The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Friday, March 29, 2024

Which Credit Cards Use TransUnion for Approval? (April 2024)

Which Credit Cards Use Transunion
Brittney Mayer

Written by: Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer

Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.

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Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, and she previously served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Florida. Today, Lillian edits all CardRates content for clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement.

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Reviewed by: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Advertiser Disclosure

As the mother of four children, my aunt had to make peace with the idea that she couldn’t stay on top of every child every minute. Instead of trying to maintain constant vigilance — which would have been impossible (and exhausting) — she often relied on her children to report the important things to her (which they typically did at the top of their little lungs).

Like my aunt, the consumer credit bureaus have too many people to keep track of to spend time seeking out information on them all. Instead, they rely on information reported to them by creditors and lenders.

Since some creditors fail to report to all three bureaus, the information in your reports can vary based on the source. At the same time, future creditors, including credit card issuers, can choose which bureau (or multiple bureaus) to query when checking your credit.

No Issuer Exclusively Pulls From TransUnion

In some cases, the fact that each credit report could hold different information can mean that your ability to qualify for a certain credit card may depend on which credit bureau the issuer queries. Unfortunately, it’s not really possible to predict which credit bureau(s) an issuer will use at any given time, as that decision can vary based on anything from the specific product to your location.

TransUnion Logo

Furthermore, despite the occasional blog or forum post full of anecdotal “evidence,” no issuer exclusively pulls from a single credit bureau for every individual credit check. This applies to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion alike.

That being said, some types of information will tend to rely most heavily on TransUnion data; specifically, the credit scores you receive from a variety of popular credit score tracking websites will typically use TransUnion data and VantageScore modeling to generate your scores.

Credit Card Issuers that Frequently Use TransUnion Data

While credit card issuers don’t exclusively use a particular bureau, issuers, like people, are habitual, and many will frequently use the same bureau for credit checks. For instance, the issuers below are reported to regularly rely on TransUnion data for credit card applications.

Of course, there are no guarantees that an application for one of these cards will use a TransUnion credit inquiry to evaluate your credit risk. Your application process may involve data from TransUnion, but may use Equifax or Experian data instead of — or in addition to — information from your TransUnion report.

 Chase | Capital One | Barclays | Fifth Third Bank | US Bank

Capital One

Capital One is a young bank, founded just a few decades ago in 1988, that has quickly grown into a major player, now with over 750 locations across the country. Whether you prefer to earn unlimited cash back or blackout-free travel rewards, Capital One has a matching card to add to your wallet.

EXPERT'S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good
EXPERT'S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good
EXPERT'S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$95
Excellent, Good

An extra perk of Capital One’s credit cards is that they can be used to get a discount on coffee purchased with your card at any Capital One Café location around the country.

Chase

While its most recent rebranding occurred in 2000, the ancestry of JPMorgan Chase, or Chase Bank, goes as far back as 1799. One of the largest banks in the world, Chase has more than 4,700 branches in the US alone, and offers more than a dozen credit cards, including a variety of co-branded partner cards.

EXPERT'S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent
EXPERT'S RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
21.49%-28.49% Variable
$95
Good/Excellent
EXPERT'S RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™; Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
22.49%-29.49% Variable
$550
Good/Excellent

Many of Chase’s credit cards earn the popular Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for cash back, merchandise, or travel reimbursement. Ultimate Rewards points can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners for added redemption value.

Barclays

The Barclays credit card was launched in 1966 as the first British credit card to be introduced to the UK. Today, Barclays offers a range of co-branded credit card products for consumers and businesses.

FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard® Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

AIR MILES RATING
★★★★★
4.5
OVERALL RATING
4.0/5.0
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within 90 days of account opening
  • Earn 5X miles on eligible purchases at flyfrontier.com, 3X miles on restaurant purchases, and 1X miles on all other purchases
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening (balance transfer fee applies), then a variable APR applies
  • Earn a $100 flight voucher every account anniversary after spending $2,500 or more on purchases with your card during your card membership year
  • Cardmembers enjoy Zone 2 priority boarding
  • Annual fee $89
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
0% for 15 months
20.49%, 24.49% or 29.49%, based on creditworthiness
$89
Good
JetBlue Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

AIR MILES RATING
★★★★★
4.6
OVERALL RATING
4.3/5.0
  • Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
  • Earn 3X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X points on all other purchases
  • Enjoy 50% inflight savings on cocktails and food purchases
  • 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening (transfer fee applies), then a variable APR applies
  • No foreign transaction fees, no blackout dates, and points never expire
  • $0 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
0% for 12 billing cycles
20.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49%, based on credit
$0
Good
JetBlue Business Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

BUSINESS CARD RATING
★★★★★
4.6
OVERALL RATING
4.6/5.0
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 bonus points when a purchase is made on an employee card.
  • Earn 6X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, plus 2X points at restaurants and office supply stores, 1X points on all other purchases
  • Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
  • Receive a 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases of cocktails and food on JetBlue-operated flights
  • Enjoy an annual $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package with your card
  • Free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation when you use your card to book JetBlue-operated flights.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
20.49% or 29.49% (Variable)
$99
N/A

Barclays operates as a digital bank and partners with travel, entertainment, retail, and affinity institutions in the US.

