Credit Card Approval Guide

Pre-approval means that a credit card company has made you an offer for one of their cards, usually via mail or email. Just note that while there are plenty of issuers that offer pre-approved credit cards, not all of them provide this opportunity. Also, until you actually apply for the card, you won't know for sure if you got approved for it or not.

Moreover, receiving a pre-approved offer means the issuer has done a soft pull...

No, pre-approved doesn’t mean no credit check. It simply means the issuer has already done a harmless, soft credit check and decided to make you an offer. If you decide to apply for the card, though, it is very likely that there will be a hard pull on your credit report.

Keep in mind that getting pre-approved for a card doesn’t guarantee approval should you ultimately decide to submit a formal application. However, pre-approved applicants end up...

Being pre-qualified for a credit card means the issuer has done a soft pull of your credit history and concluded that you are a good fit. It also means you have an 80%+ chance of acceptance if you decide to apply for the card in question. It’s very similar to pre-approval in those regards.

The main difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval is who makes the first move. If a credit card company sends you an...

Getting pre-approved or pre-qualified for a credit card is equally good. In both cases, your chances of being approved for an account are very high (typically around 90%), should you decide to apply. However, it does not mean that approval is guaranteed.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but their exact definitions are a bit different. A pre-approved credit card offer is when a credit card issuer proactively browses someone’s credit history and decides...

It’s good to accept pre-approved credit cards when they will save you money, both overall and compared to other credit card offers you have a good shot of qualifying for. Before accepting a pre-approved credit card offer, compare it to cards with similar requirements to make sure you’re not missing out on a better deal.

What Pre-Approval Actually Means

Pre-approval doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be approved for the card, but it does mean...

The best 0% APR credit card that offers pre-approval is the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. It offers an introductory rate of 0% for 21 months from account opening, followed by a regular APR of 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable, and it has a $0 annual fee. Wells Fargo may send out pre-approved offers by mail, and existing Wells Fargo customers may receive offers via e-mail or through their card’s online account. Plus, anyone can check their approval odds for this card and other Wells Fargo offers through the...

The best easy approval secured card is the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card because it does not require a credit check, it reports to the credit bureaus, and it has a $0 annual fee. To qualify, you will need to be 18+ years old and earn enough income to afford a $300+ security deposit, plus monthly bill payments.

Best Easy Approval Secured Credit Cards

If you’re less concerned with easy approval than getting the best...

The most common way to get pre-approved store cards is to receive an offer by mail or while shopping with a retailer online. However, there are some store cards that allow you to check for pre-approval before making a purchase. One of the best pre-approved store card is the Kohl's Credit Card  * because you can easily check for pre-approval online.

Kohl's Credit Card  *: A Top Choice for Pre-Approval

The Kohl's Credit Card  * has a $0 annual fee, gives a...

If you didn’t get the result of a credit card pre-approval, it could be for several reasons like the issuer might need more information from you or they might be facing technical issues. The lack of immediate results for a credit card pre-approval offer doesn't necessarily mean you didn't qualify.

Possible Reasons for Not Receiving Instant Approval

• Lack of enough information: Some information you provided might need verification such as your income, employment...

The best high-limit credit card that offers pre-approval is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card because its starting limit is $5,000, some applicants have reportedly received much higher limits, and the rewards are excellent. You may get a pre-approved offer for Chase Sapphire Preferred in the mail. Existing Chase customers may also receive a pre-approved offer through their online account.

Best High Limit Credit Cards That Offer Pre-Approval

Bear in mind that pre-approval for a high-limit credit...

Yes, American Express does have pre-approval. American Express has an online pre-approval page where potential applicants can quickly check their odds of approval for certain American Express credit cards before they actually apply for one. Current American Express customers may also receive pre-approved offers periodically by e-mail or when logging into their card’s online account. And in some cases, American Express will send people pre-approved offers for a specific credit card in the mail.

Getting...

Yes, Chase does have pre-approval. Chase has an online pre-approval page where potential applicants can quickly check their odds of approval for certain Chase cards before applying for one. Current Chase customers may also receive pre-approved offers periodically by e-mail or when logging into their online account. And in some cases, Chase will send people pre-approved offers for specific cards in the mail.

Getting pre-approved for a Chase card indicates that your chances of being approved...

