Money Credit Cards
Article updated on Aug 01, 2024
You can apply for credit cards more confidently if you first know your chances of getting approved.
Why You Can Trust CNET Money
CNET Money’s mission is to help you maximize your financial potential. Our recommendations are based on our editors’ independent research and analysis, and we continuously update our content to reflect current partner offers.How we rate credit cards
Written by
Jaclyn DeJohn Editor Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.
Evan Zimmer Staff Writer Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Edited by
Tiffany Connors Editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.
Reviewed by
Julia Menez Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles. 
Article updated on Aug 01, 2024
Our Experts
Written by Jaclyn DeJohn Editor Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink. Evan Zimmer Staff Writer Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Edited by Tiffany Connors Editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.
Reviewed by Julia Menez Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Reviews ethics statement-
CNET'S PICK
Best preapproval card welcome bonus Discover it® Cash Back
4.1/5
Rating Breakdown 4.1
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
8.1/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
1% - 5% 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 - automatically.
Intro offer available 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Learn More -
Travel card with preapproval Discover it® Miles
3.0/5
Rating Breakdown 3.0
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 2.5
Value for Money 3.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
6.0/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
1.5x Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.
Intro offer available Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Learn More -
For gas and restaurants Discover it® Chrome
3.3/5
Rating Breakdown 3.3
See AlsoHow to check your odds of getting approved for a credit card without hurting your credit scoreWhat your Credit Karma Approval Odds really meanApplying for a Credit Card? Here’s How Your Approval Odds Stack UpHow To Increase Your Chances Of Credit Card ApprovalWelcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 2.0
Value for Money 3.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
6.5/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
1% - 2% Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Intro offer available 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. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Learn More
View Card List
- Discover it® Cash Back: Best preapproval card welcome bonus
- Discover it® Miles: Travel card with preapproval
- Discover it® Chrome: For gas and restaurants
Our Experts
Written by Jaclyn DeJohn Editor Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink. Evan Zimmer Staff Writer Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Edited by Tiffany Connors Editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.
Reviewed by Julia Menez Credit card expert and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast Julia Menez is a points strategy coach, speaker, and host of the Geobreeze Travel Podcast. Through her podcast and social media channels, she distills the strategies from top award travelers around the world and creates step-by-step tutorials for how you can make the most out of your points and miles.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Reviews ethics statementWhy You Can Trust CNET Money
CNET Money’s mission is to help you maximize your financial potential. Our recommendations are based on our editors’ independent research and analysis, and we continuously update our content to reflect current partner offers.How we rate credit cards
Table of Contents
- What is a preapproval credit card?
- How to get preapproved
- Ways to improve your preapproval chances
- FAQs
- Our methodology
Credit card preapproval isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be approved for a credit card when you apply, but it indicates that the odds are in your favor.
Getting preapproved involves a “soft pull” on your credit (versus a hard pull) and won’t hurt your credit. Some credit cards offer the convenience of online preapproval so you can figure out if it’s worth completing the full application. Applying in full for any credit card entails a real credit check (a hard pull) and a ding to your credit score.
Alternatively, some credit card issuers actively solicit potential new cardholders via preapproved offers through the mail. The picks below offer some form of preapproval if you’re hesitant to apply for a new card or worried about affecting your credit score.
CNET’S PICK
Best preapproval card welcome bonus
Discover it® Cash Back
4.1/5
Rating Breakdown 4.1 Welcome Bonus 5.0 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 2.0 Fees and APR 3.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
8.1/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Cashback Match 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% – 5% 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 – automatically.
Rec. Credit
670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
APR
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
The Discover it® Cash Back* credit card offers an Unlimited Cashback Match™ as the welcome bonus. Discover will essentially double your cash back earned over your first year at its conclusion. Remember, you have to activate the rotating rewards category manually from your account each quarter.
Check out our full review of theDiscover it Cash Backfor more details.
Rating Breakdown 4.1
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Rewards Rates
5%
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.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
The Discover it® Cash Back* credit card offers an Unlimited Cashback Match™ as the welcome bonus. Discover will essentially double your cash back earned over your first year at its conclusion. Remember, you have to activate the rotating rewards category manually from your account each quarter.
Check out our full review of theDiscover it Cash Backfor more details.
Rating Breakdown 4.1
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Rewards Rates
5%
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.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Travel card with preapproval
Discover it® Miles
3.0/5
Rating Breakdown 3.0 Welcome Bonus 5.0 Rewards Program 2.5 Value for Money 3.0 Benefits 2.0 Fees and APR 3.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
6.0/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Discover Match® Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers--only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5x Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.
Rec. Credit
670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
APR
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
With the Discover it® Miles* card, you earn 1.5x miles per dollar on all of your purchases. Miles can be redeemed for cash or a statement credit against travel purchases. This is a solid flat rewards rate particularly when paired with the Discover Match® welcome bonus. At the end of your first anniversary year, Discover will match your miles earned and deposit them into your account. This means you’ll effectively earn 3x miles per dollar on all of your purchases in the first year.
