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Best Preapproved Credit Cards in January 2026: What to Know Before You Apply

Charlotte Zhang, Author at LendingTree

Written by  Charlotte Zhang

Robin Ratcliff, Editor at LendingTree

Edited by  Robin Ratcliff

Updated
Many of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us, but this does not influence our recommendations. Read disclosures (opens in a new tab).

Not sure you’ll get approved for a credit card? You’re not alone — a lot of people feel this way. The good news is that most major banks, like Citi, Chase and Discover, let you check for preapproval with no credit hit before you apply. You just fill out a quick form online to see which cards you may qualify for. We’ll show you the top cards, issuers that offer preapproval and what preapproval really means — so you can apply with confidence.

Key takeaways
  • If you’ve been denied before, preapproval helps avoid another hard inquiry and another “no.”
  • If you’re rebuilding credit, no-credit-check and secured credit cards are your safest bets toward getting your next credit card.
  • If you’re new to building credit, secured or student credit cards with preapproval tools help you start without extra stress.
  • If you’re looking for rewards or want to transfer a balance, preapproval lets you find the best card without damaging your credit score.

Banks that offer credit card preapproval

Many major banks — including Citi, Chase and Discover — let you get preapproved for a credit card before you apply. Here’s a list of major issuers with online preapproval forms:

IssuerBest forIssuer’s preapproval pageRequired information
American Express logoApplicants with high credit scores and incomesVisit preapproval pageName, address, last four digits of your Social Security number and income
Bank of America logo
 (See how to get preapproved for a Bank of America credit card)		Existing customersVisit preapproval pageName, birth date, last four digits of your Social Security number, address and type of credit card you’re interested in
Capital One logoA wide range of credit scoresVisit preapproval pageName, address, email, phone and Social Security number
Chase logo
(See how to get preapproved for a Chase credit card)		Applicants with high credit scores who can meet strict requirementsVisit preapproval pageName, address and Social Security number
Citi logo
(See how to get preapproved for a Citi credit card)		Applicants with higher credit scores

Visit preapproval pageName, last four digits of your Social Security number and address
Discover logoBeginnersVisit preapproval pageName, address, birth date, student status, monthly housing expense, gross annual income and type of card benefit you’re interested in
Navy Federal Credit UnionNFCU members/those who can qualify for membership

Visit preapproval page (only available to Navy Federal members)Active duty status, income, monthly housing expense
U.S. Bank logoExisting customers (preapprovals only available via mail offers)

Visit preapproval page
(only available to existing customers via mail offers)		Confirmation code that came with the offer and ZIP code
Wells Fargo logoApplicants with higher credit scores

Visit preapproval pageWells Fargo customer status, name, address and last four digits of your Social Security number

If you don’t have a particular issuer in mind, online tools like LendingTree’s TreeQual can show you prequalified offers from multiple issuers.

Compare the best preapproval credit cards

  • All of the credit cards listed offer preapproval
The best credit card preapproval match depends on your situation. See which scenario below is right for you:

ScenarioLendingTree's recommendation
If you’re rebuilding credit and want strong rewards with low feesDiscover it® Secured Credit Card
If you want rich rewards while building credit (especially on dining)U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card
If you want a secured card with no credit check and no minimum depositSecured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
If you want a no-credit-check option with a high approval rateopensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
If you want high credit limit potential and a welcome bonusUpgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
If you’re a student building credit and want high rewardsDiscover it® Student Cash Back
If you’re a student who prefers simple rewardsDiscover it® Student Chrome
If you need to transfer a balance and want a card with top-notch rewardsCiti Double Cash® Card
If you want the longest balance transfer intro APRU.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card
If you want to earn a ton of rewards on travel and everyday spendCiti Strata Premier® Card
If you want to earn simple cash back at a high rateWells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Methodology: How we chose our best preapproved credit cards

We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best preapproved credit cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:

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.

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.

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.

