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American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best Preapproved Credit Cards in May 2025

Citi is an advertising partner.

When you apply for a credit card, the issuer typically checks your credit report before approving you. Also known as a “hard inquiry,” a credit check lowers your credit score by a few points and stays on your report for two years (though the negative impact on your credit score lessens over time).

The good news is that preapproved credit cards let you check if you’re eligible for a card. Just know that getting preapproved doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be approved for the card. In fact, after receiving preapproval, you’ll still need to apply for the card — which typically will require a credit check.

Also keep in mind that there are some credit cards with no credit check required as well as credit cards for bad credit. These tend to be easy credit cards to get approved for if you’re building or rebuilding your credit.

Best preapproved credit cards

Preapproved credit cards for bad credit

Discover it^® Secured Credit Card
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card

Credit cards with no credit check

Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card
opensky^® Secured Visa^® Credit Card

Preapproved credit cards for fair credit

Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^®

Preapproved business credit cards

American Express^® Business Gold Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Preapproved student credit cards

Discover it^® Student Cash Back
Discover it^® Student Chrome

Preapproved balance transfer credit cards

Citi Double Cash^® Card
Citi Simplicity^® Card

Preapproved travel credit cards

American Express^® Gold Card
Citi Strata Premier^® Card

Preapproved cash back credit cards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card
Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

Banks that offer credit card preapproval

Most major banks, including Capital One, Chase and Discover, allow you to get preapproved for a credit card before you apply. To do so, you typically submit a form on the card issuer’s website to see a list of preapproved credit card offers. Here’s a list of major issuers that offer online preapproval forms:

Issuer	Preapproval offererd	Required information
American Express credit card preapproval	Yes	Name, address, Social Security number and income
Bank of America credit card approval	Yes	Name, birth date, Social Security number, address and type of credit card you’re interested in
Capital One credit card preapproval	Yes	Name, address, email address, phone number, employment status, income, monthly housing expense, if you have bank accounts, birth date and Social Security number
Chase credit card preapproval	Yes (online tool is not always available)	Name, address and Social Security number
Citi credit card preapproval	Yes	Name, Social Security number and address
Discover credit card preapproval	Yes	Name, address, birth date, student status, monthly housing expense, income and type of card benefit you’re interested in
Navy Federal credit card preapproval	Yes (only available to Navy Federal members)	Active duty status, income, monthly housing expense
U.S. Bank credit card approval	Yes (only available to existing customers via mail offers)	Confirmation code that came with offer and ZIP code
Wells Fargo credit card preapproval	Yes	Wells Fargo customer status, name, address and Social Security number

If you don’t have a particular credit card issuer in mind, you have other options to find a preapproved credit card. Preapproval tools, including LendingTree’s TreeQual tool, will show you preapproved offers from multiple issuers once you fill in some basic information.

Find your perfect card in 30 seconds. Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.

And if you’re in a hurry to get a new credit card to book a big vacation or earn a sign-up bonus, look for an instant approval credit card. Many cards have instant credit card numbers so you can start spending before you even get the card in the mail.

Best preapproval credit cards

Following are some of the best credit cards from issuers that offer online preapproval. For most cards below, you can see if you’re preapproved by visiting the issuer’s preapproval page. There’s no guarantee that these cards will show up in your list of preapproved offers, but it’s worth checking before you apply.

Best preapproved credit cards for bad credit

Discover it^® Secured Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.2

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.2

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through Discover’s preapproval page.

$0 annual fee
High rewards earnings on gas stations and restaurants
No credit score required
Chance to graduate to an unsecured card
Matches cash back earned in the first year for new cardholders
Reports to all three credit bureaus
No penalty APR

Security deposit of $200 or more required
Low credit line matching security deposit amount
High interest rate on purchases
Late payment fee

The Discover it^® Secured Credit Card is one of the best preapproved cards you can find for bad credit. It has some of the lowest fees on the market with no annual or monthly fees. It also offers one of the more generous rewards structures of any credit card in this category. You’ll get a bonus on gas and restaurant purchases. You’ll also get a year-end cash back match that serves as a welcome bonus, which is rare on these types of cards.

