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ClearValue Cards

What credit score do I need for a credit card?

No-credit / thin-file: secured or credit-builder unsecured cards (Discover It Secured, Capital One Quicksilver Secured, Petal 2). Good-credit (670+): mainstream cashback. Very-good (740+): travel + premium cards.

Issuers don't publish strict FICO floors but the buckets are consistent across the industry. Secured cards approve almost anyone with a deposit. Petal 2 uses bank-cash-flow underwriting in addition to credit. Mission Lane approves the 580-620 band. Mainstream unsecured cashback wants 670+. Premium cards (Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) want 740+ with established history.

Reviewed by the ClearValue Editorial Team · Last updated 6/29/2026