Best Soft Pull Credit Cards in 2026: Check Offers Without Hurting Your Score
Key takeaways
- A soft pull is a credit check that doesn’t affect your score and helps estimate your approval odds.
- Soft-pull credit cards let you prequalify without a hard inquiry, and some even offer full approval with no credit check.
- Credit cards with no hard pull are typically secured cards, beginner cards and cards for bad credit.
- Best soft pull credit card with no credit check and a flexible deposit: Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
- Best soft pull card with no credit check: opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Best soft pull credit card for fair credit: Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Best soft pull store card: Apple Credit Card
- Best soft pull credit card with a low security deposit: GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Best soft pull credit card with no credit check and no security deposit: Tomo Credit Card
- Best soft pull credit card for flat-rate cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card
- Runner-up for flat-rate cash back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
8 best soft credit pull credit cards**
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card*
|
No credit check and a flexible deposit
|
N/A | N/A | Limited / Poor / Fair | |
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card*
|
No credit check
|
10% cash back
Up to 10% cash back rewards
| 28.24% (variable) | Limited / Poor / Fair | |
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®*
|
Fair credit
|
1.5% cash back
1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
| 14.99% - 29.99% APR | Fair | |
Apple Credit Card*
|
Store card
|
1% - 3% Daily Cash
| 18.24% to 28.49% variable | Good / Excellent | |
GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card*
|
Low security deposit
|
N/A | 22.99% | Limited / Poor | |
Tomo Credit Card*
|
No credit check and no security deposit
|
N/A | N/A | Limited / Poor | |
Citi Double Cash® Card*
|
Flat-rate cash back
|
2% - 5% cash back
| 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable) | Good / Excellent | |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
|
Flat-rate cash back runner-up
|
2% cash rewards on purchases
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
| 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR | Good / Excellent |
Methodology: How we chose the best credit cards with soft pull
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best soft-pull 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 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 Statistics data and $300 in monthly spending (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.
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 bonuses 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.
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.
Best for no credit check with a flexible deposit
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 with no credit check.
- No credit check required
- No minimum deposit required
- $0 annual fee and no late fees
- Doesn’t charge interest
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Requires a Chime checking account
- Spending power limited by account balance
- You can’t upgrade to an unsecured card
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card1 is one of the best credit cards without a hard inquiry because it’s one of the few of its kind with a $0 annual fee. Also, its unique structure offers maximum flexibility. Instead of paying a set security deposit, the card allows you to set your own credit limit by opening a checking account and depositing as much or as little as you want. Since you can’t carry a monthly balance, you don’t have to worry about building up debt or interest. You can even use your deposit to pay your balance.
→ See LendingTree’s full review of the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card.
- 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.
Best for no credit check
opensky® Plus 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 with no credit check.
- No credit check or bank account required
- Chance for credit limit increases and to graduate to an unsecured card
- $0 annual fee
- Up to 10% cash back rewards
- Reports to three credit bureaus
- $300 minimum deposit
- High late fee up to $41
- Rewards only at select merchants
The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is one of the top soft inquiry credit cards with no credit check because it has a $0 annual fee and allows you to earn rewards as you build your credit and ultimately upgrade to an unsecured card. With free online access to your FICO Score as a perk, you can easily monitor your progress.
→ See LendingTree’s full review of the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- No annual fee – keep more money in your pocket!
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- 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 as little as $300 – Secure your line with a refundable security 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 soft pull credit card for fair credit
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.See if you’re preapproved with a soft pull to your credit when you apply. (The issuer may run a hard credit check when you submit your application.)
- $0 annual fee
- No security deposit required
- Rewards for paying off purchases
- Potentially high credit line
- Potentially low APR
- Interest charged on all purchases
- Less flexible than standard credit cards
- Foreign transaction fees
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is one of the top soft credit check credit cards for fair credit because it has a $0 annual fee and earns rewards on every purchase. Its unusual structure offers plenty of predictability, allowing you to pay off each purchase in installments (and you can pay them off early to reduce interest). This can be a useful tool to help you avoid the minimum payment trap and make on-time payments as you build your credit.
→ See LendingTree’s full review of the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®.
- $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 soft pull store card
Apple 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 approved with just a soft pull to your credit before you accept the offer. (The issuer may run a hard credit check when you accept the offer.)