To get pre-approved for a balance transfer credit card, pick a credit card you want to apply for and check if its issuer offers an online pre-approval or pre-qualification tool. Many credit card issuers will let you know which of their credit cards you are likely to qualify for based on a soft pull on your credit report. To get pre-approved for a 0% APR balance transfer credit card, you will most likely need to have at least good credit.

...

You can get pre-approved for a Visa credit card by checking for Visa offers from banks or credit unions in the mail, online, or at a local branch. Visa credit card issuers will typically send pre-approved offers to people who have good approval odds based on a soft pull of their credit report. In addition, most major credit card issuers allow you to pre-qualify on their website by providing your full name, address, birthday, and Social Security number.

To get a credit card, you need to be at least 18 years old and have an SSN or ITIN, a non-P.O. Box U.S. mailing address, and some form of income. If you're under 21 years old, you will need your own independent income to get a credit card, rather than shared income. Your legal name, phone number, email address and date of birth will be required, too.

Here’s What You Need to Get a Credit...

The fastest way to get a credit card is to apply online because you could be approved instantly, and you may even receive an instant card number so you can make purchases right away. You can also request expedited shipping to receive your actual card as soon as possible.

Steps to Get a Credit Card Fast

Apply online

This is the fastest way to get your application to the issuer.

Apply...

You can get approved for a Capital One credit card if you are at least 18 years old, have proof of enough income to make your monthly minimum payment, and meet the specific card’s credit score requirement. Capital One will also take into account your monthly housing payment and all sources of income, amongst other factors.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll be approved, Capital One offers the possibility to check if you pre-qualify for any of their...

The easiest way to get a credit card is to compare offers and apply online for the credit card that best meets your needs. Online credit card applications are easy to fill out, and you might get a decision within minutes of applying. That is especially true if you apply for a credit card whose approval requirements you easily meet, and if the issuer can easily verify your identity.

Which Credit Cards Are Easiest...

You can find out if you qualify for a credit card by checking your credit score and making sure you meet the credit card’s approval requirements. For instance, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, have enough income and/or assets to afford a card’s minimum monthly payments, and a U.S. mailing address.

Once you know your credit score, you will be able to sort credit card offers based on their eligibility requirements on WalletHub. To...

Credit card issuers typically do not require any documents to apply for a credit card, but they will ask for information that helps verify your identity, like your Social Security number. They will also ask for permission to get a copy of your credit report from the credit bureaus.

In some cases, after you submit an application but before you’re approved, a credit card issuer might ask you to provide proof of information you included...

Three things a credit card application will need are your full name, your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and information about your income. This information will help card issuers verify whether you are a real person and if you can afford making payments on a new credit card. Some credit card companies may request more information such as your employment status, your monthly housing payment, or even information about your bank accounts.

To get a credit card for the first time, you must be at least 18 years old and have enough income to afford monthly credit card payments, in addition to your other expenses. The minimum payments on a starter credit card usually are around $15 per month.

The two basic steps involved in getting a credit card for the first time are to: 1) compare credit card offers designed specifically for people with limited or no...

It can take anywhere from less than a minute to a few weeks to get approved for a credit card. The amount of time depends on how you apply, how good your credit is relative to the requirements of the card, and whether the issuer can immediately verify your information. You could be instantly approved if you apply online and are obviously qualified. But if you don’t get instant approval, it’ll typically take at least 7-10...

With some credit cards, you will know right away if you get approved when you apply online. However, not all online applications result in an immediate decision. If you’re instantly approved for the card that you apply for, you should see the good news on your screen within minutes of submitting your application. If your application requires further investigation from the credit card company, you will get a decision via email.

If you apply...

It usually takes 14-24 business days to get a credit card, from the time you submit an application to when it arrives in the mail. However, it’s possible to get a credit card in as little as a week if you apply online and request expedited delivery. Some issuers will even give you an account number to use for purchases before you receive your physical card.

A lot depends on your credit standing, the card...

You can get approved for a Chase credit card instantly. If not, you will most likely receive a decision within 7-10 business days. In some cases, however, it can take Chase up to 30 days to make a ruling.

After applying, you can check your status over the phone at (888) 609-7805. At the moment, there is no option to check the status of your application online. You may not like what you learn when you check...

You might be approved instantly for the Best Buy® Credit Card if you clearly meet the approval criteria and the issuer can immediately verify your identity. Other applications might require further review, taking up to 10 business days. However, if you don’t get a decision immediately after applying, it doesn’t mean you won’t have a shot after your application is reviewed in more detail. Most applicants are notified by mail of the issuer’s final decision within 10 business...

