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What Credit Score Do You Need to Get A Credit Card?

You can get a credit card no matter your score. What your score determines is what cards you qualify for.

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Updated May 20, 2025
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Edited by John Howard
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Written by Rachel Alulis
Here at MoneyFor, our goal is to help you make informed financial decisions. We are committed to accuracy and impartiality in all our content. It’s important to note that articles may reference products from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we feature and their presentation on our site, not our evaluation.

Key takeaways

  • The score needed to obtain a card varies significantly depending on the type of card and issuer. Standard cards may require a lower score, while premium cards typically need a good credit score of 700 or above.
  • You can get a credit card no matter your score. Using the card responsibly can help raise your rating.
  • A higher credit score generally results in better terms, such as lower interest rates, higher limits, and additional benefits.

When you want a new credit card, you need to know your credit score. Your credit score is a financial grade. It reflects your reliability as a borrower. The higher your score, the more reliable you are.

Different credit cards have different score requirements. You’ll want to find a card whose requirements you meet.

We’ll go over credit scoring in detail, how to find cards you’ll qualify for, and what you can do to build credit. 

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What is the minimum credit score to get a credit card?

The card you qualify for depends in large part on your score. Only applying for cards whose minimum credit score requirement you meet can help you avoid unnecessary rejections.

If you have a poor score under 580 or none at all, your best bet will be a secured credit card. Secured cards have very low minimum score requirements since you have to put down a security deposit. The deposit reduces the lender’s risk.

If you don’t want to put down a security deposit, you can look for subprime unsecured credit cards. These cards are designed for consumers with poor credit scores in mind. These typically have lower limits, higher interest rates, and come with extra fees like an annual fee.

Once your score reaches the fair range,  anything above 580, you’ll have more options. Most credit card issuers accept applicants with good credit scores over 690. Once your score reaches the good range, you’ll get offers for cards with cash back rewards, travel points, or 0% APR promotional offers.

Credit cards for fair or average credit

Credit scores may be the most important factor when choosing a credit card. You have to find cards targeted to applicants with your score. When you’ve reached a fair credit score of 580 to 669, you will have access to a greater variety of cards.

Unlike credit cards for a 500 credit score or below, credit cards for fair credit will start to offer rewards. You may be able to find unsecured credit cards with cash back or issuers with lower APRs.

Read more about credit cards!

What are the credit score ranges?

Credit scores from bureaus range from 300 to 850 on both the FICO and Vantage scoring models. These ranges help lenders assess your ability to repay money you borrow at a glance.

The lowest credit score is 300 on both models, a very rare score indeed. Poor scores like 300 are considered very risky and will make it hard to be approved for a card. Once your score hits the good range, a wide range of card options becomes available.

FICO Score rangeFICO ClassificationVantageScore rangeVantageScore Classification
800-850Excellent781-850Excellent
740-799Very good661-780Good
670-739Good601-660Fair
580-669Fair500-600Poor
300-579Poor300-499Very poor

Credit scores do not have letter grades like on a report card, but you can think of them that way informally. An A would be a score in the Excellent range, and a B is a Very Good FICO Score or Good VantageScore. An F would be a Poor or Very Poor score.

What is a good VantageScore?

VantageScore classifies scores that fall within the range of 661 to 780 as good. A good score indicates to lenders that the borrower is low risk. In turn, financial institutions are likely to offer lower interest rates, rewards, and better loan conditions. Achieving a score above 780, known as excellent, places a borrower in an even better position.

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What is the difference between FICO score and VantageScore?

FICO score and VantageScore are the two scoring models that financial companies use to pull your credit score.

FICO Score was introduced by the Fair Isaac Corporation in 1989 and has since become a standard measurement of consumer risk in the United States. It is used by over 90% of top lenders when making decisions.

VantageScore was developed as a joint venture by the three major bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, in 2006. The goal was to create a consistent scoring model to score people with thin credit profiles more accurately.

Both scoring models evaluate a consumer’s credit reports and assign a numerical score ranging from 300 to 850. The higher the score, the lower the risk. Both models consider payment history, debts, length of time you’ve had accounts, new inquiries, and types of accounts.

While FICO and VantageScore look at similar factors, they weigh them differently.

Why are my FICO and VantageScore scores different?

Your VantageScore and FICO scores differ due to the distinct models and criteria each uses to calculate your creditworthiness. FICO scores focus on payment history, amounts owed, and length of time you’ve had accounts.

VantageScore also considers these factors but places different weights on each. It also includes aspects like your total balances and recent behavior.

Additionally, the two scoring systems may access different data from your reports or update information at different times. These little differences lead to variations in the scores.

One positive is that the range you’re in shouldn’t change. If you have a good FICO score, you likely have a good VantageScore. And conversely, if you have a poor FICO score, you will have a poor or very poor VantageScore.