You’ll need to put down a security deposit of at least $200. But you won’t have to worry about paying expensive ongoing fees. Also, Discover will start reviewing your account automatically after seven months to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card. This can get you a refund of your deposit and likely a higher credit limit.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn around $90.64 in rewards, for a net savings of $90.64 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on the dark web. Activate for free.
Terms and conditions apply.

*The information related to the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.2

LendingTree's Review

4.2

See if you’re preapproved through U.S. Bank’s preapproval page.

No annual fee
Earn up to 4x rewards on your purchases
Reports to major credit bureaus
$15 annual streaming credit

$300 minimum deposit
High APR
Late payment fee

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card is a fantastic rewards card for applicants with low credit scores. If you’re an existing U.S. Bank customer, you could potentially receive a preapproved offer for the card. You’ll earn 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery on your first $2,000 each quarter, 2X points at grocery stores (excluding discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), streaming services and gas stations/EV charging stations, 1X on all other eligible purchases. You even get a $15 annual credit for streaming services.

You’ll have to put down a deposit of at least $300, though the deposit can be worth it for the annual fee savings.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn around $72 in rewards, for a net savings of $72 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery (on your first $2,000 each quarter).
2X points at grocery stores and gas stations/EV charging stations.
1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
No annual fee.

*The information related to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best credit cards with no credit check

Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.1

Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.1

Learn More

No credit check required

$0 annual fee
No credit check needed
Choose your own deposit amount**
Zero interest charges***
No foreign transaction fees
Reports to all three credit bureaus

Must have a Chime account with direct deposit to qualify
Non-rewards card
Few perks or protections
No chance to upgrade to an unsecured credit card

The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card is one of the most affordable cards you can find with no credit check. It doesn’t charge an annual fee and, unlike most secured cards, there is no minimum security deposit required. You can even pay your bill with the deposit you placed in your Chime account, then add more when you want to spend on the card.

Its major drawback is that you must have a Chime account with qualifying direct deposits of at least $200 before you apply. Having to open a new account and set up a direct deposit into it could be a deal breaker.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn $0 in rewards, for a net savings of $0 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

No annual fees or interest,* no credit check to apply, and no minimum security deposit required³
Help increase credit score by an average of 30 points¹
View and track your FICO® Score right in the Chime app. FICO Scores are used by 90% of top lenders
Use everywhere VISA is accepted on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries, and have these purchases count towards building credit via on-time payments
Build credit history with your own money - your direct deposit sets how much you could spend, spend up to that amount, and have your monthly balance automatically paid with your direct deposit.
Instant disable card in-app and real-time transaction alerts to prevent fraudulent activities, 24/7 support to assist you around the clock.
Interest and fee-free˜ cash withdrawals at 60K+ ATMs at retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and more.
Apply for a Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card once you sign up for a Chime Checking Account². See www.chime.com to learn more.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. The secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
*No interest: Out of network ATM withdrawal fees may apply. See here for details.
¹ Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
² To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account.
³ Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
ATM Disclosure: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

*The information related to the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

opensky^® Secured Visa^® Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

2.3

opensky<sup>®</sup> Secured Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

2.3

Learn More

No credit check required

No credit check required
May qualify to switch to an unsecured card in six months
Lower-than-average APR on purchases
High rate of approval
Reports to all three credit bureaus
No penalty APR

$35 annual fee
Minimum $200 security deposit
No rewards program
Late payment fee

The opensky^® Secured Visa^® Credit Card is next on the list of most affordable cards with no credit check. While it does charge a $35 annual fee, this is lower than most competitors. It offers a reasonable APR on purchases and the ability to quickly convert to an unsecured card with responsible use.

