Applying | Credit Card Topics

Best Credit Cards By Credit Score Needed in 2021

By: Eric Bank, 2/22/2021

In this article, we review the best credit cards by credit score needed. You’ll find this information useful in two ways. First, you can quickly identify the best candidates for your next card based on your current credit score. But perhaps more importantly, you can also see what you can gain by boosting your credit score up a notch. It’s clear that adopting and maintaining creditworthy behavior allows you to access cards with greater benefits and rewards. Excellent Credit |... read more »

Capital One Cards For Bad & Fair Credit in 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 2/9/2021

Capital One cards for bad and fair credit are a great way to get your foot in the door with one of the biggest card issuers in the world. These cards not only give you access to a revolving credit line, but they’re also a form of dress rehearsal for an eventual upgrade to a more lucrative rewards card. Since Capital One has one of the most robust credit card portfolios in the business, starting your credit building journey with the Virginia-based bank is a smart move. Not only... read more »

Approval Criteria For Credit Cards in 2021

By: Marcie Geffner, 2/1/2021

Whether you want to get your first credit card or your 50th, understanding the approval criteria before you apply can help you: Decide which cards to apply for. Fill out your credit card application correctly. Figure out what you need to do if your application isn't approved right away. For most cards, approval criteria can be divided into three categories: General criteria for most cards Specific criteria based on card type Specific criteria based on the card... read more »

Best Credit Card Signup Bonuses of 2021

By: Eric Bank, 1/25/2021

If you’re about to apply for a new credit card, you’ll do well to familiarize yourself with the best credit card signup bonuses. These bonuses can put money in your pocket quickly, either directly as cash or through money-saving points and miles. The best bonuses can be worth many hundreds of dollars -- all you have to do is meet the card’s introductory spending goal. Signup bonuses are ideal when you’re contemplating a major expense, whether it’s getting new kitchen... read more »

Adverse Action Notices: What They Are & Next Steps

By: John Ulzheimer, 1/21/2021

Have you ever applied for financing, like a credit card or loan, only to have your request for credit denied? If so, you know first-hand just how frustrating a credit denial can be. And you probably didn’t find out that your credit application was denied until you received some sort of communication from the lender. This communication may have come in the form of what’s formally referred to as a Notice of Adverse Action. These adverse action notices are often informally... read more »

Best First Credit Cards of 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 1/18/2021

The best first credit cards can get you started on your credit-building journey and help set you up for a fruitful future. The cards listed below not only consider applications from credit newcomers, but they also may allow you to upgrade your card over time as your credit score improves. With these upgrades, you can access more lucrative rewards, better interest rates, and other perks. Each card reports your payment and balance history to the major credit bureaus — which helps... read more »

Low APR Credit Cards For Bad Credit in 2021

By: Eric Bank, 1/14/2021

Low APR credit cards for bad credit are a real thing. We’ve identified the best secured and unsecured cards offering reasonable interest rates even when your credit score is subpar. If you tend to stretch out your payments over several months, one of these cards may be perfect for you. Best Cards | FAQs Best Cards for Bad Credit With a Low Ongoing APR These seven reviewed cards have low regular APRs, separate and distinct from any 0% intro APR promotions for new cardholders.... read more »

Credit Cards For High Debt-to-Income Ratio in 2021

By: Adam West, 1/7/2021

Searching for credit cards for a high debt-to-income ratio may seem like an impossible task. Fortunately, some banks will consider your application for credit despite your current debt load. These credit cards can give you some spending power to cover an emergency or to pay your bills, but you can expect to pay higher interest rates for the privilege. The card options listed below are all unsecured credit cards, meaning you won’t need a security deposit for approval, but some... read more »

Starter Credit Cards With No Deposit in 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 1/5/2021

Many consumers use starter credit cards with no deposit as a way to build their credit history without the upfront cost of a secured credit card. These cards provide you with a revolving line of credit without needing a refundable security deposit to activate your account. And if you choose an established credit card issuer for your starter credit card, you may eventually qualify for a card upgrade as you progress in your credit-building journey. The best part is that you can... read more »

12 Options for Credit Card Approval With an Old Charge-Off

By: Ashley Dull, 12/29/2020

You may be frustrated if you’re looking for credit card approval with old charge off records lingering on your credit history — but you don’t have to be. Charged-off accounts can hurt your credit score significantly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a credit card after a default. When it comes time to choose which card you want to apply for, you should first calculate how old your charge-off is. A new charge-off will put you in bad credit territory, but an older... read more »

Best Credit Cards with Refundable Deposits in 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 12/28/2020

The best credit cards with refundable deposits are a great way to build -- or rebuild -- your credit score. A secured credit card allows you to set your own credit limit, which can help you stick to a budget and improve your credit score along the way. Meanwhile, your refundable security deposit acts as a nest egg that you can crack into if there's an emergency or you need some extra cash. And since your deposit serves as collateral for your account, you can often qualify for a... read more »

Secured Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2021

By: Adam West, 12/10/2020

Secured credit cards with no annual fee can give you the best of both worlds. These cards can help you build or rebuild your credit without paying an annual fee for the privilege. And while these cards will still require the upfront cost of a refundable security deposit, you get the flexibility that comes with choosing your credit limit and setting your personal credit card budget. That control is one reason many consumers turn to secured credit cards, and why we put together this... read more »

Best Credit Cards by Credit Score for 2021

By: Eric Bank, 12/7/2020

Whatever your credit profile, you should know the best credit cards by credit score so you can choose the card that's currently right for you -- or the one you can aspire to by improving your credit score. The good news is that there’s a credit card available for any credit score -- and our research indicates that these cards are the very best. Excellent Credit (740+ FICO) | Good Credit (670 - 739) | Fair Credit (580 - 669) | Bad Credit (<579) | Limited/No Credit Score Best... read more »