- $0 annual fee
- Financing for Apple products
- Solid rewards when you use your card with Apple Pay
- Extra cash back at Apple and other select merchants
- No sign-up bonus
- No intro APR deal
- Only a fit for Apple Pay users
- Accepting the card will cause a hard inquiry
The Apple Credit Card is an easy-to-get store credit card with a soft pull that lets you see if you’re approved for the card before you accept the offer and initiate a hard pull on your credit. It’s easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Apple tools and products. It’s unique because you get elevated cash back earnings every time you use the card with Apple Pay. Plus, you get financing with installment payments on Apple products and can share the card with members of your Apple Family Sharing Group.
→ See LendingTree’s full review of the Apple Credit Card.
- Earn unlimited Daily Cash Back that you can use right away
- No annual fee, no over-the-limit fee, no foreign-transaction fee and no late fees
- Get 2% Daily Cash every time you use Apple Card with Apple Pay, 3% Daily Cash on all purchases made directly with Apple and select merchants and 1% on other purchases made with your physical Apple Card.
- Invite family members to share the benefits of your Apple Card with Apple Card Family
- Request a number-less titanium metal Apple Card Mastercard to pay when Apply Pay isn’t available
Best for no credit check with a low security deposit
GO2bank 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 with no credit check.
- No credit check required
- Low minimum security deposit
- $0 annual fee
- Keep track of your credit score with VantageScore®
- Reports to three credit bureaus
- Requires an existing GO2bank account with direct deposit
- No upgrade path to unsecured card
The GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card is the best soft pull credit card with a low security deposit because it requires no credit check and only a $100 deposit, making it one of the most accessible secured options available.
It also charges a $0 annual fee and reports to all three major credit bureaus to help you build credit responsibly. Just keep in mind that it’s only available to existing GO2bank customers who’ve received at least $100 in direct deposits within the past 30 days.
- No credit check or impact to your credit when you apply
- Set your own credit limit starting at just $100
- $0 annual fee
- Reports payment history to the three major credit bureaus each month
- Track your credit score each month for free with VantageScore® powered by Equifax®
Best soft pull credit card with no credit check and no security deposit
Tomo 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 with no credit check.
- No credit check or credit history required
- No security deposit required
- No APR
- Requires a linked bank account for approval
- Must pay balance in full each billing cycle
The Tomo Credit Card is the best soft pull credit card with no security deposit because it doesn’t require a credit check and bases approval on your banking and financial history instead of your credit score. But it does require connecting your bank account for underwriting and comes with a weekly autopay schedule, which may not work for everyone.
→ See LendingTree’s full review of the Tomo Credit Card.
- No credit check or security deposit required for approval
- No APR
- Up to $10,000 credit limit
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Offers several World Elite Mastercard benefits, including cellphone protection and membership discounts
Best soft pull credit card for flat-rate cash back
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.See if you’re preapproved with a soft pull to your credit when you apply. (The issuer may run a hard credit check when you submit your application.)
- Great flat-rate rewards
- Long intro APR period for balance transfers
- $0 annual fee
- Ability to use your cash back as ThankYou® Points and transfer to partners
- No intro APR period for purchases
- You don’t earn 2% back immediately
The Citi Double Cash® Card is the best soft pull credit card for flat-rate cash back because it lets you check your approval odds with a soft pull and offers one of the simplest, most rewarding cash back structures available. You earn up to 2% back on purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay) with no categories to track and no annual fee, making it a strong everyday card. It’s also backed by Citi’s prequalification tool, which helps you gauge your chances before risking a hard inquiry.
→ See LendingTree’s full review of the Citi Double Cash® Card.
- 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).
Runner-up soft pull credit card for flat-rate cash back
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 with a soft pull to your credit when you apply. (The issuer may run a hard credit check when you submit your application.)
- Flat-rate cash rewards on purchases
- Solid intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- $0 annual fee
- Soft-pull prequalification available through Wells Fargo
- No bonus earning categories
- May need good / excellent credit for approval
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is another great option for flat-rate cash rewards because it lets you check your approval odds with a soft pull and delivers 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee. It’s simple, consistent and easy-to-use, making it a strong fit for anyone who wants hassle-free rewards. Plus, Wells Fargo’s prequalification tool helps reduce the risk of taking on a hard inquiry.
→ See LendingTree’s full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
- 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.
What is a soft credit pull?
A soft pull on credit, also known as a soft inquiry, is a credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score and is typically done for purposes other than extending credit. Common scenarios in which a soft check is done include getting prequalified for a credit card or loan. In some cases, you can apply for a credit card without a hard inquiry.
