What is the minimum credit score for a credit card?

There is no minimum credit score needed for 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.

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.

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.

You can get a credit card with any credit score, but if your score is low, you might only be able to get a secured card. Even a secured card will build up your credit, though. Here’s a few more options…

Best Credit Cards by Credit Score Needed:

800 credit score or better: Citi Double Cash (2% cash back)

700 credit score or better: Capital One Venture (2 miles/$1)

600 credit score or better: Discover it Secured (no annual fee, cash back doubled in first year)

500 credit score or better: Capital One Platinum Secured (no annual fee, potential for partially-secured)

400 credit score or better: OpenSky Secured (no credit check)

300 credit score or better: OpenSky Secured (no credit check)