Instant credit is short for instant credit card, which is a credit card that gives instant approval to qualified applicants who apply online and can be used to make purchases immediately, before the card arrives in the mail. But instant credit can mean other things, too, as it’s a pretty general term. For example, people often use it in reference to instant approval credit cards that don’t necessarily allow instant use.

You could also...

The opensky Plus Credit Card is the easiest instant approval credit card to get, offering online applicants a quick decision and approving around 90% of applicants. This store credit card can only be used for Fingerhut purchases, but it can be used instantly after you get approved..

Easiest Instant Approval Credit Cards to Get

• opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for no credit check.
• Capital One Platinum Credit Card (see details, rates & fees): Good for limited or fair credit.
• Net First Platinum: Best store credit card.
• ...

If you need a credit card today, you should apply for an American Express card, a Capital One card, a Bank of America card, or a store credit card that offers instant use. It’s very common to get approved for a credit card the same day if you apply online, but you’ll typically have to wait another 7-10 business days for your card to arrive in mail. Most credit cards don’t allow you to make purchases before the card arrives, but there...

The best instant approval store credit card is the American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Store Card because it has a $0 annual fee and offers 40 points per $1 spent on AEO or Aerie purchases. You can also get 20% off your first purchase in-store or online at ae.com or aerie.com.  

Best Instant Approval Credit Cards

It really depends on what store you like most, as rewards are mainly tailored for purchases made in those stores.

It's also important to mention that while these cards offer instant approval, they do not offer guaranteed approval.

The best instant approval student credit card is the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students. It offers 1.5 - 2% cash back on all purchases as well as an initial bonus of $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, and it has a $0 annual fee.

Best Instant Approval Student Credit Cards

It’s important to note that no student credit card guarantees an application will be instantly approved or denied. In some cases, a credit card issuer may need more time or additional information to review...

The best credit card for bad credit with no deposit and instant approval is the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card. It comes with a credit line of at least $300 and offers 1% cash back on all purchases. You can also apply online, after checking to see if you're pre-approved. However, the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card is not available in all states.

Keep in mind that while there is a possibility of instant approval with most cards you can apply for online, it's never guaranteed. Instant approval tends to happen when your credit and income are better than the card's requirements. Sometimes, issuers may take longer to review a credit card application. There are a few other credit cards for bad credit with no deposit (known as unsecured cards) with instant approval, that are worth considering.

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit with No Deposit and Instant Approval

Keep in mind that unsecured credit cards for bad credit tend...

The best unsecured credit card with instant approval for people with bad is the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card because it’s relatively easy to get and it gives 1% cash back on all purchases. The OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card may have an annual fee ($0 - $89), however, and it is not available in all states.

Best Unsecured Credit Cards with Instant Approval

Most credit cards offer the possibility of instant approval when you apply online. The application typically takes around 10 minutes to complete, and you could get...

The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is the best instant approval credit card with no credit check because there's no annual fee and it gives an instant decision to most applicants. This card also gives you up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases.

Best Instant Approval Cards With No Credit Check

If you get one of these credit cards and keep your account in good standing, you can improve your credit score and you’ll eventually be able to...

No, even if you’re pre-approved for a credit card, you're still not guaranteed to get it. However, it does indicate that your chances of getting approved are very high (around 80-90%) if you apply.

Pre-approvals do not affect your credit score, as they're done using a soft pull. But if you decide to apply for the card you were pre-approved for, the issuer will conduct a hard pull of your credit report. This inquiry will lead to...

The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is the best unsecured credit card for bad credit with almost guaranteed approval, offering an initial credit limit of $300+ and 1% cash back on eligible purchases. No credit card guarantees 100% approval, but cards like this tend to offer high approval odds.

Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit with High Approval Rates in 2026

The problem with many unsecured credit cards for bad credit is they tend...

No, there aren’t any military credit cards with guaranteed approval. In fact, guaranteed approval is a myth. The credit cards that fall under this category are usually the ones with lenient approval requirements, though.

The closest thing to a guaranteed approval credit card is a secured card with a refundable deposit. The security deposit serves as your spending limit and prevents you from spending more money than you can afford to repay.

Notable...

Plenty of credit cards for bad credit offer a $1,000 limit, but no card offers guaranteed approval, as every applicant must meet certain requirements to qualify. The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is one good option, though, as it doesn’t charge an annual fee and it has good rewards. You can also deposit $1,000 to get a $1,000 limit.

