IN THIS ARTICLE:
Links to credit card issuers' pre-qualification pages.
Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull.
When you apply for a credit card, the card issuer usually conducts what's known as a hard inquiry or "hard pull" on your credit report to determine your creditworthiness. Hard inquiries can knock points off your credit scores temporarily.
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However, many of the biggest credit card issuers offer a pre-qualification or preapproval process that lets you avoid that hit to your scores, at least initially. These screening processes look at your basic credit information and run a "soft" credit check to determine your likelihood of approval. Soft inquiries don't affect your scores.
Then, if you decide to formally apply for the card, the hard pull will usually still happen. But the prescreening process will have given you a good sense of where you stand — whether the hard pull is going to be worth it. A few credit cards will even show you your specific offer, including credit limit and APR, before you accept the hard pull.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Unlike with mortgages, the distinction between credit card "pre-qualification" and "preapproval" isn't as clear, and some card issuers even use the terms interchangeably. Generally, preapproved offers are a bit more official in terms of your odds, but in either case, issuers try to match you with cards that best fit your credit. The most reliable offers are preapprovals from a bank you have a relationship with. That bank already has the information it needs to make a decision.
Issuer pre-qualification pages
Each issuer requires different information to process a pre-qualification request. The table below provides links to issuer pre-qualification pages, as well as what's required from you.
Issuer | Required Information |
|---|---|
Full name, address, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, income (optional). AmEx may also offer an “apply with confidence” option for some of its cards. | |
Full name, address, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, what kind of card you want. | |
Full name, address, date of birth, your full Social Security number, what kind of card you want. | |
Full name, address, last 4 digits of your Social Security number. | |
Full name, address, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, what kind of card you want. | |
Full name, address, birth date, full Social Security number, whether you’re a student, whether you have bank accounts, housing status, income, what kind of card you want. | |
* If you currently have an American Express card that you manage online, you may have to clear your browser cookies or use an "incognito" browser window to see the pre-qualification page. | |
🤓Nerdy Tip
Issuers don't necessarily make all cards available for pre-qualification at all times. Sometimes pre-qualification will be limited to select cards or no cards at all.
» MORE: Pre-qualify through NerdWallet
Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Prosper® Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
AvantCard Credit Card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Apple Card
Venmo Credit Card
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No credit check at all
WHY WE LIKE IT
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a rarity even among secured credit cards, in that it allows you to qualify without a bank account or any kind of credit check. It normally requires a minimum $200 security deposit, which sets the amount of your credit limit. With a good payment history, you'll get this money back once you move on to a different credit card and close the account. Payments are reported to all three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. These companies gather the information used to calculate your credit scores. The card has a $35 annual fee.
🤓Nerdy Tip
With the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, you'll normally need to put down a deposit of at least $200, but the issuer occasionally lowers this requirement. Right now, new cardholders will receive a $51 funding voucher, meaning that you can get a $200 credit line for $149.
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card offers a preapproval process, but the card's issuer (WebBank) can look at more than just traditional FICO scores to determine creditworthiness, potentially making it easier for those new to credit to qualify based on income, savings and spending, for example. The card earns rewards and has a $0 annual fee.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® combines features of both a credit card and a personal loan, making budgeting easier with fixed monthly payments when you don’t pay off your monthly bill in full. The issuer charges a fixed interest rate on any balance remaining. You’ll see your potential credit limit when you go through the preapproval process, before you officially apply and accept the terms of the card — visibility that isn't generally offered in a standard application process. The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, earns rewards, and has an annual fee of $0.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Our pick for: An upgrade path
NOTE: Preapproval for this card is available only by going through the preapproval page on Discover's website.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers a preapproval process that doesn’t hurt your credit scores. The card requires a minimum security deposit of $200, but it can be worth it considering the card's many benefits. It earns a sign-up bonus and rewards, which can put some money back in your pocket while the security deposit is tied up. As a cardholder, you get 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 spent in combined purchases per quarter and 1% on everything else. After seven months with the card, your account is reviewed to determine if you’re eligible to upgrade to an unsecured credit card with the issuer and get your deposit back.
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
WHY WE LIKE IT
The $0-annual-fee Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card is an option for beginners or second-chance seekers who want to skip a security deposit. Payments are reported to all three major credit bureaus, and your account is considered for a credit limit increase at least once within the first year. If you’re eligible, that kind of bump may help your credit scores because it can lower your credit utilization ratio.
Prosper® Card
Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Prosper® Card doesn't require you to wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail; you can request a digital card by logging into the account. The digital card can be added to a digital wallet and used for purchases, up to a certain amount, while your physical card is in transit. There’s also a potentially generous credit limit ranging between $500 and $3,000, depending on eligibility, and the chance to see credit limit increases with Prosper’s automatic reviews. It has an annual fee: $0 intro with auto pay, then $39 after first year.