15 FAQs About Annual Income on Credit Card Applications

By: Marcie Geffner, 12/1/2020

Credit card companies don't have one simple formula they use to make a decision when you apply for a new credit card. Instead, card companies consider a variety of factors. Among them are your income and, more importantly, whether it's high enough to manage your current debt obligations, and an additional monthly card payment. What follows are answers to common questions about annual income on credit card applications. 1. What Income is Needed for a Credit Card Approval? Card... read more »

Secured Credit Cards with Low Deposits in 2021

By: Adam West, 11/23/2020

Secured credit cards with low deposits are one of the easiest — and most affordable — ways to build or rebuild your credit score. A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit for approval. But these cards work just like a traditional credit card. That means you can shop online or in person and pay bills while enjoying the convenience of credit. And since your security deposit backs your account, you may not have to worry about a lender running a credit check... read more »

28 Metal Credit Cards in 2021

By: Ashley Dull, 11/12/2020

Metal credit cards first hit the market in 1999, when the invitation-only Centurion Card from American Express (a.k.a. the Black Card) was introduced. Invitees were required to pay a $7,500 initiation fee and a $2,500 annual fee to add the ultra-premium card to their wallets. The Black Card still ranks among the world's most exclusive credit cards, if not the most exclusive credit card to this day. Just about every other card issuer today has followed suit by ditching the plastic... read more »

Post-Bankruptcy Credit Cards for 2021

By: Dan Miller, 11/11/2020

Post-bankruptcy credit cards are a subset of the overall credit card market. If you have completed a bankruptcy filing and are looking to get a new credit card, you are likely to find that many credit cards are not available to you. These post-bankruptcy credit cards are specifically targeted toward those whose credit and credit card debt history is less than ideal. Some post-bankruptcy cards are unsecured while others require a security deposit upon approval. So, if you have... read more »

Ollo Credit Card Review & 5 Best Alternatives

By: Adam West, 11/4/2020

If you're interested in reading an Ollo credit card review, chances are you have received an invitation in the mail to apply for the card. Or maybe you want to figure out how you can get one of those invitations. Either way, you should know a few things about Ollo's pair of credit cards before you pull the trigger. This card may not be a winner if you are looking for a long-term, everyday use credit card. But you may find some utility with this card if you want to earn some quick... read more »

Visa® Black Card Requirements (And 5 Other High-Limit Cards)

By: Linsey Knerl, 10/27/2020

If you're looking for information on Visa Black Card requirements, you've come to the right place — but the card switched networks a few years ago and is now issued by Mastercard. Keep reading for more information on this elite card. Long gone are the days when having a gold card was the sign of elite credit-worthiness. Nowadays, black is the new gold, and most major netowrks have their own version, the most well-known of which may be Amex's Centurion card, with the Visa Black... read more »

How to Get a “Black Card” – American Express® Requirements

By: Linsey Knerl, 10/17/2020

If you’ve heard the buzz surrounding the American Express® “Black Card”, you already know that it’s the velvet rope of consumer credit options. This invite-only charge card, technically named the Centurion® Card from American Express, has been used to proclaim status, both in spending and in credit-worthiness. With all the hype, you may be wondering how to get a Black Card for yourself. But what is a Black Card? And what does it take to get an invite to this... read more »

Top 5 Cards For Bad Credit With No Deposit

By: Ashley Dull, 10/6/2020

If you have bad credit, you may have run into an issue where you’ve been declined for a card when applying. This can be frustrating because having a credit card and using it properly can be a great credit-building tool. It may seem like you are at a loss in your search for a credit card, but don’t worry — options are out there for you. Bad credit scores may hinder your ability to be approved for some unsecured credit cards, but you may still be approved for some cards without... read more »

2021 Secured Mastercard® from Capital One Review & Deposit Requirements

By: Eric Bank, 9/3/2020

Capital One achieves top ratings in our Secured Mastercard® from Capital One review & deposit requirements overview. For a consumer with a troubled or scant credit history, the biggest challenge is obtaining a credit card. From the issuer’s point of view, credit card products are an exercise in risk management -- the risk of losing money. Issuers worry about cardholders failing to make the minimum payments or spending beyond the card’s credit limit. Secured cards neatly... read more »

Do You Need a Good Credit Score for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

By: Eric Bank, 8/12/2020

The answer to “Do you need a good credit score for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?” is an emphatic yes -- most approved holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® have a very good to excellent credit score. If you want to get your hands on this prestigious card, we’ve got a lot more to say about qualifying for this popular card from Chase, and we provide alternatives if your credit isn't quite up to par. Applying | Alternatives | FAQs Most Approved Applicants Have... read more »

10 Same-Day Credit Cards for Poor Credit

By: Eric Bank, 3/18/2020

In the third decade of the 21st century, waiting is not an option. Amazon can deliver some orders in four hours, and you take your life in your hands if you get between that Grubhub guy and a hungry customer. We are nothing if not attuned to the current vibe, which is why we are reviewing same-day credit cards for poor credit. If you want your credit card fast and your approval even faster, keep reading for the 411 on these speedy cards. Same-Day Cards | Next-Day Loans | FAQs ... read more »

12 Instant-Approval Credit Cards

By: Adam West, 3/16/2020

American cooks ran to stores in the early 1950s to snatch up boxes of instant mashed potatoes, the latest kitchen craze in many households. But some felt deceived when they opened the box to find freeze-dried potato flakes and filler. Similar confusion can occur in the credit card world, where many issuers throw around terms such as “instant” and “guaranteed” to a point where consumers often feel confused. While most online credit card applications now offer consumers... read more »

• Our Experts »	• Editorial Process »
• In the Press »	• Media Assets »

All articles tagged Applying (140)