Best Credit Cards with Nearly Guaranteed Approval and the Possibility of a $1,000 Limit

Key Things...

No, you don’t have guaranteed approval after a third credit card application. Applying numerous times not only does not improve your odds of approval, but in fact reduces your chances. Each time you apply for new credit, the issuer of that card will perform a hard inquiry into your credit report. Repeated inquiries within a short timeframe cause your credit standing to temporarily decline because they reflect desperation for credit.

If you’ve been rejected...

The short answer to this question is “not exactly.” Secured credit cards offer nearly guaranteed approval. In other words, most people should be able to get one, even with bad credit. But approval requirements vary from credit card company to credit card company.

Many issuers will reject people with certain types of negative information – usually a non-discharged bankruptcy or pending tax lien – on their credit report. Other secured cards don’t even perform...

No, you are not guaranteed approval for a secured credit card. Credit card companies do not guarantee approval for secured cards because applicants for any type of credit card must meet certain minimum eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old and having enough income to pay the bills.

A lot of people falsely assume they are guaranteed approval for a secured credit card because secured cards are, in fact, among the easiest credit cards to get approved for....

No, guaranteed credit card approval doesn’t really exist because there are always certain conditions that need to be met by the applicant. For one thing, you need to be at least 18 years old to get your own credit card account. You also need a U.S. mailing address and a valid Social Security number. Plus, you must demonstrate that you have access to enough income or assets to afford a new credit card’s monthly minimum...

The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card has no credit check and extremely high approval odds, even for people with bad credit. That’s about as close to guaranteed approval as you can get, since approval is never certain.

Credit Cards With No Credit Check & Nearly Guaranteed Approval

Issuers of credit cards that don’t require a credit check still take other things into account during the approval process, like applicants’ incomes and thus their ability to...

You can get a credit card with bad credit by applying for a secured credit card or an unsecured credit card for bad credit. Secured cards have lenient credit score requirements, making them accessible even if you have bad credit. But you will have to place a refundable security deposit that will serve as your credit limit.

Some secured credit cards don’t even check an applicant’s credit history, which means there’s no hard pull to hurt your credit score further. Plus, past...

A secured credit card with no credit check is the easiest type of credit card to get if you have bad credit. For example, the opensky Plus Credit Card is very easy to get even with poor credit because the issuer does not check your credit history when you apply.

6 Easiest Credit Cards to Get with Bad Credit

• opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
• First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard®
• Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
• OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card
• Merrick Bank Credit Card

If you’re looking for an unsecured credit card for bad credit, one of the easiest to get is the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card. This card gives you 1% cash back on all purchases, and it has an annual fee of $0 - $89.

The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is the easiest secured credit card to get since no credit check is required when you apply. You can get approved whether you have bad credit or no credit, and you won't have to pay an annual fee, making this card a great option for improving your credit score.

Easiest Secured Credit Cards to Get

• opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card: No Annual Fee & No Credit Check
• opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No Credit Check
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card (see details, rates & fees):...

It's easy to get a credit card from banks such as U.S. Bank, Capital One, Bank of America, Citibank, along with other major banks that offer secured cards. You'll have a good chance of getting a credit card from one of these banks even if you have bad or limited credit.

Easiest Bank Credit Cards to Get

The easiest unsecured credit cards to get include the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card, the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card and the Capital One QuicksilverOne (see details, rates & fees) Credit Card. You can get the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card with bad credit, while the Petal 2 Card and Capital One QuicksilverOne (see details, rates & fees) are for people with no credit.

Easiest Unsecured Credit Cards to Get

• Best for No Deposit: OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card
• No Credit: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
• Cash Rewards: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see details, rates & fees)
• Students: Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (see details, rates & fees)
• Business: Capital One Spark Classic for Business  *
• Building Credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card (see details, rates & fees)
• Low APR: First Hawaiian Bank Heritage Credit Card

Alternatives to Unsecured...

The best credit card for bad credit with no deposit and instant approval is the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card. It comes with a credit line of at least $300 and offers 1% cash back on all purchases. You can also apply online, after checking to see if you're pre-approved. However, the OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card is not available in all states.

Keep in mind that while there is a possibility of instant approval with most cards you can apply for online, it's never guaranteed. Instant approval tends to happen when your credit and income are better than the card's requirements. Sometimes, issuers may take longer to review a credit card application. There are a few other credit cards for bad credit with no deposit (known as unsecured cards) with instant approval, that are worth considering.

