Soft Pull Credit Cards
The vast majority of credit cards require a hard inquiry for the final application, but several companies allow you to check for pre-qualification with only a soft pull. A few secured cards are also available that don't perform a credit check at all.
A soft pull is a preliminary look at your credit history that does not impact your credit score. A hard inquiry, or hard pull, occurs when you formally apply for a new line of credit and can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
Several unsecured cards designed for bad credit or those with limited credit history offer soft pull pre-qualification. These tools allow you to check your approval odds without affecting your credit score.
The key distinction is that while the pre-qualification is a soft pull, the official application for the card will trigger a hard inquiry.
Credit cards with soft pull pre-qualification
Many major issuers allow you to check for pre-qualification online. This is an excellent way to gauge your approval odds without affecting your credit score, especially if you have limited or fair credit.Major card issuers offering soft pull pre-qualification:
Unsecured cards for Bad Credit with soft pull pre-qualification
Several unsecured cards designed for bad credit or those with limited credit history offer soft pull pre-qualification. These tools allow you to check your approval odds without affecting your credit score.The key distinction is that while the pre-qualification is a soft pull, the official application for the card will trigger a hard inquiry. For more information on pre-qualifying for a credit card with bad credit, read our guide: Prequalify for a Credit Card with Bad Credit: A Guide to Your Options.
Secured credit cards with no credit check
Some secured credit cards—which require a refundable security deposit—do not perform a credit check at all, avoiding both hard and soft inquiries.How to protect your credit score
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FICO® Credit Scores
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
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
- 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.
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