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What factors impact your scores?

Your score is a reflection of your financial behavior. What factors impact it and how important they are depend on the scoring model.

FICO’s scoring method

The FICO scoring model is the one most used by lenders. FICO scores range from 300 to 850, with higher being better. It calculates your score by analyzing the following five factors:

  • Payment history (35%) tells lenders is you’ve paid as agreed 
  • Credit utilization rate (30%) is how much of your total credit limit you are currently using.
  • Length of credit history (15%) is how long you’ve been using credit. 
  • Mix of account types (10%) is the different types of credit accounts you have, namely, installment loans and revolving credit cards.
  • New inquiries (10%) slightly lower your score temporarily.

VantageScore’s scoring method

VantageScore calculates scores a little differently than FICO. 

  • Payment history – Extremely influential
  • Total credit usage – Highly influential
  • Credit mix and experience – Highly influential
  • New accounts opened – Moderately influential
  • Balances and available credit – Less influential

VantageScore 4.0 incorporates trended data, which allows for a more dynamic view of your credit behavior over time. For example, if you have a higher-than-usual credit usage in January since you spent a lot during the holiday season, it will not hurt your score too much. Conversely, if you typically have a high credit usage and manage to lower it, your score will take a while to reflect that change.

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What information do credit scores not consider?

Your score does not take into account all aspects of your financial life. It is only about how you handle borrowing money. Credit scores do not consider your income, employment status, savings and assets, education level, marital status, or age.

While these factors are irrelevant to your score, they matter when you apply for a credit card. They give the credit card company a fuller picture of your financial stability and risk level. Lenders generally consider these elements alongside your score to make more informed lending decisions.

What credit score do you need for a credit card?

A minimum FICO score of 670 or a VantageScore of 660 is generally required for most credit cards. These scores are considered good and designate you as a low-risk borrower.

Certain credit cards require a higher score. Credit cards with premium rewards or balance transfer cards with 0% intro APR offers tend to require a very good or excellent credit score of 760+.

How do lenders decide if I qualify for a credit card?

Lenders use a variety of factors to determine whether you qualify and what terms to offer. First of all, they consider your credit report and score. These items provide data on your financial reliability and history of debt management. A history of on-time payments, low utilization, and a mix of account types bolsters your creditworthiness.

How much debt you currently carry impacts your utilization rate and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Both these factors are very important to lenders. High levels of existing debt can be a red flag. A high level would be credit utilization ratios above 30% or a DTI over 35%. Carrying a lot of debt indicates that you may have difficulty managing additional borrowing.

The number of recent hard inquiries into your report can also affect a lender’s decision. Numerous inquiries suggest you are in financial distress. You could seek new accounts out of necessity rather than strategic financial planning

Card issuers will also consider your income and employment history, especially in setting your limit. They want to make sure you can afford their product. If you have a low income, they will likely give you a low limit. Include all your income on your application to increase your chances of securing a high limit.

Do pre-approvals hurt your score?

No, that is the beauty of being pre-approved. When you prequalify for a card, the issuer will do a soft pull. Soft inquiries do not affect your score. Hard inquiries will cause your score to temporarily dip by a few points. These happen when you submit a formal application. This is why it’s a good idea to prequalify for cards before you apply. You can then compare offers and only apply for the best card option.

How do I get pre-approved for a credit card?

A lot of card issuers offer pre-approval on their website. Simply go online and fill out the form. You most likely will have to provide the following information:

Personal information: your full name, address, and sometimes your date of birth.

Social Security Number (SSN): Most require at least the last four digits of your SSN to verify your identity and perform a soft pull.

Income information: Some issuers may ask for your income information to assess your ability to pay your balances. Providing income information is often optional during the prequalification process.

After you complete the form, the credit card issuer will do a soft inquiry to see if you qualify. Being pre-approved does not guarantee that you will be approved, but it shows your chances without hurting your score.

When you’ve selected the card you’re preapproved for, you can formally apply. How long it takes to get approved for a credit card depends on the issuer and your application. Many issuers offer instant approval, mainly if you apply online. If your application needs more in-depth review, it can take seven to ten business days.

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Regular APR 10%
Credit Score Range 300-579
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What are some things you should consider when selecting a credit card?

How to choose a good credit card depends on your score and what you’re looking for. If your score is low and you want to improve it, your best option will be a secured card. Make sure that the issuer reports to all three major credit bureaus.

If your score is high or at least good, then you may want to consider what type of perks you want. Are you looking for travel points, cash back rewards, or debt consolidation? Select a card with a low APR that gives you the rewards you’ll use the most. Keep in mind that paying interest or an annual fee can negate any rewards you earn.

Can you get a credit card with limited or no credit history?

Obtaining a card can be challenging if your score is very low or nonexistent. Lenders typically look at your rating for proof of responsible financial management before approving applications. However, there are specific cards with low minimum score requirements that are designed to help people just starting out.

