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Approval Criteria For Credit Cards in 2025

By: Marcie Geffner, 2/1/2024

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 issuer ... read more »

7 Best Credit Card Signup Bonuses $200 – $1,250 (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 6/20/2024

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 »

9 Best First-Time Credit Cards (Jan. 2025)

By: Ashley Fricker, 1/2/2025

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 you... read more »

7 Low APR Credit Cards For Bad Credit (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 4/2/2024

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. That... read more »

7 Credit Cards For High Debt-to-Income Ratios (2024)

By: Adam West, 5/30/2024

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 »

11 Starter Credit Cards With No Deposit (Nov. 2024)

By: Ashley Fricker, 11/20/2024

Many consumers use starter credit cards 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 apply for any of these cards... read more »

8 Credit Cards for Approval With Old Charge Off (2023)

By: Ashley Fricker, 11/30/2023

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 »

7 Best Credit Cards with Refundable Deposits (2024)

By: Ashley Fricker, 5/22/2024

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 »

7 Secured Credit Cards With No Annual Fee (2024)

By: Adam West, 4/16/2024

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 »

9 Best Credit Cards by Credit Score (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

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: Annual Income on Credit Card Applications (Jan. 2025)

By: Marcie Geffner, 1/2/2025

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 »

9 Secured Credit Cards with Low Deposits (2023)

By: Adam West, 4/10/2023

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 and... read more »

12 Best Post-Bankruptcy Credit Cards (2024)

By: Dan Miller, 4/2/2024

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 »

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

By: Linsey Knerl, 1/2/2025

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. Long gone are the days when having a gold card was the sign of elite creditworthiness. Nowadays, black is the new gold, and most major networks have their own version, the most well-known of which may be Amex's Centurion card, with the Mastercard® Black Card™ a close rival. With its strict... read more »

How to Get a Black Card – American Express® Requirements (Jan. 2025)

By: Linsey Knerl, 1/2/2025

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 creditworthiness. 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 members-only... read more »

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Review & Deposit Requirements (2023)

By: Eric Bank, 9/6/2023

Capital One achieves top ratings in our Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card 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®? (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 5/6/2024

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 Excellent Credit... read more »

7 Same-Day Credit Cards for Poor Credit (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 11/6/2024

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 Cards... read more »

5 American Express “Black Card” Alternatives

By: Eric Bank, 9/9/2024

You must be invited to get your hands on the Centurion® Card from American Express, known widely as the “Black Card.” You also better be rich -- the card requires a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. Frankly, I get a nosebleed just reading this card’s terms and conditions. Happily, we’ve identified five American Express Black Card alternatives that mere mortals can own. If life has been kind to you, treat yourself to one or more of these premium cards that... read more »

5 Best Credit Cards for Authorized Users (2024)

By: Adam West, 1/24/2024

Whether you’re looking to build your credit history, help a loved one build theirs, or add an employee to your credit account, the best credit cards for authorized users can help you achieve that goal. Authorized users are issued their own credit card with access to your existing line of credit. The authorized user will see an improved credit score -- assuming the account is managed responsibly -- and the primary cardholder earns rewards for the authorized user’s purchases. The... read more »

6 Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 8/29/2024

You’re approved! Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? Qualifying for a credit card is one of life’s little victories. To help you achieve that triumphant feeling, we’ve identified some of the easiest cards to get approved for. These cards offer you your best shot at approval, whether your credit is fair, bad, or non-existent. If you’d like to establish or build your credit, one of these cards may be the perfect answer to your credit needs. Unsecured | Students |... read more »

7 Best Credit Card Offers Right Now (Jan. 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 1/2/2025

I don’t think I could face the day without my visit to Starbucks. It’s not that I just want “coffee” — there are dozens of drinks I can order, but I’m quite particular about my go-to beverage. It’s the same with credit cards — a category of products with a rich variety of choices. Our mission in this article is to name the best credit card offers right now so that you, dear consumer, can get the card that precisely fits your lifestyle, just like a quad extra-hot grande... read more »

11 Best Credit Cards for Doctors (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 10/1/2024

Physicians have interesting financial profiles. New doctors usually carry substantial student debt. Many doctors maintain their own practices, which makes them businessmen as well as healers. And doctors frequently travel to professional venues such as medical conventions and conferences. Couple that with well-earned vacations that may include travel to distant locales, and it’s obvious why there is considerable interest in the best credit cards for doctors. Physicians, treat... read more »

What You Can Do After Being Declined for a Credit Card

By: John Ulzheimer, 11/19/2024

No one enjoys having their credit card application denied. But if it happens to you, you’re certainly not alone. A Federal Reserve survey from October of 2019 found that almost 17% of credit card applicants were rejected. Getting declined for a credit card can sting. But the denial doesn’t have to be the end of your story. This guide offers four steps you can take to recover from credit rejection and set yourself up for success the next time you apply for a credit card. ... read more »

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