Note, if you want to avoid an annual fee, you check out the opensky^® Plus Secured Visa^® Credit Card. It has a $0 annual fee and requires a higher $300 security deposit.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $35 annual fee and earn $0 in rewards, for a net savings of -$35 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Start with just $200—secure your credit line with a refundable deposit
Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!

*The information related to the opensky^® Secured Visa^® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best preapproved credit cards for fair credit

Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.7

Petal<sup>®</sup> 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.7

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved on Petal’s site

$0 annual fee
Rewards rate up to 1.5%
No deposit required
Potential credit limit up to $10,000
May qualify for a credit line increase in six months
No foreign transaction fees
No penalty APR or late fees

No sign-up bonus
No introductory APR
Potentially high APR
Must link a bank account to apply

The Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card offers excellent terms for a starter credit card, including no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and up to 1.5% cash back on every purchase. You may even score a credit limit up to $10,000, depending on your credit history. Petal looks at your bill payment history in your bank account to establish a “Cash Score”, as a workaround for applicants with limited credit histories. You just need to link your bank account to apply.

You should know that the Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card is a no-frills card. It lacks a welcome bonus, introductory APR and other perks like travel insurance. But it’s a great option for those wanting a user-friendly card to build credit.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn around $54 in rewards, for a net savings of $54 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
Variable APRs range from 28.49% - 30.49%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
2% - 10% cash back at select merchants
$300 - $10,000 credit limits
No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
No deposits required
Card issued by WebBank

*The information related to the Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^®*

LendingTree's Review

4.5

LendingTree's Review

4.5

Learn More

See if you qualify before you submit your application.

$0 annual fee
Solid rewards earning rate
Cash welcome bonus with checking account and debit transactions
Potentially high credit line
No security deposit

Does not work like a traditional credit card
Must pay back purchases in installments
No ability to make just a minimum payment

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^® is an excellent offering with low fees, decent rewards and a welcome bonus, which is not always offered on cards in this category. The card also has one of the highest potential credit limits when compared with its competitors.

But you should know you’re not guaranteed a high credit limit. The advertised range is extremely wide: $500 to $25,000.

The card also lacks flexibility. You must pay for purchases in installments, which can get confusing if you make many purchases. And you can’t pay just the minimum payment like you can with a traditional credit card. This may be a drawback if you have a lean month.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn around $254 in rewards, for a net savings of $254 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*
1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase
No annual fee
See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
Combine the flexibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
Enjoy Visa Signature benefits, like Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, and more
Shop smarter with Upgrade Shopping! Get exclusive savings at stores, restaurants, and more
Contactless payments with Apple Pay® and Google Wallet™
Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted
Relax knowing that you are protected in case of unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
*To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Preferred account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Preferred account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Preferred account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Preferred account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Preferred account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Preferred account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions. This one-time bonus is available through this Upgrade Card offer and may not be available for other Upgrade Card offers.

*The information related to the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best preapproved business credit cards

American Express^® Business Gold Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.3

American Express<sup>®</sup> Business Gold Card

LendingTree's Review

4.3

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through American Express’s preapproval page.

Valuable welcome offer
Generous rewards customized to your spending
No foreign transaction fees
Flexibility to spend with no preset limit
Variety of business credits
Transfer points to 15+ loyalty programs

Costly annual fee
High spending required to earn a welcome offer
Must pay in full every month except Pay Over Time purchases

The American Express^® Business Gold Card is the gold standard among preapproved business cards. It has one of the most valuable packages of bonuses, perks and credits at a relatively reasonable cost.

It outshines other cards due to its earning flexibility. You get high bonus earnings in the two categories where you spend the most on the first $150,000 in combined total spending in each year. Its points are valuable, since you can transfer them to more than 15 airline and hotel programs. With its high earning rate, you can rack up points for free travel quickly.

You should know that you have to pay your full balance with the American Express^® Business Gold Card every month, with the exception of Pay Over Time purchases.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $1,104 in rewards per year, versus $481 for the average rewards card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.*
Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
*Terms Apply

*The information related to the American Express^® Business Gold Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.4

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

LendingTree's Review

4.4

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through American Express’s preapproval page.

