Best Preapproved Credit Cards in August 2025
Key takeaways
- Credit card preapproval can help you understand if you’re likely to qualify for a certain card without impacting your credit. Preapproval isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be approved, but it can be a useful tool when shopping around for a new credit card.
- Preapproval tends to be more accurate than prequalification, though credit card issuers may use the terms interchangeably. Once preapproved, you may need to formally apply, resulting in a hard credit check.
- You may get preapproval offers in the mail, or you can seek it out directly from issuers. Online prequalification tools may also help, letting you see offers from multiple issuers at once.
Best preapproved credit cards
- Best preapproved credit cards for bad credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Best preapproved credit cards for bad credit: U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card
- Best credit cards with no credit check: Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
- Best credit cards with no credit check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Best preapproved credit cards for fair credit: Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card
- Best preapproved credit cards for fair credit: Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Best preapproved student credit cards: Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Best preapproved student credit cards: Discover it® Student Chrome
- Best preapproved balance transfer credit cards: Citi Double Cash® Card
- Best preapproved balance transfer credit cards: Citi Simplicity® Card
- Best preapproved travel credit cards: Citi Strata Premier® Card
- Best preapproved cash back credit cards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Banks that offer credit card preapproval
Most major banks — including Citi, 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 | Issuer’s preapproval page | Required information |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | link to page | Name, address, last four digits of your Social Security number and income |
| Bank of America (See how to get preapproved for a Bank of America credit card) | link to page | Name, birth date, last four digits of your Social Security number, address and type of credit card you’re interested in |
| Chase (See how to get preapproved for a Chase credit card) | link to page | Name, address and Social Security number |
| Citi (See how to get preapproved for a Citi credit card) | link to page | Name, last four digits of your Social Security number and address |
| Discover | link to page | Name, address, birth date, student status, monthly housing expense, gross annual income and type of card benefit you’re interested in |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | link to page (only available to Navy Federal members) | Active duty status, income, monthly housing expense |
| U.S. Bank | link to page (only available to existing customers via mail offers) | Confirmation code that came with the offer and ZIP code |
| Wells Fargo | link to page | Wells Fargo customer status, name, address and last four digits of your 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. Online tools like LendingTree’s TreeQual can help show you prequalified offers from multiple issuers once you fill in some basic information.
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
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | 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
 Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
bad credit
|
1% - 2% cash back
| Match all cash back
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
| Limited / Poor |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card*
|
bad credit
|
1X - 4X points
| N/A | Limited / Poor | |
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on The Bancorp Bank's secure site |
no credit check
|
N/A | N/A | Limited / Poor / Fair |
Apply Now
on The Bancorp Bank's secure site |
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
no credit check
|
10% cash back
Up to 10% cash back rewards
| N/A | Limited / Poor / Fair |
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
|
fair credit
|
1% - 10% cash back
| N/A | N/A | |
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Apply Now
on Upgrade's secure site Rates & Fees |
fair credit
|
1.5% cash back
1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
| $200 cash bonus
$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*
| Fair |
Apply Now
on Upgrade's secure site Rates & Fees |
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
student credit cards
|
1% - 5% cash back
| Unlimited Cashback Match
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. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
| Limited / Fair |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Discover it® Student Chrome
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
student credit cards
|
1% - 2% cash back
| Unlimited Cashback Match
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. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
| Limited / Fair |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Citi Double Cash® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
balance transfer credit cards
|
2% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash back
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.
| Fair / Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Citi Simplicity® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
balance transfer credit cards
|
N/A | N/A | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Citi Strata Premier® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
travel credit cards
|
1X - 10X points
| 60,000 points
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.
| Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
|
cash back credit cards
|
2% cash rewards on purchases
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
| $200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
| Good / Excellent |
Methodology: How we chose our cash back 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.
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.
Best preapproved credit cards for bad credit
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
See if you’re preapproved through Discover’s preapproval page.
- $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
- $200 minimum security deposit required
- High APR 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. New cardholders also get a year-end cash back match after their first year.
You’ll need to put down a security deposit of at least $200 to qualify. 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 access to a higher credit limit.
How much can it save you?*
- 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.
- 30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO® Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus 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 any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.See if you’re preapproved through U.S. Bank’s preapproval page.
- $0 annual fee
- Elevated rewards on popular spending categories
- Reports to major credit bureaus
- $15 annual streaming credit after 11 months of streaming purchases
- $300 minimum deposit required
- 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, 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.
You’ll have to put down a security deposit of at least $300, though the deposit can be worth it for the annual fee savings.
How much can it save you?*
- 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery.
- 2X points at grocery stores and gas stations/EV charging stations.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- No annual fee.
Best credit cards with no credit check
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
No credit check required
- $0 annual fee
- No interest charges*
- No credit check needed
- No minimum security deposit requirement**
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Must have a Chime checking account to qualify
- Non-rewards card
- Missing a payment results in a disabled account
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 the lack of perks and flexibility. For example, you can’t earn rewards for spending with this secured card. And if you miss a payment, you’ll lose your ability to use the card until you make your payment.