Secured cards are a prime option for those with very low scores. These cards require a security deposit that typically serves as your credit limit. The deposit acts as collateral for the bank, significantly reducing the risk to the issuer. Lenders, in turn, make these cards easy to obtain.

Make purchases with the card and pay your balance in full every month to build credit. After establishing a good score, you can upgrade to an unsecured card or close your account and get your deposit back.

Not everyone has a few hundred dollars lying around for a secured card. In that case, your best bet is an unsecured card for a low score. Believe it or not, there are unsecured credit cards for bad credit scores. Make sure you can afford the fees – annual fees, monthly maintenance fees – before you apply. Always pay your bill on time and in full so you are not stuck paying very high interest rates.

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How to improve your credit scores

Improving your score will help you access premium cards and save money. It will take time and consistent effort, but it is worth the work.

Monitor your credit report and score

Check your score and credit report regularly to know where you stand. You can see what habits are helping or hurting you. Reviewing your report helps you spot errors and identify fraudulent activity. If you find any inaccurate negative marks, you can dispute them with the issuing bureau.

Pay your bills on time

Consistently paying your bill on time is the best thing you can do. Payment history is the most influential scoring factor. Setting up reminders or automatic payments can help avoid late or missed payments. Even one late payment will significantly hurt your score.

Can you pay a credit card with a credit card? Most issuers will not allow direct payment, but you may be able to use a balance transfer card.

Credit-building cards can help brighten your financial future

Most subprime cards are specifically designed to help individuals establish or improve their scores. They are accessible to consumers with poor or fair credit, and report your payment history and utilization. Make one to two small purchases a month and pay your bill in full and on time every month. You will see your rating rise.

A higher score gives you access to a wider range of financial products that cost less. You will be able to secure personal loans with low interest rates and cards with cash back rewards. In other words, a higher score means less expensive and more flexible borrowing options.

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What are the different types of credit cards to build credit?

Any credit card used responsibly, whose issuer reports to the credit bureaus, will help you build credit. The best way to use a credit card to build credit is to pay on time and keep your utilization rate low.

If you’re just starting out, you may want to go with a secured card that requires a cash deposit. Most require a deposit of at least $200, but there are a few on the market with lower requirements or no deposit at all.

A secured card is arguably the most cost-effective option. The deposit is refundable if you close your account in good standing. Make sure your issuer reports to all three credit bureaus.

If this doesn’t appeal to you, look for an unsecured card for your score range. There are plenty of subprime cards designed to help boost your score. The catch is that you will have to pay an annual fee, which is non-refundable.

Are there any specific credit cards that report to all credit bureaus?

The vast majority of card issuers report to the major credit bureaus. It’s a good idea to double-check that the card you’re interested in reports to all three. It is only by reporting your payment history and utilization that your score will go up. If you’re starting from scratch with no credit history, know that it might take about three to six months after getting a credit card to establish a credit score.

The recommended utilization rate is 30% or less of your limit. If you really want to build credit, keep it under 10%. For example, if your total limit across all cards is $1,000, you should strive to keep your total outstanding balance under $300. Keeping it under $100 is even better.

Frequently asked questions

1. What credit score do you start off with?

Everyone starts off with no credit score. The reason is that your score is calculated based on the information in your credit report. The data in your report is built over time as you use credit cards and repay loans. To establish a score, you have to use credit.

2. Does getting denied for a credit card hurt your credit score?

The denial does not hurt your credit score. The hard inquiry when you apply for the card will drop your score slightly, whether you’re approved or not.

3. Is 677 a good credit score?

A credit score of 677 is considered good on the FICO scale. It is on the low end of good, though, only seven points above fair credit.

4. What can I get approved for with a 600 credit score?

With a 600 credit score, you will likely be approved for personal loans, FHA loans, secured credit cards, and some unsecured credit cards. A 600 score is considered “fair.” You will likely face higher interest rates or have less desirable terms than those with higher scores.

5. How many credit cards should I have for good credit?

There is no magic number of credit cards that guarantees a good credit score. It is more about how you manage them. Start off with one or two credit cards to build a credit history. Multiple cards will give you a higher overall credit limit, making it easier to keep your utilization low. Opening too many accounts can tempt you to overspend and make it difficult to keep track of payments.

Bottom line

Before applying for a new card, determine which ones you qualify for. Then choose a card that reports to the credit bureaus and has rewards that align with your spending habits. If your score is very low or you have no credit history, you’re best off choosing the least expensive credit card on the market. As you improve your credit score, you can apply for cards with premium rewards.

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33. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
37. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
38. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.
39. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.
40. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.
41. MyPay is only offered in select states
42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.
43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com).                              Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms.                              Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.
* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents
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About the author

Author Rachel Alulis Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

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