How to Get Prequalified for a Credit Card

What Does Prequalification Mean?

When you apply for a credit card, the card issuer will run a credit check to see if you're eligible. This hard inquiry can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. If you don't want to risk a hard inquiry for a card you might not qualify for, you can try to get prequalified instead.

Prequalification involves a soft inquiry of one or more of your credit reports, which won't affect your credit score. During this process, the card issuer reviews some basic information about you and your credit file to determine whether you're a good fit.

Keep in mind that prequalification isn't an official approval, and it doesn't even guarantee you'll be approved. The card issuer will make its final decision based on your formal application, which will likely result in a hard inquiry.

Learn more: An Essential Guide to Your First Credit Card

Prequalification vs. Preapproval

Some credit card issuers use the terms "prequalification" and "preapproval" interchangeably, but there can be some key differences depending on the issuer:

• Who initiates the process: Prequalification is typically initiated by you—the consumer—through a card issuer's website or a third-party service. Preapproval offers are generally initiated by the card issuer.
• How you receive the offer: With prequalification, you actively seek out offers by submitting your information through a screening tool. With preapproval, you'll typically receive an unsolicited offer because you met the issuer's initial eligibility criteria, usually by mail, email or phone.

Because both prequalification and preapproval typically involve a soft credit check, neither guarantees final approval. In both cases, you'll still need to submit a formal application, which will likely trigger a hard inquiry.

Learn more: Prequalified vs. Preapproved: What's the Difference?

How to Prequalify for a Credit Card

There are a few different ways to determine your chances of getting approved for a credit card.

Use the Card Issuer's Prequalification Tool

Not all card issuers offer prequalification, but many do. You can typically go through the process directly on the issuer's website by sharing some basic details about yourself to gauge your approval odds.

Some issuers also have a general screening tool that shows which of their cards you may be eligible for, rather than limiting you to just one option.

Keep an Eye Out for Mailed Offers

Credit card companies often send preapproved offers through postal mail or email. These offers are usually for specific cards and invite you to apply using a unique code included in the letter or email.

Use a Card Aggregator Service

Online services can help you check your approval odds for cards from multiple credit card companies in one place. Experian can match you with personalized credit card offers based on your credit profile, with no impact on your score. You can see your results in less than a minute.

Compare top credit cards matched for you

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What Credit Score Do I Need to Prequalify for a Credit Card?

There is no minimum credit score requirement to prequalify for a credit card. As a result, your approval odds depend on the specific card you want to apply for, your credit history and other factors.

Even if you have bad credit, there may be credit cards out there within your reach—though you should expect a more limited selection. If you have no credit history or a "thin" credit file, you may only qualify for secured credit cards. However, there are credit card issuers that can consider alternative credit data when processing your application, which could expand your options.

How to Improve Your Approval Odds

Before checking if you prequalify, consider improving your credit score if it's not quite up to par. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Check your credit report. Credit reports from all three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—are available for free from AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also check your credit report and scores online for free with Experian. When looking over your reports and scores, take a look at the factors affecting your scores the most and create a plan of action to address them.
• Pay all your bills on time. Payment history has a major impact on your credit score, so it's essential to make timely payments each month. If you have any past-due payments or charge-offs, get caught up as quickly as possible. If you're worried about missing an upcoming payment, reach out to your lenders to see what accommodations are available.
• Reduce or pay off credit card balances. Your credit utilization rate also plays an important role in your credit scores. Keeping it as low as possible will have the best impact on your scores.
• Become an authorized user. Being an authorized user on a loved one's credit card account can help improve your credit score as long as the card is used responsibly and balances are kept low. You won't be responsible for the outstanding balance and can be removed at any time.
• Have additional positive payment activity reported on your credit report. You can use Experian Boost^®ø to have eligible rent, utility, phone, insurance, internet and streaming service payments added to your Experian credit report for free. This positive payment history could help increase your score.
• Only apply for new credit accounts as needed. Multiple credit applications in a short period can hurt your credit score, so it's best to space them out by at least six months.

Learn more: What Affects Your Credit Scores?

What Happens if I Get Denied for a Credit Card?

Most card issuers can make a decision in a minute or less. If your credit card application is denied, the lender will send you an adverse action letter, which details why you were denied. The letter should also explain that you can get a free copy of your credit report and the steps to take to obtain it.

If you still want the card and believe that your situation is an exception, or you forgot to include some information in your application, such as additional income, you can call the lender and ask that they reconsider your application.

If reconsideration doesn't work, it's best to focus on improving your credit before you apply for another credit card. Once your score has improved and you have a better handle on your credit obligations, you can use the screening tools on credit card sites to determine if you can prequalify.

Learn more: What to Do When Your Credit Card Application Is Denied

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Credit card prequalification isn't a guarantee, but it can help you determine whether you should apply for a card or improve your credit before you proceed with an application.

If you're having trouble getting prequalified or are not quite receiving the offers you want, work toward improving your credit score. You can get started with Experian's free credit monitoring tool, which lets you see your credit report and credit scores, and also get real-time alerts to changes in your report and scores.