Rating Breakdown 3.0
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 2.5
Value for Money 3.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Rewards Rates
1.5x
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.
With the Discover it® Miles* card, you earn 1.5x miles per dollar on all of your purchases. Miles can be redeemed for cash or a statement credit against travel purchases. This is a solid flat rewards rate particularly when paired with the Discover Match® welcome bonus. At the end of your first anniversary year, Discover will match your miles earned and deposit them into your account. This means you’ll effectively earn 3x miles per dollar on all of your purchases in the first year.
Rating Breakdown 3.0
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 2.5
Value for Money 3.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Rewards Rates
1.5x
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.
For gas and restaurants
Discover it® Chrome
3.3/5
Rating Breakdown 3.3 Welcome Bonus 5.0 Rewards Program 2.0 Value for Money 3.0 Benefits 2.0 Fees and APR 3.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
6.5/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Cashback Match 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. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% – 2% Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Rec. Credit
670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
APR
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
As with the otherDiscover cards on this list, the Unlimited Cashback Match™ makes the Discover it® Chrome* stand out among preapproval credit cards. Since Discover matches your earned cash at the end of your first year, you’ll effectively earn a 4% return at gas stations and restaurants -- but remember that this only applies to the first $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%). This rate is competitive with some of the best restaurant credit cardsandbest gas credit cards, though only for the first year.
Rating Breakdown 3.3
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 2.0
Value for Money 3.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Rewards Rates
2%
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
As with the otherDiscover cards on this list, the Unlimited Cashback Match™ makes the Discover it® Chrome* stand out among preapproval credit cards. Since Discover matches your earned cash at the end of your first year, you’ll effectively earn a 4% return at gas stations and restaurants -- but remember that this only applies to the first $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%). This rate is competitive with some of the best restaurant credit cardsandbest gas credit cards, though only for the first year.
Rating Breakdown 3.3
Welcome Bonus 5.0
Rewards Program 2.0
Value for Money 3.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Rewards Rates
2%
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
What is a preapproval credit card?
A preapproval credit card just means you can check your chances of approval first without undergoing a full credit check.
Your potential credit card issuer may refer to this as something else -- prequalification or preselection, for example -- but they all refer to a preliminary matching to a card product that won’t impact your credit score.
Do keep in mind that, even if you are preapproved for a credit card, it doesn’t mean you have a 100% chance of being approved. You’ll still need to complete a full credit card application and undergo a hard credit check to know for sure.
How to get preapproved
To get preapproved, you’ll either have to check on the credit card issuer’s website or receive a preapproved offer in the mail or in your email. Whichever route you take, the credit card issuer will have a link for you to follow or an application to fill out with information like your name, address and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Ways to improve your preapproval chances
Your credit score is a major component of what determines your approval odds. That means one of the best ways to improve your chances of preapproval is to increase your credit score. The best way to do that is to make on-time payments on your credit products, including credit cards, student loans, auto loans and mortgages.
You should also try to limit your credit utilization ratio -- the amount of debt you owe compared to your available credit. A balance transfer could help get rid of existing credit card debt if you’re feeling the pressure of a large balance coupled with interest charges.
“You can keep your credit score high by always paying off your bills on time, keeping utilization on your cards low, and keeping your oldest line of credit open,” credit expert Julia Menez said. “Additionally, you can increase your chances of [being preapproved] by opting in for any preapproval offers and establishing a relationship with the bank.”
FAQs
Preapproval and prequalification are similar. They both suggest you have good odds to get the card you applied for but that there are no absolute guarantees. Prequalified cards can mean that the issuer has found you are the type of consumer that’s a good fit. Preapproval means the card company has taken a deeper look at your credit history and income and feels confident you’ll receive an approval if you apply.
Getting preapproved is typically done online. You’ll need to provide your annual income and identifying information, such as your name and address, as well as the last four digits of your Social Security number. You’ll receive personalized offers based on the card issuer’s initial findings.
There is no commitment required during the preapproval process. Your credit score won’t be affected either, since only a soft pull is performed on your credit. If you decide to move forward with an application, the card provider will do a hard credit check.
A credit card soft inquiry won’t affect your credit, but doesn’t do an in-depth search into your credit history. A preapproval isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be approved for a credit card when you apply. See it more as an invitation to apply with good odds of approval.
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Preapproved Chase Credit Cards: How to Qualify
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Pick the Best Credit Card
- Best Credit Cards
- Best Cash-Back Credit Cards
- Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
- Best Travel Credit Cards
- Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cardsby exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
*All information about the Discover it Cash Back, Discover it Miles, and Discover it Chrome has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Written by
Jaclyn DeJohn
Editor
Read more from Jaclyn
Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.
Written by
Evan Zimmer
Staff Writer
Read more from Evan
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