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit with No Deposit and Instant Approval

Keep in mind that unsecured credit cards for bad credit tend...

The best credit card you can get with a 500 credit score is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card because it has a $0 annual fee and rewards you with 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The Bank of America Travel Secured Card requires a deposit of $200 for an equal credit limit.

Best Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score

Secured cards generally provide the best opportunity for someone with a credit score of 500 (or below) to rebuild their credit standing, thanks to good approval odds and monthly reporting to the major credit bureaus.

When used responsibly, the right credit card for a 500 credit score can put you on the path to good credit. The...

One of the best credit cards you can get for a 600 credit score is the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (see details, rates & fees). This card comes with generous rewards, offering 1.5 - 5% cash back on purchases, and it also 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 usually 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...

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card is the best credit card with a $5,000 limit for bad credit. You can get a $5,000 credit limit by placing a refundable security deposit of $5,000, and you will earn 1.5 point per $1 spent without even having to pay an annual fee.

A secured credit card’s credit limit is equal to the deposit amount in most cases. While most secured cards don’t allow deposits as high as $5,000, there are some that do....

If you keep getting denied for credit cards despite never having one, it’s likely because you're applying for the wrong cards or have submitted too many applications in a short time. Factors like limited income, debt from loans, unpaid bills, or limited credit history could also prevent you from qualifying for certain cards. Not being at least 18 years old will keep you from getting your own credit card account, too.

Reasons Why Your...

If you are not getting approved for a student credit card, it may be because you don’t meet the issuer’s minimum age or income qualifications. Additionally, a credit score of 639 or less could also lead to your student credit card application being rejected.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand why you’re not getting approved for a student credit card. This will help you determine your next step toward building a good credit history.

Possible Reasons...

There are several reasons why you never get accepted for credit cards, including having too much existing debt, a low credit score or insufficient income. Not being at least 18 years old will keep you from getting your own credit card account, too.

Reasons Why You Never Get Accepted for Credit Cards

• Too much existing debt: Having significant debts relative to your income, typically cause lenders to be hesitant to extend you additional...

You can get disqualified from getting a credit card if you do not meet the age requirements or you're not living in the U.S. More specifically, if you're not at least 18 years old and you don't have a U.S. address, you will not be able to apply for a credit card.

What Can Disqualify You From Getting a Credit Card

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply...

Your Chase credit card application may have been denied for various reasons, such as a low credit score, not enough disposable income, or too much debt. You should receive a letter from Chase explaining the exact reason for the denial.

If you feel your application deserves a second look, you can call Chase's reconsideration line at 1-888-609-7805 to explain why you think they should reconsider approving your application.

Possible Reasons Your Chase Credit Card Application...

Your Apple Card application may have been denied for various reasons, such as a low credit score, not enough disposable income, or too much debt. You should receive a letter from Goldman Sachs explaining the exact reason for the denial.

If you feel your application deserves a second look, you can call Goldman Sachs to ask for reconsideration. However, you’re only likely to succeed if you can prove your credit and/or income are significantly better than...

Whether or not you will get approved for a credit card depends on several factors. More specifically, what kind of credit card you apply for, your credit history, and how much income you have relative to any debt you owe all come into play.

How to Check Your Approval Odds Before Applying for a Card

• The most reliable way to tell whether you’ll be approved for a credit card is to check...

You can check your approval odds for a credit card by using a pre-approval tool, or by signing up for a free WalletHub account. Here's how it works:

• Online Pre-Approval. Some credit card issuers offer pre-approval tools on their websites that potential applicants can use to gauge their odds of approval. These tools will ask you for some information, and based on it, you may receive a pre-approved credit card offer. Please note that a preapproved...

There are a few credit cards with high approval rates, the best of which is the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card. There’s no credit check when you apply, so approval is almost guaranteed. You just need $300 for a refundable security deposit and enough income to make monthly payments.

Notable Credit Cards with High Approval Rates

While there is no such thing as a credit card that offers guaranteed approval, some cards will have more lenient...

Credit card approval odds for millennials vary based on the card they opt for. In 2022, millennials had an average credit score of at least 670, according to Experian data. This means millennials have high approval odds for credit cards for people with fair credit. Many millennials look for rewards credit cards while others want to build credit and clear debt without interest.

A good credit card with high approval odds for millennials is the Capital One QuicksilverOne (see details, rates & fees). This card comes with...