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.

A closer look at LendingTree's picks for the best preapproval credit cards

See if you're preapproved through Discover's preapproval page.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • No credit score required to apply
  • Chance to graduate to an unsecured card
  • Matches cash back earned at the end of your first year for new cardholders
  • Reports to all three credit bureaus
Cons
  • $200 minimum security deposit required
  • High APR on purchases
  • Late payment fee

Rebuilding after a setback? The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a standout pick for cardholders with bad credit. It has some of the lowest fees on the market with no annual or monthly fees. It also offers some of the most generous rewards in its category, including extra cash back on gas and dining and a cash back match for new cardholders. Plus, Discover automatically reviews you for an upgrade to an unsecured card starting at seven months — potentially refunding your deposit and unlocking a higher limit.

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 -$8 for the average credit-building card.

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

See if you're preapproved through U.S. Bank's preapproval page.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Elevated rewards on popular spending categories
  • Reports to major credit bureaus
  • $15 annual streaming credit after 11 months of streaming purchases
Cons
  • $300 minimum deposit required
  • High APR
  • Late payment fee

If you’re a U.S. Bank customer with less-than-perfect credit, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card could be your ticket to earning rewards while rebuilding. You’ll earn a fantastic 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 after 11 months of purchases for select streaming services. A refundable $300 security deposit is required, but it’s a small price for top-notch rewards and no annual fee.

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 -$8 for the average credit-building card.

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

No credit check required
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • No credit check needed
  • No interest charges*
  • No minimum security deposit requirement**
  • Earns rewards on rotating categories when you direct deposit
  • Reports to all three credit bureaus
Cons
  • Only earn rewards on some purchases
  • Can only earn rewards if you direct deposit
  • Late payments may result in being unable to use the card until caught up

If you're struggling to qualify because of a credit check, a card with no credit check may be the key — and the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is one of the best. It has no annual fee and, unlike most secured cards, no minimum security deposit**. You can fund it directly with any amount in your Chime account and add more when you’re ready to spend. You can even earn rewards in rotating categories each quarter if you set up direct deposits into your Chime checking account.

How much can it save you?*

You’ll pay a $0 annual fee and earn around 7 in rewards, for a net savings of $7 versus -$8 for the average credit-building card.

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

No credit check required
Pros
  • No credit check required
  • No annual fee
  • May qualify to switch to an unsecured card in little as six months
  • 89% approval rate
  • Reports to all three credit bureaus
Cons
  • High APR
  • Minimum $300 security deposit required
  • Late payment fee

For those looking to rebuild credit or start building credit, the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is next on the list of most affordable cards with no credit check. While it only earns rewards on select purchases, it does offer no annual fee and the opportunity to quickly convert to an unsecured card with responsible use.

How much can it save you?*

You’ll pay a $0 annual fee, for a net savings of $0 versus -$8 for the average credit-building card.

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

See if you qualify before you submit your application.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Solid rewards earning rate
  • Earn a welcome bonus with checking account and debit transactions
  • Potentially high credit line
Cons
  • Does not work like a traditional credit card
  • Must pay back purchases in installments
  • No ability to make just a minimum payment

Many starter credit cards keep limits low, but the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® stands out as one that's historically offered potentially high credit limits. While there's no guarantee of a high credit limit, you can count on low fees, solid rewards and even a welcome bonus — a rare benefit for this category.

It works a bit differently from a traditional credit card — purchases are repaid in fixed installments, which can get tricky if you make frequent charges. And you can’t make just a minimum payment if cash is tight in a month. Still, the structure can help you from building up a balance you can't afford to pay off.

How much can it save you?*

The average beginning cardholder will pay a $0 annual fee, pay around $67 in interest per year on average (assuming a $300 monthly balance) and earn around $254 in rewards, for a net savings of $187 versus -$8 for the average credit-building card.

