Soft Pull Credit Cards
Most 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. Some 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 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 for those with limited credit history offer soft pull pre-qualification. This allows you to gauge your approval odds without affecting your credit score. The key distinction is that while pre-qualification is a soft pull, the official application 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 see your approval odds without affecting your credit score, especially if you have limited or fair credit.
- Capital One: Online pre-qualification for a range of cards, including options for those with bad credit.
- Discover: "Pre-approval" tool on its website using a soft pull.
- American Express: Pre-qualification available for many cards on its website.
- Mission Lane: Fintech credit-building cards with soft pull pre-qualification.
Unsecured Cards for Bad Credit with Soft Pull Pre-Qualification
These unsecured cards allow you to check pre-qualification without impacting your credit score. A hard inquiry occurs only upon formal application.
- Milestone® Mastercard®: Soft pull pre-qualification on Concora Credit website. Starting credit limit $700+.
- Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit: Soft pull pre-qualification available online.
- Surge® Platinum Mastercard®: Soft pull pre-qualification. Initial limits $300–$1,000, potential to double after 6 months of on-time payments (not guaranteed).
- Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®: Soft pull pre-qualification. Initial limits $300–$1,000, with possible increases after 6 months of on-time payments.
- Avant Card: Soft pull pre-qualification on Avant's website. Generally for fair credit (≈640+) and above.
Secured Credit Cards with No Credit Check
Some secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit but do not perform a credit check, avoiding both hard and soft inquiries.
- opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No bank account or credit check required; $35 annual fee.
- opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card: No credit check, $0 annual fee, accessible for bad credit.
- opensky® Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card: No credit check; designed for individuals with bad or no credit.
How to Protect Your Credit Score
- Use pre-qualification tools: Check likelihood of approval without affecting your credit score.
- Limit hard inquiries: Avoid multiple new card applications in a short period; too many hard pulls can negatively impact your score.
- Consider a no-credit-check card: Cards like the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card are ideal for building credit without any inquiries.
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FICO® Credit Scores
A FICO® Score is a proprietary credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). About 90% of top U.S. lenders use it to make lending decisions.
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
FICO categorizes scores as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Exceptional.
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number (300–850) predicting your creditworthiness. Lenders use it to evaluate risk and determine rates and terms for credit.
Why it matters: A higher score can help you qualify for loans and lower interest rates. A lower score can lead to higher borrowing costs or application denials.
FICO® Credit Score Facts
- Three-Digit Number: Summarizes your credit risk.
- Range: 300–850; higher scores = lower risk.
- Data Source: Uses your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
Note: Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness but do not guarantee approval for any credit product.
Security Notice: All participating issuers use secure application systems protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption to help protect your information.
*See the online credit card applications for details about terms and conditions of credit card offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the " Apply Now " button you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card issuer's web site.
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