- 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.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
No credit check required
- No credit check required
- May qualify to switch to an unsecured card after six months
- High rate of approval
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- $35 annual fee
- Minimum $200 security deposit required
- 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, it offers a relatively reasonable APR on purchases and the ability to quickly convert to an unsecured card with responsible use.
If you want to avoid an annual fee, 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?*
- 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!
Best preapproved credit cards for fair credit
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.See if you’re preapproved on Petal’s site.
- $0 annual
- Cash back on every purchase
- No credit history or security deposit required
- May qualify for a credit line increase in six months
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- No sign-up bonus
- No introductory APR
- Potentially high APR
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card offers excellent terms for a starter credit card, including $0 annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and up to 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases. 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?*
- No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
- Variable APRs range from 28.99% - 30.99%
- 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
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
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
- 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?*
- $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.
Best preapproved student credit cards
Discover it® Student Cash Back
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
See if you’re preapproved through Discover’s preapproval page.
- $0 annual fee
- No credit score requirement to apply
- Generous cash back rewards
- Bonus categories require activation each quarter
- Spending cap on highest earning rate
- High APR
The $0-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 a simpler reward process.
How much can it save you?*
- 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. So 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 your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Discover it® Student Chrome
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
See if you’re preapproved through Discover’s preapproval page.
- $0 annual fee
- No credit score required to apply
- Bonus on gas and restaurant purchases
- Cash back match offer for new cardholders
- Highest rewards rate capped at $1,000 in spending 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?*
- 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. So 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. 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 your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Best preapproved balance transfer credit cards
Citi Double Cash® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
See if you’re preapproved through Citi’s preapproval page.
- Long intro APR for balance transfers
- Earn 2% unlimited cash back on every purchase (1% cash back when you buy, plus 1% as you pay for those purchases)
- Solid sign-up bonus
- No intro APR for purchases
- High purchase APR
- You don’t earn 2% cash back immediately
The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great option if you need a balance transfer card. It offers a great combo of a long balance transfer period and a simple rewards program that gives you steady, unlimited cash back 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 can be high, so you’ll need to be careful not to add to your balance on this card.
How much can it save you?*
- 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 18.24% - 28.24%, 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).
Citi Simplicity® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
See if you’re preapproved through Citi’s preapproval page.
- $0 annual fee
- Lengthy 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
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?*
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, 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).
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
Best preapproved travel credit cards
Citi Strata Premier® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
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
- 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
- $95 annual fee
- High purchase APR
The Citi Strata Premier® Card offers valuable, flexible points that you can earn at a fast clip, thanks to 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 toward a single hotel stay of $500 or more each year through CitiTravel.com (minus taxes and fees). It’s somewhat 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?*
- 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
Best preapproved cash back credit cards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.See if you’re preapproved through Wells Fargo’s preapproval page.
- $0 annual fee
- Solid rate of cash rewards on every purchase
- Easy-to-earn welcome offer
- No bonus categories
- Short intro APR period compared to other balance transfer cards
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 on purchases, making it a great fit for those looking to finance a big purchase over time.
That said, the balance transfer intro APR period is relatively short compared to other cards available right now.
How much can it save you?*
- 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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.
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.
After you’ve been preapproved, you can apply for the card, which would require a hard pull. That can result in a small hit to your credit score, but it’s 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
Credit card preapproval and prequalification are often used interchangeably. And there are many similarities:
- Both are based on general financial information, like your annual income and monthly expenses
- Both employ a soft credit pull (that means preapproval and prequalification won’t hurt your credit score)
However, the two terms aren’t exactly the same. Neither of these options guarantee card approval. But you might get more accurate results with credit card preapproval, compared to credit card prequalification. This is because preapproval tends to provide a more complex evaluation of your data. So, look for preapproved credit cards if you want the best shot at getting the card when you apply.
How to get preapproved for a credit card
Credit card preapproval can be a useful tool when shopping for a new credit card. While you may receive certain unsolicited preapproval offers, you don’t necessarily have to wait to find out if you can get preapproved for certain cards. Many issuers provide online forms you can complete to see if you’re preapproved for their cards. And there are other avenues you may explore here, too.
The information you need to provide to see if you’re preapproved can vary by issuer, but typically includes general personal details, like 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. Credit card companies may email you with preapproved credit card offers.
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See what’s in 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.
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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.
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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.
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Visit a bank branch
If you prefer to get help in person, 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.
Frequently asked questions
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 be more likely to receive offers with unfavorable terms. It’s generally best to look for credit cards for bad credit that offer better terms.
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.
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 terrific perks.
Yes. If you want to stop unsolicited preapproval offers, you can have your name removed from the credit reporting agency mailing lists. You’d do that by going to OptOutPrescreen.com or calling (888) 567-8688. That wouldn’t prevent you from seeking preapproval when you want to get a new credit card.
You may find credit cards that you’re already preapproved for via offers in the mail, or you can check out issuers’ websites to see if you’ve prequalified or been preapproved for any cards. Or you may consider using an online tool, such as TreeQual from LendingTree, to see your prequalified offers from multiple credit card issuers at once.
*Out of network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.**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.
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 U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit 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.
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.