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

See if you're preapproved through Discover's preapproval page.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • No credit score requirement to apply
  • Generous cash back rewards
  • Matches cash back at the end of first year for new cardmembers
Cons
  • Bonus categories require activation each quarter
  • Spending cap on highest earning rate

If you're a student, the $0-annual-fee Discover it® Student Cash Back could be a perfect tool to start building 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 simple 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 -$8 for the average credit-building card.

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

See if you're preapproved through Discover's preapproval page.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • No credit score required to apply
  • Bonus on gas and restaurant purchases
  • Cash back match offer for new cardholders
Cons
  • Highest rewards rate capped at $1,000 in spending each quarter
  • Lower rewards rate than some cards

The Discover it® Student Chrome is another great student credit card. While it’s not as rewarding as the Discover it® Student Cash Back, it keeps things simple — no rotating categories, just steady rewards on gas and dining. 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 -$8 for the average credit-building card.

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

See if you're preapproved through Citi's preapproval page.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Long intro APR for balance transfers
  • Good cash back rate on every purchase
  • Solid sign-up bonus
Cons
  • No intro APR for purchases
  • High purchase APR
  • You don’t earn 2% cash back immediately

If you're looking for a balance transfer card to save money on interest, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a standout pick. It combines a lengthy balance transfer period with a simple, high rate of cash back on purchases.

The trade-off? There’s no intro APR on new purchases, and the regular APR can run high — so it’s best used for paying down existing debt, not adding new charges.

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 $916 in savings and $271 in rewards for the average balance transfer card.

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

See if you’re preapproved on the card information page.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Longest current intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
  • Chance to earn annual statement credit
  • Cellphone protection
Cons
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Limited rewards program
  • No sign-up bonus

For the longest intro APR periods on both purchases and balance transfers, the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card is hard to beat. It doesn't offer a flashy sign-up bonus or rewards, but it does have a few perks — like cellphone protection and a $20 annual statement credit — that offer ongoing value after the intro period ends.

How much can it save you?*

We estimate that the average cardholder will save around $1,060 for a $6,000 balance transfer (assuming $300 monthly payments) and $47 in rewards each year, versus $916 in savings and $271 in rewards for the average balance transfer card.

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

See if you're preapproved through Citi's preapproval page.
Pros
  • 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
  • Travel protection benefits, like trip cancellation and lost luggage
  • $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (minus taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • High purchase APR

If you're looking for a travel card that goes beyond basic rewards, the Citi Strata Premier® Card is worth a closer look. You can rack up valuable, flexible points at a fast clip, thanks to its 3x bonus on a large variety of categories, including gas, restaurants and supermarkets.

It’s also a strong option for hotels, since it gives you bonus points on hotel purchases, plus a $100 hotel credit toward a single hotel stay of $500 or more each year through CitiTravel.com (minus taxes and fees). While its travel perks are modest, you’ll still get essentials like trip cancellation and interruption protection, lost luggage coverage and car rental insurance.

How much can it save you?*

We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $714 in rewards per year, versus $915 for the average travel rewards card.

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

See if you're preapproved through Wells Fargo's preapproval page.
Pros
  • $0 annual fee
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
  • Low threshold to earn welcome offer
  • Cellphone protection
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver
Cons
  • No bonus categories
  • Short intro APR period compared to other balance transfer cards

For simple, straightforward cash back rewards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card delivers. It offers an easy-to-earn welcome offer with a low spending requirement. It also gives you a solid intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, making it ideal for financing a big expense over time.

The downside? Its balance transfer intro APR period is shorter than some competitors. Still, for straightforward rewards and everyday value, it’s tough to beat.

How much can it save you?*

We estimate that the average cardholder will earn around $400 in rewards per year, versus $367 for the average cash back card.

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

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What does preapproved mean for a credit card?

Being preapproved means that you've met the initial requirements for a credit card without the lender looking at your entire credit history.