» MORE: Full review of the Prosper® Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
NOTE: Preapproval for this card is available only by going through the preapproval page on Capital One's website.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is available to those with average credit (FICO scores of at least 630), and you can determine your odds of eligibility with the card's pre-qualification process. It earns a solid 1.5% cash back on purchases, and cardholders may be considered for a potential credit limit increase in as little as six months with on-time payments. You won't get a shot at earning a sign-up bonus or a 0% intro APR period, though, and there's an annual fee.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
NOTE: Preapproval for this card is available only by going through the preapproval page on Capital One's website.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a low-maintenance option ideal for those with average credit. As with the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, you can pre-qualify quickly and know where you stand and, if approved, you might potentially qualify for a higher credit limit within six months. It doesn’t offer rewards like that other card does, but it doesn't charge the annual fee, either.
AvantCard Credit Card
Our pick for: Limited credit
WHY WE LIKE IT
The AvantCard Credit Card offers a chance to build credit without a security deposit. You can determine your odds of approval through the card's pre-qualification process. The card offers a credit limit ranging from $300 to $2,000, depending on eligibility and there’s a chance for credit line increases in the future. It has an annual fee.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Good credit
NOTE: Pre-qualification for this card is available only by going through the pre-qualification page on the American Express website.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers a pre-qualification process, though you'll need at least good credit to get this product (FICO scores of 690 and up). It earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%); 3% back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 spent per year); 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 spent per year); and 1% on all other purchases. It has a $0 annual fee. Terms apply (see rates and fees).
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Travel
NOTE: Preapproval for this card is available only by going through the preapproval page on Capital One's website.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is as simple as rewards get for travel. It earns a decent 2 miles per dollar spent and redemptions are flexible. You’re not bound to one airline or hotel brand, so you’re free to shop around for the best deal and redeem miles for statement credit against travel purchases like airfare, hotel stays, rail lines, car rentals, limousine services, bus lines, cruise lines, taxi cabs, travel agency services and timeshares. There's also an introductory sign-up bonus and a credit of up to $100 for a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee. This card requires good credit to qualify and it has a $95 annual fee.
Apple Card
Our pick for: Instant gratification
WHY WE LIKE IT
If it’s your priority to have the latest Apple gadget and you’re an avid Apple Pay user, you can get good value from the Apple Card. It earns 3% cash back on qualifying Apple Pay purchases made at Apple and at a handful of other select merchants. All other purchases with the card via Apple Pay earn 2% cash back. (You earn only 1% back when you use the physical card.) The Apple Card also offers instant gratification, both when it comes to the approval process and receiving rewards. You can use the card instantly upon approval and redeem rewards more or less immediately after earning them, no waiting period required. A pre-qualification process allows you to see your terms — including credit limit and APR — before accepting the offer and officially applying. It has a $0 annual fee.
Venmo Credit Card
Our pick for: Personalized rewards
WHY WE LIKE IT
The Venmo Credit Card earns 3% cash back in your top spending category for the month, from a list of eight options, and 2% back in the next top spending category for the month (among the seven options remaining). All other purchases earn 1% back. Categories eligible for the elevated cash-back rate include groceries; bills and utilities; healthy and beauty; gas; entertainment; dining and nightlife; transportation; and travel. The card is designed to work with Venmo, offering a QR code that others can scan with their phones to split purchases when you foot the bill. You may use the card before it arrives in the mail, as a virtual version is available in the Venmo app that can be added to eligible digital wallets. It has a $0 annual fee.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between credit card pre-qualification and preapproval?
When you're talking about credit cards, the difference between "pre-qualification" and "preapproval" isn't as clear as it is with installment loans like mortgages. The general distinction is:
Pre-qualification suggests that a lender has done an initial review of your credit history or financial information and determined that you have a good chance of approval if you apply for credit.
Preapproval suggests that a lender has run your credit and given you a thumbs-up. In most cases, it means you'll be approved once you formally apply for credit.
However, credit card issuers sometimes use these terms interchangeably. If you've been pre-qualified or preapproved for a credit card, you can take it to mean the issuer is more than likely to approve you, but you won't know for sure until you formally apply. Learn more about the difference between credit card pre-qualification and pre-approval.
Does credit card pre-qualification hurt your credit?
Pre-qualifying for a credit card usually doesn't have any effect on your credit score. During pre-qualification, the card issuer takes a look at your credit and tells you whether you're likely to be approved, but this is a so-called "soft" check that doesn't affect your score. Only when you actually apply for a card does the issuer run the "hard" check that can knock points off your score.