No annual fee
High rate of cash back on every purchase
Flexible spending limit
Intro APR on purchases

Higher cash back rate capped at $50,000 in purchases per year
Foreign transaction fees

The The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is one of the most rewarding flat-rate business cards. It’s great for small business owners who don’t want to deal with tracking bonus categories. You’ll earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement..

While the 2% rate is capped, the rewards are substantial. You can earn up to $1,000 in cash back rewards per year before you reach the $50,000 limit.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $525 in rewards per year, versus $481 for the average rewards card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 26.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
No Annual Fee

*The information related to the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best preapproved student credit cards

Discover it^® Student Cash Back*

LendingTree's Review

4.9

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back

LendingTree's Review

4.9

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through Discover’s preapproval page.

$0 annual fee
Generous cash back rewards
No deposit required
Reports to three credit bureaus
First-year cash back match for new cardholders

Bonus categories require activation each quarter
Spending cap on highest earning rate
High APR

The no-annual-fee Discover it^® Student Cash Back could be a perfect tool for students who want to build their credit while earning rewards. You’ll earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

That’s a stellar rate of cash back if your spending matches up with Discover’s categories each quarter. However, you’ll need to remember to activate the categories at the start of each quarter to earn the full bonus — a potential drawback if you prefer simpler rewards.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn around $119 in rewards, for a net savings of $119 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount
No credit score required to apply.
No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
Terms and conditions apply.

*The information related to the Discover it^® Student Cash Back has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Discover it^® Student Chrome*

LendingTree's Review

4.2

LendingTree's Review

4.2

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through Discover’s preapproval page.

No annual fee
Bonus on gas and restaurant purchases
Cash match offer for new cardholders

2% rate capped at $1,000 each quarter
Lower rewards rate than some cards

The Discover it^® Student Chrome is another top-notch student credit card from Discover. It’s not as rewarding as the Discover it^® Student Cash Back, but you don’t have to deal with rotating categories, and you’ll get decent rewards on gas and restaurants. Discover will even match your rewards at the end of the first year for new cardholders.

How much can it save you?* You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn around $91 in rewards, for a net savings of $91 versus -$2 for the average credit-building card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount
No credit score required to apply.
No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
Terms and conditions apply.

*The information related to the Discover it^® Student Chrome has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best preapproved balance transfer credit cards

Citi Double Cash^® Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.8

LendingTree's Review

4.8

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through Citi’s preapproval page.

Long intro APR for balance transfers
Earn cash back at a high rate on every purchase
Transfer rewards as points to the Citi Strata Premier^® Card

No intro APR for purchases
High ongoing APR
You don’t earn 2% cash back immediately
Minimal perks

The Citi Double Cash^® Card is another great option for a balance transfer. It offers a great combo of a long balance transfer period and a simple rewards program that gives you cash back at a high rate on every purchase. You’ll earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.

On the downside, there’s no intro APR for purchases and the regular APR is high, so you’ll need to be careful not to add to your balance on this card.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will save around $1,162 for a $6,000 balance transfer (assuming $300 monthly payments) and earn $400 in rewards each year, versus $919 in savings and $245 in rewards for the average balance transfer card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

*The information related to the Citi Double Cash^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Citi Simplicity^® Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.8

LendingTree's Review

4.8

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through Citi’s preapproval page.

No annual fee
Lenthy intro APR for balance transfers
Long balance transfer window
Limited fees

Balance transfer fee
Doesn’t earn rewards
Intro APR for purchases is on the short side

True to its name, the Citi Simplicity^® Card simply helps you save on a balance transfer. The card offers one of the longest intro offers currently available for balance transfers.

You’ll also get an intro APR for new purchases, albeit a shorter one. You won’t earn any rewards. But if you prefer to focus on paying down your balance rather than earning rewards, it’s one of the best options out there.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will save around $1,180 for a $6,000 balance transfer (assuming $300 monthly payments) and $0 in rewards each year, versus $919 in savings and $245 in rewards for the average balance transfer card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 18 months from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
$0 liability on unauthorized charges.