Credit One credit card approval odds are best for people with a fair credit score of 640+, though people with bad credit scores (under 640) or no credit history may still have good approval odds for certain Credit One cards. Applicants also must be 18+ years old with a U.S. mailing address and an SSN.

Credit Score Requirements for Good Credit One Credit Card Approval Odds

• Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®: Fair credit or better
• ...

The Wells Fargo credit card approval odds are best for people who have at least good credit (a credit score of 700+). Just keep in mind that the higher an applicant’s credit score is, the higher their approval odds are likely to be.

However, your approval odds will be influenced by several other factors, as well. For example, applicants must have enough income to make payments on the card. Plus, a higher income also leads to better...

Bank of America credit card approval odds are best for people with a good or excellent credit score of 700+, an annual income of $50,000+, and relatively little debt. Applicants will also need to be 18+ years old with a U.S. mailing address and an SSN or ITIN to get a Bank of America credit card.

Credit Score Requirements for Good Bank of America Credit Card Approval Odds

• BankAmericard® credit card for Students: Excellent credit or...

You can get a business credit card by applying through a bank or credit union. Some issuers allow you to apply online, while others require in-person application at a branch. When you apply, you will need to provide your Tax ID Number (TIN) or Employer ID Number (EIN) along with your Social Security number. To qualify, a business credit card applicant must be an owner or partner in a business, which may include sole proprietorships, independent contractors...

Most business credit cards are fairly easy to get as long as you have a good or excellent personal credit and your business is verifiable. Business credit cards don’t require a minimum revenue or time in business, so you can apply even if your business is new and has no employees.

You can even get approved for some business cards even with bad credit or no credit history. To learn more, check out our...

Yes, your small business can get a credit card if you are an owner, officer, or partner of an eligible business and you allow the issuer to pull your personal credit report. Eligible business types include sole proprietorships, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and more.

Authorized applicants must provide their business and personal information on the application, along with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), if they have one. In addition, you must be at least 18...

The easiest business credit cards to get are secured business credit cards, such as the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card. It accepts applicants with bad credit and doesn't even require a minimum credit score, making it very easy to get. This card also rewards you with 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has a $0 annual fee.

Easiest Business Credit Cards to Get in 2026

• Best for Bad Credit: Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Card
• Best for No Credit: Capital One Spark Classic for Business  *
• Best for 0% APR and...

There aren’t any guaranteed approval business credit cards because credit card issuers need to evaluate whether an applicant will be able to pay back what they borrow. There are business cards available for all levels of credit experience, though, and many offer high approval odds even if your credit score is low.

Easiest Business Credit Cards to Get Approved For

Some of the easiest business cards to get are secured cards, since...

The best instant approval business card you can get is Capital One Spark Cash Plus (see details, rates & fees) because it offers an initial bonus of $2,000 for spending $30,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional $2,000 bonus for every $500,000 spent in the first year. You can also earn 2 - 5% cash back on purchases. Capital One Spark Cash Plus (see details, rates & fees) has a $150 annual fee and it is available to applicants with excellent personal credit.

Most business credit cards actually offer the possibility of instant approval if you apply online, but instant approval is not guaranteed. The issuer of the business credit card may need more time...

There is no way to get guaranteed business credit card approval. Business credit cards always have certain requirements that must be met for approval, such as exceeding credit and income thresholds, having proof of U.S. residency and/or providing a Social Security Number (SSN).

Your Best Chance at Business Credit Card Approval

The closest thing to guaranteed business credit card approval is a secured business credit card. For example, the Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card may be available...

It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks to get a business credit card, though on average it shouldn’t take more than 10 to 14 days. In many cases, a business may receive instant approval for a business credit card, but it may take longer to come to a decision other times.

Key Things to Remember About Getting a Business Credit Card

• Some businesses may be approved right after applying.
...

You can get a business credit card with no revenue, though you will need to list personal income to have a chance of being approved. You can simply enter $0 in the revenue field on the application form if you have no business revenue yet.

What to Know Before Getting a Business Credit Card with No Revenue

• You may include personal income on your application. Any income that you earn – such as salary and wages...

You need a credit score of at least 700 to get one of the best business credit cards. Most premium business credit cards require you to have good or excellent credit to qualify for approval, though business owners with fair credit (640+ credit score), limited credit history, or poor credit can still find decent options. Essentially, business credit cards are available for all credit levels, but the best offers go to those with higher scores.