If you've been turned down for credit before or are rebuilding after a financial setback, preapproval can take the guesswork out of applying. It lets you know where you stand and gives you more confidence before you officially hit "apply."

LendingTree Expert Advice

"It can be nerve-wracking to apply for a card, especially if you're not sure that your application will be approved. Getting preapproved for a card can ease some of that nervousness. It doesn't mean that you're guaranteed to get the card if you apply, but it can help you better understand if you're likely to qualify, and it does it without a hard pull on your credit."

Matt Schulz LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst headshot

Matt Schulz

LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst

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.

Lenders typically do a soft credit pull before sending you a preapproval offer. A soft pull is essentially a “peek” at your credit that doesn’t affect your credit score. If you decide to apply, they’ll do a hard pull, which may cause a small, temporary dip in your score.

Preapproval doesn’t guarantee approval, but it’s a strong signal that you’re likely to qualify — and a smart way to shop for credit with confidence.

In the news

Banks reported tighter standards for credit card loans and weaker demand in the July 2025 Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey. This means more banks are raising the minimum credit score required to obtain a card, which is why it's important to check your preapproval odds before you apply.

Preapproval vs. prequalification

People often use "preapproval" and "preaqualification" interchangeably because they mean nearly the same thing. The key difference lies in who starts the process. When a lender or card issuer sends you offers by mail or email, that's preapproval. When you fill out an online form to see potential offers, that's prequalification.

PrequalificationPreapproval
What it is

Initial check to see if you might qualifyA more detailed initial check to see if you might be approved
Who initiates the process?

You

Credit card issuer
Information used

General financial info like income and monthly expenses

General financial info like income and monthly expenses
Credit impact

Soft pullSoft pull
Approval guarantee

No

No

Neither option guarantees approval, but preapproval may give you a clearer picture of your odds. That's because it involves a deeper look at your credit profile than credit card prequalification. If you want the best shot of getting approved, start with preapproved credit card offers.

Is your credit frozen?

If so, card issuers won’t be able to run a soft credit pull — meaning preapproval won’t work until you lift the freeze. Unfreezing your credit with each bureau can take a business day or more, so plan ahead to avoid a failed preapproval attempt.

How to get preapproved for a credit card

If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, getting preapproved for a credit card can be a smart first step. The process is quick and easy and can often be done online. Here are some ways you can get preapproved for a credit card:

Look for offers in your inbox

Keep an eye on your email — and even check your spam folder. Credit card issuers often send preapproved credit card offers straight to your inbox. These can be an easy, low-effort way to find cards you may qualify for before you apply.

Don't skip the mail — offers might be waiting

That stack of mail on your counter might include something valuable. Major banks frequently send preapproved credit card offers by mail, sometimes with appealing perks like welcome offers or a 0% intro APR.

Check directly on your bank's website

Most major banks — like Chase, Citi or Wells Fargo — let you check for credit card preapproval online. Just enter some basic information to see which cards you’re likely to qualify for without impacting your credit score.

Try an online prequalification tool

Tools like TreeQual from LendingTree let you quickly see prequalified credit card offers from multiple issuers in one place. It’s a simple, stress-free way to find cards that fit your credit score and spending habits.

Stop by your local bank for in-person assistance

Prefer to talk to someone in person? Head to a nearby bank branch. A teller or personal banker can help you review available credit card offers and may be able to check if you’re preapproved or prequalified on the spot.

Find out if you're prequalified for a credit card

Did you know?

Americans owe more than $1.2 trillion in credit card debt, according to a LendingTree study. It's important to follow credit card best practices like paying on time and keeping your balance low to avoid becoming part of this statistic.

Issuer restrictions to watch out for

Credit card issuers may have rules — both written and unwritten — that can affect your approval odds. Here are some of the most common ones mentioned in credit card forums.