*The information related to the Citi Simplicity^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best preapproved travel credit cards

American Express^® Gold Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.3

LendingTree's Review

4.3

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through American Express’s preapproval page.

Valuable welcome offer
High rewards earning on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
Transfer points to 15+ loyalty programs
Dining and Uber credits (enrollment required)
Robust travel insurance protections
Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
No foreign transaction fees

$325 annual fee
Dining and Uber credits can be difficult to apply
Must pay in full every month except Pay Over Time purchases

The American Express^® Gold Card is a top-notch preapproved travel card for cardholders who spend a lot on food and flights. It earns valuable Membership Rewards points that you can transfer to airline and hotel partners, and has some of the highest earnings on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets of any card. It also comes with some of the best travel insurance protections on any travel card.

Keep in mind that you’ll generally have to pay your bill in full every month, outside of Pay Over Time purchases.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $1,261 in rewards per year, versus $481 for the average rewards card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

*The information related to the American Express^® Gold Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Citi Strata Premier^® Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through Citi’s preapproval page.

10x points on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
3x points on a wide variety of categories, including gas, restaurants and supermarkets
Transfer points to Citi’s hotel and airline partners at a 1:1 ratio
$100 annual hotel credit

Annual fee
Light on travel perks

The Citi Strata Premier^® Card offers valuable, flexible points that you can earn at a fast clip, thanks its 3x bonus on a large variety of categories, including gas, restaurants and supermarkets. It’s also a good option for hotels, since it gives you bonus points on hotel purchases, plus a $100 hotel credit each year. It’s light on travel benefits, but if you’re interested in earning points for travel, it’s a good way to go.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $1,345 in rewards per year, versus $481 for the average rewards card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
$100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

*The information related to the Citi Strata Premier^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best preapproved cash back credit cards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through Wells Fargo’s preapproval page.

No annual fee
High rate of cash back on every purchase
Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
Long intro APR on balance transfers and new purchases

No bonus categories
Charges foreign transaction fees
Has a balance transfer fee

The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card is one of the most straightforward cards on the market, offering simple value and ease of use. The card boasts an easy-to-earn welcome bonus with a low spending requirement. It also gives you a solid intro APR deal on both balance transfers and purchases. These features make it a great fit for those looking to pay off high-interest debt or finance a big purchase over time.

You should also know this card charges foreign transaction fees, which could cost you if you use it for international travel.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $500 in rewards per year, versus $371 for the average cash back card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

*The information related to the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

See if you’re preapproved through American Express’s preapproval page.

One of the most rewarding cards for U.S. supermarket purchases
Rewards easily redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com
Generous welcome offer
Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases

Annual fee
$6,000 annual cap on 6% bonus category

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is the best card for everyday purchases, thanks to its leading rewards rate on U.S. supermarket purchases. You’ll also get better-than-average rewards on gas and transit purchases,

You’ll have to pay an annual fee, but the rewards can easily make up for it. If you max out the card’s $6,000 annual cap on its 6% bonus rate, you’ll earn $360 in cash back on just on those purchases.

How much can it save you?* We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $765 in rewards per year, versus $371 for the average cash back card.

*See LendingTree’s value methodology to see how we calculated this.

Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
Terms Apply.