Note that...

Yes, it is possible to have business credit cards without a business, if you earn money independently. For example, selling goods online or driving for rideshare apps are activities that may qualify you to get a business credit card.

In fact, several issuers allow you to get a business credit card without a business, like Capital One, Wells Fargo, and PNC. When you apply, you will have to list your name as the business name and use your...

You don't need an LLC to open a business credit card. Many credit card issuers offer business credit cards to sole proprietors, which are not required to register as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in order to run their businesses.

If your business doesn’t have a formal legal structure, you can apply for a business credit card with just your name and Social Security number (SSN) instead of an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which...

To get Chase business credit card approval, you must meet your chosen card’s credit score requirement and be at least 18 years old as well as a business owner or authorized representative. You must also have a steady income and provide your SSN or ITIN and EIN, if applicable. In addition, you must provide a personal guarantee, which means that you promise to personally pay back any debts on the card that the business defaults...

To get American Express business credit card approval, you must meet your chosen card’s credit score requirement and be at least 18 years old as well as a business owner or authorized representative. You must also have a steady income and provide your SSN or ITIN and EIN, if applicable. In addition, you must provide a personal guarantee, which means that you promise to personally pay back any debts on the card that the business...

If your credit card application is declined and you think it did not accurately represent your current financial situation, the first thing you should do is ask for your application to be reconsidered. You should ideally wait at least 6 months before applying for another card, but if you can’t wait, you should apply for a card that’s easier to qualify for.

What to Do If Your Credit Card Application Is Declined

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You can get disqualified from getting a credit card if you do not meet the age requirements or you're not living in the U.S. More specifically, if you're not at least 18 years old and you don't have a U.S. address, you will not be able to apply for a credit card.

What Can Disqualify You From Getting a Credit Card

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply...

Yes, it is possible to be denied a pre-approved credit card. This is because being pre-approved for a credit card simply indicates that your chances of approval for an account are very high (around 80-90%) should you decide to apply. However, you will still need to apply for the credit card to get a final approval decision.

Credit card pre-approval is typically based on a soft pull, which is a preliminary review of your credit...

Your Chase Freedom Unlimited® could have been declined because the issuer might have blocked your card in case you missed a payment, the credit limit has been exceeded, or the card has expired. The card could also be declined if the issuer suspects fraudulent activity or if you are traveling.

Possible Reasons for Chase Freedom Unlimited® Being Declined

1. Insufficient credit limit: The purchase amount may exceed your available credit.
2. Fraud protection: Chase may have flagged...

No, a credit card application shouldn’t be rejected due to political beliefs. In fact, none of the major credit card companies ask for information about your political beliefs during their application process.

Fair lending laws ensure that creditors provide unbiased treatment to all customers. So, issuers cannot reject your application because of your race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, or because you receive public assistance, either. The law guarantees the same lending opportunities to...

You might be getting denied for credit cards with no credit because you don’t have a high enough credit score or enough income for the cards you’ve selected, but you don’t need to speculate. Credit card companies are required to tell you why you didn’t get approved, so your denial letters should indicate what the problem is. That said, we’ll highlight some likely reasons below.

Reasons Why Your Applications Might Be Denied

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Yes, you can apply again if you got denied for a credit card, though it’s recommended to wait at least 6 months before submitting your second application. That's because each credit card application will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, which will lower your score by a few points. The damage to your credit score becomes even more significant if you don’t allow enough time for your credit score to rebound after the first inquiry.

Applying again...

Your credit card was declined due to scrubbing because the payment processor used for the transaction detected suspicious activity on your card. The way that fraud scrubbing technology works, is that it can access certain information on your credit card (such as previous transactions) to forecast the likelihood that the transaction is fraudulent or secure.

So, for example, a credit card transaction can be declined due to scrubbing if:

• The shipping address...

No, you can't get denied for a credit card after you were approved online. If you were approved, it means that the issuer has performed a thorough check of your credit report and financial situation, and has decided you may get the card.

That said, you could get denied after being pre-approved. Pre-approval is offered after a soft inquiry on your credit report. If you go ahead with the application, the credit card company will...

There are several common reasons why your credit card cash advances was declined, such as:

• Insufficient credit limit: If you have already reached your credit limit, you may not be able to take out a cash advance.
• Cash advance limit: Your credit card may have a separate cash advance limit that is lower than your credit limit. If you have reached your cash advance limit, then you won’t be able...