A hard pull on credit, also called a hard inquiry, can impact your credit score for a year and remain on your credit reports for two years. One hard pull typically only has a small impact on your score. But if you’re planning to apply for a card with a hard pull, you should check to see if you’re prequalified for the card first. This will help you avoid too many hard pulls on your credit, which can add up and drag your score down more than a single inquiry.
→ Learn more: What’s the Difference Between a Hard and Soft Pull?
Soft pull vs. hard pull
| Soft credit pulls | Hard credit pulls |
|---|---|
| Performed by creditors to provide preapproved credit offers | Performed by creditors when you apply for a form of credit |
| Previous soft pulls are visible on your credit report to only you | Previous hard pulls may stay on your credit report for any creditor to see for up to two years |
| May be done without your prior approval | Must have your written approval |
| No impact to your credit score | Can cause your FICO Score to drop by up to 5 points |
What credit cards do a soft pull?
Many issuers let you check prequalification with a soft pull, which doesn’t affect your credit score. A small number of cards, usually secured or credit-building credit cards, may also let you apply with only a soft pull. These typically advertise “no credit check” as a perk, but they’re the exception rather than the norm.
Can you apply for a credit card with no impact on your credit score?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. Only a few cards, like secured credit cards, credit cards for beginners or credit cards for bad credit clearly state “no credit check required,” meaning you can apply without a hard inquiry. Otherwise, expect a hard pull when you apply, which can cause a small, temporary dip in your score (less than 5 points).
Some existing customers in online credit forums with certain issuers (like Amex) report occasional approvals without a new hard inquiry, but this isn’t guaranteed.
→ Learn more: Does Opening a New Credit Card Affect Your Credit Score?
Credit card issuers that offer credit card preapproval with a soft pull
Most banks let you get prequalified for any credit card with just a soft pull. Many offer online forms on their websites, where you can submit basic financial information to get a list of prequalified cards. Here are the top credit card issuers that offer prequalification for a card with only a soft pull.
| Issuer | Preapproval offered | Required information |
|---|---|---|
| American Express credit card preapproval | Yes | Name, address, Social Security number and income |
| Bank of America credit card preapproval | Yes | Name, birth date, Social Security number, address and type of credit card you’re interested in |
| 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 preapproval | 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 |
→ See LendingTree’s picks for the best preapproved credit cards.
Which soft pull credit cards are easiest to get?
If you have no credit or bad credit, these options can allow you to build or rebuild credit without jumping through a lot of hoops to qualify:
-
Secured credit cards
Secured credit cards are often the easiest to qualify for because your security deposit reduces risk for the issuer. Many offer soft pull prequalification, and a few like the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card don’t require a credit check at all.
→ See LendingTree’s picks for best secured credit cards.
-
Credit cards for bad credit
You can find both secured and unsecured cards that are easier for applicants with bad credit to qualify for.
→ See LendingTree’s picks for best credit cards for bad credit.
-
Beginner credit cards
These credit cards serve people with little or no credit history. Some issuers may not require a credit check, especially when approval is based on banking or cash-flow data.
→ See LendingTree’s top picks for beginner credit cards.
-
Store credit cards
Retail credit cards are often easier to qualify for, and many retailers offer soft pull prequalification online or even in-store.
→ See LendingTee’s top picks for the easiest credit cards to get.
Frequently asked questions
If you apply for a credit card, the card issuer typically does a hard inquiry on your credit in order to make a decision. However, there are some credit cards, such as some cards for beginners or for bad credit, that may only require a soft pull.
A soft pull does not affect your credit. In fact, soft pulls on your credit can’t be seen by anyone except you.
There are some secured cards that don’t do a hard pull on your credit. All of the secured credit cards we featured above can be obtained with just a soft pull.
There is no limit to the number of soft pulls you can have on your credit. In fact, you really can’t control the number of soft pulls on your credit because a lender can do a soft credit pull without your permission in order to make you an offer for a credit card or loan.
Whether a credit limit increase requires a soft pull or a hard pull will depend on your credit card issuer. The credit card company may perform a hard pull on your credit to see if you’re eligible for a credit limit increase. But if your card issuer offers automatic credit limit increases, it may result in a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit. For example, Bank of America uses a soft pull before increasing your credit limit.
In a soft credit pull, your credit card issuer will look at how you manage your debt and credit history. This may include late payments, collection activity or other credit pulls.
The information related to the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card, opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card, Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®, Apple Credit Card, GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card, Tomo Credit Card, Citi Double Cash® 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.
