 TITLE: How to Prequalify for a Credit Card CONTENT: What Credit Score Do I Need to Prequalify for a Credit Card?\n------------------------------------------------------------\nThere is no minimum credit score requirement to prequalify for a credit card—approval odds depend on the specific card you want to apply for and your credit history.\nEven if you have bad credit, there may be credit cards out there within your reach. You should, however, expect a limited selection to choose from. Those with no credit history or a \"thin\" credit file may only qualify for secured credit cards, but there are credit card issuers that can consider alternative credit data when processing your application.\nYour credit history isn't the only factor that credit card issuers look for when evaluating your application. They usually input these other factors into their unique formula to determine if you qualify:\n*   **Income**: Lenders review your income to determine if you can afford to repay what you borrow. If you're between 18 and 21 years of age, you're required to submit proof of income or apply with a cosigner. This is mandated by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009.\n*   **Other financial details**: Credit card issuers also examine additional financial information, like monthly housing expenses, during the application process.\nBefore checking if you prequalify, consider improving your credit score if it's not quite up to par. A few tips to help you get started:\n*   **Check your credit report.** Credit reports from all three credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—are available for free from AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also check your credit report and score online for free with Experian. When looking over your report and scores, take a look at the factors affecting your scores the most and create a plan of action to address them.\n*   **Pay all your bills on time.** Payment history has a major impact on your credit score, so it's essential to make timely payments each month. If you have any past-due payments or charge-offs, get current on them sooner than later. Reach out to your lenders to see what accommodations are available if you worry you'll miss a payment.\n*   **Reduce or pay off credit card balances.** Your credit utilization plays an important role in your credit scores. Keeping it as low as possible will have the best impact on your scores.\n*   **Become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account.** This can help improve your credit score if the card is used responsibly and balances are kept low. You will not be responsible for the outstanding balance and can be removed as an authorized user at any time.\n*   **Have additional positive payment activity reported to the credit bureaus.** You can use Experian Boost™† to have eligible telecom, utility and streaming service payments added to your credit report for free. This positive payment history could help increase your scores.\n*   **Only apply for new credit accounts as needed.** Many credit applications in a short period can hurt your credit score.\n*   **Monitor your credit.** By keeping tabs on your credit, you can see changes to your report in real-time and address any issues or fraud promptly. You can monitor your credit for free with Experian. END