What Credit Score Do I Need for a U.S. Bank Credit Card?

If you have your eye on a U.S. Bank credit card, you probably want to be confident of an approval before you apply. The most important factor is having the right credit score for a U.S. Bank credit card. We've researched all of the card options from this credit card company, so keep reading to find out what credit score you need for each one.

What credit score do I need for a U.S. Bank credit card?

You need a FICO® Score of 670 or higher for most U.S. Bank credit cards, but its secured credit cards don't have a minimum credit score.

U.S. Bank has a large selection of credit cards. The recommended credit score depends on the card. Its most popular cards are aimed at consumers with "good credit," and that means a FICO® Score of 670 and above. However, the card issuer also has cards that are open to anyone regardless of their credit score.

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We should mention your credit score isn't the only thing that matters when applying for a U.S. Bank card. Other factors, like your income and current debts, also play a part. And while there's usually a recommended credit score for a card, your credit score alone doesn't guarantee you'll be approved or denied.

U.S. Bank credit cards for good credit

The best credit cards are intended for consumers with a good credit score (670 or above), and that's true with almost every card issuer, including U.S. Bank. In most cases, you need a credit score either in that range or close to it to get approved. An excellent credit score (720 or higher) is even better, but it's generally not necessary to get the card you want.

U.S. Bank credit cards for building and rebuilding credit

U.S. Bank offers secured credit cards for consumers who are working on their credit. A secured credit card requires a security deposit to open, so card issuers tend to be more flexible about approvals with this type of card.

You can get a U.S. Bank secured card if you're completely new to credit and don't have any activity on your credit report yet. These cards are also an option if you have a low credit score because of some credit issues in the past.

Here are U.S. Bank cards for building and rebuilding credit:

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card

How to apply for a U.S. Bank credit card

Here's how to apply for a U.S. Bank credit card:

Check your FICO® Score
Choose the U.S. Bank credit card you want
Fill out an application

Now, let's look at each step in a little more detail.

1. Check your FICO® Score

Your credit score determines which U.S. Bank credit cards you can get. Similar to most major credit card issuers, U.S. Bank looks at your FICO® Score when you apply for one of its cards. For that reason, we always suggest checking your FICO® Score so you'll have the most accurate information.

Experian CreditWorks℠ Basic is a free, online service you can use for this. Once you find out your credit score, it will help you decide on a card. With a score of 670 or higher, you can potentially qualify for any U.S. Bank credit card. If it's well below, you could get one of U.S. Bank's secured credit cards or focus on raising your credit score for the time being.

READ MORE: How to Build Credit Fast

2. Choose the U.S. Bank credit card you want

Review the U.S. Bank cards that fit your credit profile and pick the one you like the most. To choose the best credit card, I always suggest starting with one or two must-have features. For example, you could look for:

Cash back rewards with bonus categories to fit your spending habits.
Travel rewards and benefits to save money on your trips.
A 0% intro APR on every purchase to finance big expenses.
A balance transfer card to pay down credit card debt.
A no annual fee card to build credit without any extra bills.

U.S. Bank has all types of credit cards, so choosing one depends on what's right for your financial situation.

LEARN MORE: How to Choose a Credit Card

3. Fill out an application

Select the "Apply Now" option on the credit card's page and fill out the application. U.S. Bank will ask you for the following information:

Full name
Email address
Phone number
Address
Date of birth
Social Security number
Annual income

After you submit the application, there are a few things that can happen. The best-case scenario is U.S. Bank instantly approves your application, and you get your card in the mail within seven to 10 business days.

U.S. Bank could put your application in a pending status if it needs more time to come to a decision. You'll get a decision by mail within seven to 10 business days, and if you're approved, you'll receive your card within the same amount of time from approval.

Finally, there's the dreaded denial. While this is discouraging, it's not always final. If your application is denied, try calling U.S. Bank at 1-800-947-1444 and asking for a reconsideration. In some cases, a representative will reverse the decision and approve you for the card.

FAQs

U.S Bank uses an applicant's FICO® Score to check their creditworthiness. FICO® Score is the type of credit score that's most widely used by lenders.
The specific credit bureau that U.S. Bank uses to get an applicant's credit score will vary. Reports indicate U.S. Bank pulls credit scores and reports from TransUnion most often, but this isn't always the case. The card issuer also sometimes pulls credit scores from Equifax and Experian.
It's not hard to get a U.S. Bank credit card, but this depends on your credit score and the card you choose.
Most U.S. Bank credit cards are intended for consumers with good credit, which is a FICO® Score of 670 or higher. If your credit score isn't there yet, U.S. Bank also offers secured credit cards that don't have a minimum credit score requirement.
To be approved for a U.S. Bank credit card, you need a source of income and a U.S. address. Although U.S. Bank runs a credit check when you apply for a credit card, you don't need a specific credit score to be approved. You can qualify for a U.S. Bank secured card even if you have a low credit score or no credit history at all.

What Credit Score Do I Need for a U.S. Bank Credit Card? | The Motley Fool (2024)