What Credit Score Do You Need for a Credit Card?
Understand score ranges and which cards you can realistically get approved for.
October 13, 2026 · 5 min read
Card issuers use your credit score to decide whether to approve you and at what rate.
Score ranges
- Excellent: 740+
- Good: 670-739
- Fair: 580-669
- Poor: below 580
Improve your odds
Pay on time, keep utilization below 30% and avoid opening many accounts at once. Use pre-qualification tools that do not affect your credit.
Starter options
If your credit is fair or limited, secured cards and student cards are a great way to build history.