Fifth Third Bank

Originally launched as the Bank of the Ohio Valley in 1858, Fifth Third Bank has over 150 years of experience offering banking and credit services to the American public. Fifth Third now operates over 1,200 locations country-wide, serving Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

10. Fifth Third Cash/Back Card

You won’t have to keep track of rotating categories with the Fifth Third Cash/Back Card. Instead, enjoy an unusual return of 1.67% cash back on every purchase you make.

Fifth Third Cash/Back Card

  • Earn 1.67% cash back on every purchase
  • No limits on rewards or expiration dates
  • Pay no annual fee

The Cash/Back card comes with cellphone protection and touch-free payments.

11. Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card

A popular option for those thinking of a balance transfer, Fifth Third’s 1% Cash/Back Card provides an introductory 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers that can help make paying down debt more affordable.

Fifth Third 1 Percent Cash Back Card

  • Enjoy 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles after you open your account
  • No penalty APR for missed payments
  • Pay no annual fee

You can also receive protection for your cellphone by paying your monthly wireless bill with your Truly Simple® Credit Card.

12. Fifth Third Secured Card

With as little as a $300 deposit, you can open a Fifth Third Secured Card that reports to all three credit bureaus, making it a good choice to establish or rebuild your credit.

Fifth Third Secured

  • Credit-builder card secured by a minimum $300 deposit
  • Increase your credit line by adding to your deposit
  • $24 annual fee

You can increase your available credit limit anytime by adding to your deposit, with your credit line equal to 100% of your deposit amount.

US Bank

Although its modern iteration was founded nearly 50 years ago, US Bank’s heritage can be traced back over 150 years. Today, US Bank has over 3,100 branches across the country and offers a wide range of consumer credit products, including cash back and travel rewards credit cards.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

POINTS & GIFTS RATING
★★★★★
4.6
OVERALL RATING
4.6/5.0
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable toward merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel, and more. Points never expire.
  • Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
  • Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging stations  -- all other purchases earn 1 point per $1
  • Enjoy a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies
  • $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix, Apple TV, Spotify, and more.
  • $0 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 12 billing cycles
0% for 12 billing cycles
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
$0
Good/Excellent
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

POINTS & GIFTS RATING
★★★★★
4.7
OVERALL RATING
4.7/5.0
  • Earn 50,000 bonus points worth $750 on travel when you spend $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
  • Earn 3X points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases and 3X points on eligible mobile wallet purchases
  • Complimentary 12-month Priority Pass™ Select membership that gives access to more than 1,300 VIP lounges worldwide
  • Get reimbursed up to $325 annual credits for eligible travel purchases and dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery purchases
  • $400 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
$400
Excellent
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

0% INTRO APR RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.6/5.0
  • For a limited time, get a special 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, the APR is variable.
  • Enjoy Cellphone Protection Coverage of up to $600 annually when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card
  • View your credit score anytime, anywhere in the mobile app or online banking. It's easy to enroll, easy to use, and free to U.S. Bank customers.
  • Fraud Protection detects and notifies you of any unusual card activity to help prevent fraud
  • Choose your payment due date
  • $0 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 18 billing cycles
0% for 18 billing cycles
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent Credit

Rewards points earned with your US Bank card can be redeemed toward merchandise, gift cards, cash back, and travel, among other options. Rewards points never expire.

Regularly Check All Three Credit Reports For Best Results

When it comes to applying for a new credit card, you can do a lot to improve your odds of approval by simply applying for the card for which you are most qualified. While it may be tempting to try and nudge the odds by selecting cards from issuers that only pull from the bureau with your cleanest credit report, the unfortunate truth is that there really is no controlling or accurately predicting which bureau(s) will be queried.

The easiest way to ensure your credit always looks its best is to regularly check all three of your credit reports, which you can do once a year for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. Like my aunt’s periodic trips from room to room to double-check that everyone was where they were supposed to be, routinely keeping up with your credit report can go a long way toward keeping your financial house in order.

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