*The information related to the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Compare the best preapproved credit cards

Credit Cards	Our Ratings	Welcome Offer	Rewards Rate	Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Discover it^® Secured Credit Card* Learn More	4.2	Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.	2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically	Limited / Poor	Learn More
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card*	4.2	N/A	4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery on your first $2,000 each quarter, 2X points at grocery stores (excluding discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), streaming services and gas stations/EV charging stations, 1X on all other eligible purchases	Limited / Poor / Fair
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card* Learn More	4.1	N/A	Non-rewards card	Limited / Poor / Fair	Learn More
opensky^® Secured Visa^® Credit Card* Learn More	2.3	N/A	Up to 10% cash back rewards	Limited / Poor / Fair	Learn More
Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card* Learn More	4.7	N/A	Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants. Plus, earn up to 1.25% cash back on most purchases after six months of timely payments and up to 1.5% cash back on most purchases after 12 months of timely payments	Fair	Learn More
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^®* Learn More	4.5	$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*	1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment	Fair	Learn More
American Express^® Business Gold Card* Learn More	4.3	As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.* Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required. Terms Apply	Good / Excellent	Learn More
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card* Learn More	4.4	Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.	Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.	Good / Excellent	Learn More
Discover it^® Student Cash Back* Learn More	4.9	Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.	Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically	Limited / Fair	Learn More
Discover it^® Student Chrome* Learn More	4.2	Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.	2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically	Limited / Fair	Learn More
Citi Double Cash^® Card* Learn More	4.8	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.	Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.	Good / Excellent	Learn More
Citi Simplicity^® Card* Learn More	4.8	N/A	N/A	Good / Excellent	Learn More
American Express^® Gold Card* Learn More	4.3	You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.	Good / Excellent	Learn More
Citi Strata Premier^® Card* Learn More	4.6	Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.	10x on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Restaurants. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on All Other Purchases $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking. Travel insurance protection: Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption (Common Carrier), Trip Delay, Lost or Damaged Luggage, MasterRental Coverage (Car Rental).	Good / Excellent	Learn More
Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card* Learn More	4.6	Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.	Good / Excellent	Learn More
Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express* Learn More	4.6	You may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.	Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.	Good / Excellent	Learn More

*The information related to the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card, Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card, opensky^® Secured Visa^® Credit Card, Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card, Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^®, American Express^® Business Gold Card, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, Discover it^® Student Cash Back, Discover it^® Student Chrome, Citi Double Cash^® Card, Citi Simplicity^® Card, American Express^® Gold Card, Citi Strata Premier^® Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card and Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.

What does preapproved mean?

If you’re preapproved for a credit card, it means that you’ve met the initial requirements for a card without the lender looking at your full credit history. Preapproval typically works in one of two ways:

A card issuer sends you a preapproved offer inviting you to apply for a credit card.
You enter your information into an online form to receive a list of cards for which you’re preapproved.

To extend preapproved credit card offers, lenders typically do a soft pull on your credit. A soft pull is essentially a “peek” at your credit without an official inquiry, which is known as a hard pull.

After you’ve been preapproved, you still need to apply for the credit card, and that will initiate a hard pull on your credit. But a hit to your credit score is more palatable if you’ve already been preapproved. Keep in mind that while preapproval means you have better odds of getting the card, it’s not a guarantee of approval.

Preapproval vs. prequalification

Preapproval and prequalification are often used interchangeably when referring to credit cards. Each is typically based on general financial information, like your annual income and monthly expenses. And each involves a soft pull on your credit, so preapproval and prequalification won’t hurt your credit score.

But while neither guarantees card approval, preapproval often indicates a slightly higher chance of being approved than prequalification. So, look for preapproved credit cards if you want the best shot at actually getting the card when you apply.

How to get preapproved for a credit card

Credit card companies approve applicants based on their creditworthiness and other factors. In particular, some card issuers are known for being super selective in who they approve. Many issuers provide forms you can complete on their website to get preapproved credit card offers. The required information varies by issuer, but usually includes general personal details, such as your name, address and income.

Here are some ways you can get preapproved for a credit card:

Check your email. It pays to keep an eye on your inbox and even check your spam folder. Your current or past credit card companies may email you with preapproved or prequalified credit card offers.
Dig through your mailbox. It’s also common for major card issuers to send preapproved credit card offers in the mail to those who qualify. These offers may include enticing perks such as a welcome bonus or 0% introductory APR.
Go to a card issuer website. You can also see if you are preapproved for cards through a form on the issuer’s website. You can plug in some basic information to get a list of preapproved card offers. You can plug in some basic information to get a list of preapproved card offers.
Use a prequalification tool. Another option is to look for a prequalification tool online, including TreeQual from LendingTree. These tools can provide you with a list of cards from a variety of card issuers that may be a good match for your credit history.
Visit a bank branch. If you prefer to get some in-person help, you can visit a local branch of a major bank. A representative can review the credit card offerings and see if you qualify for any preapproved or prequalified credit card offers.

