Choose a Credit Score
OVERVIEW
MyPathFinance.com can be of assistance if you’re on the lookout for a credit card but worried that your credit score might hinder approval or limit you to subpar options in the current market. We have curated a list of leading credit cards and evaluated them based on impartial criteria such as features, rewards, cash back, expenses, and financing requirements.
CREDIT RATING
When evaluating credit applications, credit card issuers take into account various factors. Among these, your credit rating is a crucial consideration in determining whether to approve or reject your application. To choose the right credit card, it’s essential to begin by understanding your credit rating, which can fall into one of the following categories:
- Excellent: 750 – 850
- Good: 650 – 749
- Fair: 600 – 649
- Poor: 550 – 649
- Bad: 500 – 549
If you have a low credit rating, you might need to choose a secured card as it provides a chance to enhance your credit score while mitigating the risk for the credit card company. As you progress up the credit rating scale, you’ll be able to qualify for a wider range of credit card programs. For instance, someone with an excellent credit rating is more likely to be eligible for a significant number of credit card programs that are currently offered.
CHOOSING A CARD
Selecting a credit card that perfectly matches your financial plan, credit score, and expenditure requirements enables you to access the most attractive offers. At MyPathFinance.com, we take on the laborious task of presenting the benefits and features of each credit card in an easy-to-understand format. This ensures that you’re always aware of what to anticipate from a specific credit card offering and the respective issuing bank, preventing any unforeseen complications that could potentially derail your credit card search.
CREDIT HISTORY
MyPathFinance.com is a valuable resource whether you have a bad, fair, or limited credit history. Our comprehensive data points allow you to easily determine whether credit cards come with annual fees, intro purchase APRs, or any other associated fees that may apply upon approval. We also provide clear summaries of the regular purchase APR and up-to-date information on reward types and rates.
DUE DILIGENCE
Obtaining a new credit card offer entails careful consideration of various factors. Apart from the multitude of offers available in the market, your credit score, credit history, and financial situation will play a significant role in the approval process. An often overlooked aspect is that it’s important to select a credit card offer primarily based on your credit rating. Knowing your credit rating reduces the guesswork when selecting an offer and filling out the online application. This enables you to focus on credit card offers that you’re actually eligible for, rather than wasting time on offers that are out of your reach.
PLAN THE PROCESS
Failing to know your credit rating increases the likelihood of applying for credit card offers that you don’t qualify for. For instance, if a credit card requires an excellent or very good credit score, but your score falls in the fair range, your chances of approval are slim. It’s also worth noting that multiple credit inquiries in a short period can negatively affect your credit score. Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid continuously applying for offers that you’re unlikely to qualify for. Knowing your credit rating enables you to plan your search and application process for optimal efficiency.
Here are some common questions to consider:
- Do you require a secured credit card to establish credit history and improve your score?
- Can you apply for an unsecured card that accepts average credit, using it as a way to transition to a better card in the future?
- Does your credit rating meet the requirements for most credit card offers, including those designed for very good or excellent credit?
SUMMARY
While it’s natural to focus on personal preferences, such as a well-known cashback rewards program, when looking for a credit card, it’s important to remember that this should not be your only consideration. If you want to select the right card efficiently, you should primarily base your choice on your current credit rating.