’s certainly possible to get a credit card even if you have a very low credit score or no credit score at all.

But there is a difference between getting approved for a credit card in general and getting one of the better offers.... read full answer

The credit score needed for credit card approval ultimately depends on which specific card you want to get. Most of the time, credit card companies have a credit score tier they’re looking for, and applicants will need a score in the required tier (or higher) for a good chance of approval. The tiers are bad, fair, good and excellent.

The thing is, credit cards require scores that are a bit higher than the traditional minimum for each tier in the overall credit score range, according to WalletHub’s research. So for each credit tier, you can see a “traditional” score range and a “WalletHub recommended” score range below.

Here is the credit score needed for a credit card at each level:

One way to estimate your credit card approval odds is to check for pre-approval. Many major issuers will allow you to check for free. It won’t hurt your credit score. And you’ll get a pretty good idea of your chances. Plus, if you’re not sure what your score is yet, you can check your latest credit score for free on WalletHub. You’ll also get personalized credit card recommendations with high approval odds.

Just remember that having a qualifying credit score does not guarantee credit card approval. The credit card application process takes many other factors into account. Payment history, existing debt and income play big roles, too.

The best credit card for a 650 credit score is the Capital One Platinum Credit Card because it has a $0 annual fee and can help improve your credit score. Capital One also reviews accounts for automatic credit limit increases as soon as six months after account opening.

A 650 credit score is near the low end of the fair credit score range. People with fair credit typically have a tough time getting approved for cards with low fees and rewards that can be used anywhere, rather than at certain retailers. But if you don’t mind paying a small annual fee, Capital One offers the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It gives 1.5% cash back on all purchases in exchange for a $39 annual fee. It can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.... read full answer

Best Credit Cards for a 650 Credit Score

It's worth noting that most student credit cards are open to students with fair credit and tend to offer better rates and rewards than their general-consumer counterparts. So if you're a student with a 650 credit score, you might want to take advantage of it by checking out some of the best student credit cards on the market.

Store cards also tend to have lenient approval requirements and accept applicants with fair credit. But their use will be restricted to the businesses they're affiliated with.

The bottom line is that a credit score of 650 will put you in the running for some of the best credit cards for fair credit. And as long as you keep your account in good standing by paying your bills on time and in full, you can improve your credit score and set yourself up for access to some of the best credit card deals in the future.

One of the best credit cards for a 600 credit score is the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card rewards cardholders with 1.5 - 5% cash back on purchases. Plus, the card has a $0 annual fee.

Generally, the best credit cards for a 600 credit score are secured cards because they offer easy approval and are often much less expensive than unsecured credit cards for bad credit. Secured credit cards require a security deposit, and the card’s credit limit is equal to the amount of the deposit. This deposit is fully refundable when you close your account with a $0 balance.... read full answer

Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score

For more options, you can also check out our editors’ latest picks for the best credit cards for bad credit (600 credit score). Ultimately, to learn more, read WalletHub’s guides on secured credit cards and how to rebuild credit.