→ Get more tips on prequalifying for a credit card.

Frequently asked questions

Preapproved credit card offers are available to a customer based on a soft credit inquiry, which doesn’t lower your credit score like a hard inquiry. An issuer may look at your credit score, payment history or other factors to preapprove you for an offer. You can submit basic personal and financial information online to get preapproved.

Credit card issuers perform a soft credit inquiry during the preapproval process, which generally doesn’t affect your credit. When you apply for a credit card, they’ll run a hard credit inquiry, which can affect your credit score. One hard inquiry typically takes less than five points off your FICO Score and affects your score for a year, though it stays on your credit reports for two years.

Many credit card issuers allow you to check online to see if you’re preapproved for a credit card. The process typically involved sharing basic personal and financial information. Other card issuers reserve preapproved offers for existing customers or send preapproval offers through mail or email.

Credit card approval isn’t guaranteed even if you’re preapproved for a card. During the preapproval process, credit card issuers perform a soft credit inquiry, giving them a quick snapshot of your credit history. Afterward, you’ll see a list of cards you’re likely to be approved for if you apply. When you apply for a credit card, the card issuer performs a hard credit inquiry, which may take other factors into account to determine your creditworthiness.

You should always take a close look at the card’s terms before you accept a preapproved credit card offer. If you’re building or rebuilding credit, keep in mind that consumers with low credit scores may get targeted for offers for cards that have sky-high interest, exorbitant fees or other unfavorable terms. It’s best to decline those types of offers and instead look for credit cards for bad credit that offer fair terms.

There is no set credit score that you need to get preapproved for a credit card because the criteria for preapproval vary by card. However, having a good to excellent credit score, which generally means a FICO Score of 670 or higher, can increase your odds of getting preapproved for the best credit cards. These cards offer high sign-up bonuses, good rewards and top-notch perks.

Methodology: How we chose the best preapproved credit cards

To bring you the list of best preapproved credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Balance transfer cards: We calculate the savings on a balance transfer, based on the length of the introductory period. We assume a transfer amount of $6,500 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract balance transfer fees, annual fees and the amount paid on interest for any amount left over after the introductory period expires.
0% purchase APR cards: We calculate the amount saved on interest given the length of the card’s introductory period. We assume a purchase of $1,800 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract the card’s annual fee and interest paid on any amount remaining after the introductory period expires. We also add in the amount earned on rewards for the average cardholder, including the card’s sign-up bonus, minus the card’s annual fee. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
Rewards credit cards: We calculate the rewards earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes sign-up bonus and annual bonuses (including annual free night certificates). For travel cards, this value includes travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
Credit cards for building credit: We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it is a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor data and $300 in monthly spend (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.

Depending on the category, we also look at the flexibility rewards, foreign transaction fees, features for building credit and how the card’s overall list of benefits compares to other cards.

Note, that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best preapproved credit cards. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value when choosing the best card for you.

*To see rates & fees for American Express^® Business Gold Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for American Express^® Gold Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, please click here.

**Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

***Out of network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.

The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.

To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime® Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

The information related to the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card, Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card, opensky^® Secured Visa^® Credit Card, Petal^® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa^® Credit Card, Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa^®, American Express^® Business Gold Card, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, Discover it^® Student Cash Back, Discover it^® Student Chrome, Citi Double Cash^® Card, Citi Simplicity^® Card, American Express^® Gold Card, Citi Strata Premier^® Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card, Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express and opensky^® Plus Secured Visa^® Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.

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Discover it^® Secured Credit Card*

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