  • American Express
    The unofficial Amex 2/90 rule means that you cannot be approved for more than two American Express cards within 90 days. This does not apply to cards that need to be paid in full. Most welcome offers have "once per lifetime" language. A pop-up will appear before you apply to warn you.
  • Barclays
    Barclay's has an unofficial and loosely enforced 6/24 rule (no more than six new accounts in 24 months). Online forum users have had success getting around it by calling the reconsideration line when denied.
  • Bank of America
    The unofficial 2/3/4 rule limits Bank of America cardholders to two cards per two-month period, three cards in a 12-month period and four cards in a 24-month period. Non-Bank of America and business cards don't seem to be counted in this rule.
  • Capital One
    Capital One has a reputation for pulling your report from all three credit bureaus, so be sure to unfreeze all your credit reports.
  • Chase
    By the unofficial Chase 5/24 rule, you may be denied if you have more than five new credit cards within the last 24 months. It's uncertain whether this includes Chase's targeted "just for you" offers.
  • Citi
    The unofficial 8/65 rule allows one personal approval every eight days, and no more than two every 65 days. Also, you may be automatically declined if you've had a hard credit pull within the last five days.
  • U.S. Bank
    U.S. Bank seems to prefer applicants who have less than one new card in six months or two in twelve, also referred to as the <1/6 and <2/12 rules.
  • Wells Fargo
    Cardholders may not be eligible for a sign-up bonus if they've had the same product within the last 48 months, even if the account was closed.

LendingTree Expert Advice

When in doubt, try a secured credit card.

"My husband went from no credit to strong scores as an authorized user on my Discover it® Cash Back. But when he applied for a Capital One card, he was denied. We opted to open a secured card. He used it for a year to build his credit history and was then approved for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card."

Charlotte Zhang

LendingTree credit cards writer

What to do if you're denied

Not every credit card application gets a "yes". The good news: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the issuer must tell you which credit bureau they checked — and often why they declined you, like "too many new credit applications" or "insufficient credit history."

Here are some things you can do if your application was denied:

Frequently asked questions

Before saying yes to a preapproved credit card, take a close look at the fine print. If you’re building or rebuilding credit, remember that preapproved offers for lower scores often come with higher fees or rates. You may find better terms by exploring credit cards for bad credit instead.

You can find preapproved credit card offers in your mailbox or by checking directly on card issuers’ websites. Or, for a faster way to compare, try an online tool like TreeQual from LendingTree — it lets you see your prequalified offers from multiple issuers in one place.

Credit card preapprovals usually use a soft credit inquiry, which generally doesn’t affect your credit score. It’s only when you formally apply that issuers run a hard inquiry. This can shave off a few points (usually less than five) and can stay on your credit reports for two years, though it only impacts your score for about one.

Yes — even if you’re preapproved, you can be denied for a credit card. Preapproval simply means you’ve met the issuer’s initial criteria. Once you apply, the issuer reviews your full credit report and other factors before making a final decision.

Preapproved credit card offers typically last between 30 to 90 days from the issue date, though some online offers expire sooner. For example, Discover gives you seven days to accept your preapproval offer online. Always check your letter or email for the exact expiration date before you apply.

No — preapproval offers don’t guarantee the exact terms shown. They only show what you may qualify for. But if you apply and get approved, you can review the final terms and conditions before deciding whether to accept the card.

There is no set credit score that you need to get preapproved for a credit card. Each card issuer sets its own standards. That said, a good to excellent credit score (typically a FICO® Score of 670 or higher) can boost your chances of preapprov/al for the best credit cards. These cards offer high sign-up bonuses, good rewards and terrific perks.

Yes, you can opt out of preapproved credit card offers by removing your name from credit bureau mailing lists. Visit OptOutPrescreen.com or call (888) 567-8688 to stop receiving them. This won’t affect your ability to seek preapproval later — it just means issuers can’t send you unsolicited offers.

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.
The information related to the Citi Strata Premier® Card, Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card and Wells Fargo Active Cash® 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.

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