FEATURED CREDIT CARDS

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Mission Lane Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
  • No Annual Fee
  • Fair Credit
  • Enjoy coverage from Visa®.
    *See Card Terms

Indigo® Mastercard® - $1,000 Credit Limit

Indigo<sup>®</sup> Mastercard<sup>®</sup> - $1,000 Credit Limit
  • Get the credit limit you deserve—$1,000 guaranteed if approved
    Rates & Fees

Milestone® Mastercard®

Destiny Mastercard
  • $700 Credit Limit
  • No security deposit
  • Less than perfect credit is ok
    Rates & Fees

Apply for a Credit Card Online

To apply for a credit card online, you will need to research and compare cards, gather your personal and financial information, complete the secure online application, and then activate the card when it arrives.

1. Before you apply

  • Check your credit score. This gives you a sense of what cards you might qualify for, as many rewards cards are designed for those with good-to-excellent credit, while secured cards are for those building or rebuilding credit. You can get a free copy of your credit report annually from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com.

  • Find the right card for you. Consider your financial goals and spending habits.

    • Rewards cards offer cash back, points, or miles on purchases.

    • 0% introductory APR cards offer a period of no interest on purchases or balance transfers.

    • Low-interest cards have a consistently lower interest rate, which is helpful if you carry a balance.

    • Secured cards require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit and are used to build a credit history.

  • Seek pre-qualification. Many card issuers offer an online pre-qualification tool that lets you know if you're likely to be approved without affecting your credit score. This involves a "soft inquiry" on your credit report.

  • Understand credit card terms. Look for key details like the annual percentage rate (APR), annual fees, and late payment penalties.

  • 2. Gather necessary information

    Before starting the application, have the following information ready to make the process quick and easy:

  • Full legal name

  • Physical street address (no P.O. Box)

  • Date of birth

  • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

  • Annual gross income (before taxes)

  • Employment status and contact information for your employer

  • Monthly housing costs (rent or mortgage)

  • Contact information, such as your email address and phone number

  • 3. Complete the online application

  • Visit the card issuer's official website. Never apply through an unverified email link.

  • Fill out the secure form. Enter your personal and financial information accurately. Double-check for typos, as small errors can lead to a denial.

  • Review and authorize. Read the terms and conditions carefully, then authorize the issuer to perform a "hard inquiry" on your credit to finalize your application. This may cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score.

  • Submit the application. You may receive an instant decision, but some applications take longer to review.

  • 4. After approval: Use your new card responsibly

  • Activate your card. When your card arrives, follow the instructions on the packaging to activate it, which can be done online, through a mobile app, or by phone.

  • Set up your online account. Create an account on the issuer's website or app to manage payments, track rewards, and monitor your balance.

  • Enroll in autopay. To avoid missing a payment, set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due. Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score.

  • Maximize your rewards. Make sure you understand how your rewards program works, as some bonus categories may require manual activation.

  • Check your credit report. After a few months, check your credit report to ensure the new account and your payment history are being reported accurately.







  • Found this guide helpful? Bookmark it for future reference as you continue your financial journey!

    Experian Boost: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Your Free Credit Score

    FICO® Credit Scores

    A FICO® Score is a specific, proprietary type of credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). It is the most widely used credit scoring model, with approximately 90% of top U.S. lenders using a FICO® Score to make lending decisions.

    FICO® Score Ranges:

    • Exceptional: 800–850
    • Very Good: 740–799
    • Good: 670–739
    • Fair: 580–669
    • Poor: 300–579
    While many people (and credit education websites) use "Excellent" and "Bad" as general, descriptive terms, FICO® officially categorizes its score ranges as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Exceptional.

    What is a Credit Score?

    A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that predicts your creditworthiness—how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending to you and to determine the interest rates and terms of any credit you might receive.

    Why is a Credit Score Important?
    A credit score is important because it acts as your financial reputation. Lenders, landlords, insurers, and employers use this single number to quickly judge how reliable you are with money. A higher score helps you qualify for loans and credit cards, often securing lower interest rates that can save you significant money. Conversely, a poor credit score can lead to application denials or much higher costs for borrowing, making it a key factor in your overall financial opportunities.

    FICO® Credit Score Facts

    Key Characteristics of FICO® Scores

    • Three-Digit Number: Like other credit scores, FICO® Scores are a three-digit number that summarizes a consumer's credit risk.

    • Range: Most standard FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850. Higher scores indicate lower credit risk.

    • Data Source: FICO® Scores are calculated using data from your credit reports maintained by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Your score may vary slightly depending on which bureau's data is used.

    • Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO® Scores for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards because they provide a consistent, statistically sound assessment of the likelihood that a borrower will repay their debt.

    Note: Credit scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any credit card product.

    Advertiser Disclosure:

    The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Gettingacreditcard.com may receive compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Gettingacreditcard.com does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.

    About Our Offers:

    The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Gettingacreditcard.com may receive compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Gettingacreditcard.com does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.