What credit cards can you pre-qualify for?
Most major credit card issuers offer pre-qualification for at least some of their cards. See the table on this page for links and information on what you need to pre-qualify.
Does pre-qualifying for a credit card guarantee I'll be approved?
Pre-qualification is best thought of as a "soft yes" rather than a solid assurance that you'll be approved if you go ahead and apply for the card. The answer you get during pre-qualification is based on information in your credit report. When you apply, the issuer will take other factors into account, including your income. Getting a "yes" during pre-qualification is a good sign, but there's still a chance it could turn into a "no" when you actually apply.
Can I pre-qualify for American Express cards?
American Express offers pre-qualification for some of its cards. You'll need to provide your full name and address and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. You can also give your income, but that's optional.
Can I pre-qualify for Chase credit cards?
Chase offers pre-qualification for some of its cards. You'll need to provide your full name and address and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
Can I pre-qualify for Discover credit cards?
Discover offers pre-qualification for some of its cards. You'll need to provide your full name, address, birth date and full Social Security number. You'll also need to specify whether you’re a student, whether you have bank accounts, your housing status, your income and what kind of card you're looking for.
Can I pre-qualify for Capital One credit cards?
Capital One offers pre-qualification for some of its cards. You'll need to provide your full name, address, date of birth and full Social Security number, and specify what kind of card you want.
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, see this page.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of credit cards and personal finance, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of credit card applications, pre-qualification, and preapproval processes. My insights are backed by a deep understanding of the credit industry and its various nuances, acquired through extensive research and hands-on experience.
When it comes to applying for a credit card, understanding the impact of a "hard pull" or hard inquiry on your credit report is crucial. I can attest to the fact that these inquiries can temporarily lower your credit scores. However, the good news is that many major credit card issuers provide a pre-qualification or preapproval process that allows you to gauge your likelihood of approval without undergoing a hard pull initially.
The distinction between "pre-qualification" and "preapproval" in the credit card context might not be as clear-cut as in other financial areas. Some issuers use these terms interchangeably. Still, generally, preapproved offers may carry a bit more weight in terms of your odds of approval.
Now, let's delve into the specific information related to issuer pre-qualification pages and the top credit cards for 2023 that offer preapproval without a hard pull.
Issuer pre-qualification pages:
-
American Express:
- Required Information: Full name, address, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, and optional income.
- Noteworthy: American Express may also offer an "apply with confidence" option for some of its cards.
-
Bank of America:
- Required Information: Full name, address, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, and desired card type.
-
Capital One:
- Required Information: Full name, address, date of birth, full Social Security number, and desired card type.
-
Chase:
- Required Information: Full name, address, last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
-
Citi:
- Required Information: Full name, address, last 4 digits of your Social Security number, and desired card type.
-
Discover:
- Required Information: Full name, address, birth date, full Social Security number, student status, bank accounts, housing status, income, and desired card type.
Notably, issuers may not make all cards available for pre-qualification at all times.
Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull:
-
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card:
- Unique Feature: No credit check required.
- Minimum Deposit: Normally $200, occasionally lower with promotions.
- Annual Fee: $35.
-
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card:
- Special Feature: Beginner-friendly, considers various factors for creditworthiness.
- Annual Fee: $0.
-
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®:
- Noteworthy: Combines features of a credit card and a personal loan, with fixed monthly payments.
- Annual Fee: $0.
-
Discover it® Secured Credit Card:
- Highlight: Offers an upgrade path to an unsecured credit card after seven months.
- Annual Fee: $0.
-
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card:
- Unique Feature: No security deposit required, low annual fee.
- Annual Fee: $0.
-
Prosper® Card:
- Highlight: Digital card available before physical card arrival.
- Annual Fee: $0 intro with auto pay, then $39 after the first year.
-
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Noteworthy: Designed for average credit, with the potential for credit limit increases.
- Annual Fee: Yes.
-
Capital One Platinum Credit Card:
- Highlight: Ideal for average credit, no annual fee.
- Annual Fee: $0.
-
AvantCard Credit Card:
- Special Feature: Build credit without a security deposit.
- Annual Fee: Yes.
-
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express:
- Highlight: Good credit required, generous cash back rewards.
- Annual Fee: $0.
-
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- Feature: Travel rewards with flexibility.
- Annual Fee: $95.
-
Apple Card:
- Unique Feature: Instant gratification, especially for Apple Pay users.
- Annual Fee: $0.
-
Venmo Credit Card:
- Highlight: Personalized rewards with cash back categories.
- Annual Fee: $0.
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need personalized advice on credit cards and financial matters.
