Requirements to Get a Credit Card
5 Min Read | Published: December 22, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Wondering about credit card requirements and your eligibility? From minimum credit score to income, here’s what you need to know to apply.
At-A-Glance
- When you apply for a credit card, issuers typically look at your credit score, income, and overall financial history.
- Requirements vary by card type: Student, secured, and premium cards may all have different criteria.
- You can check for Amex offers with no initial impact on your score to see what you may qualify for.
Thinking about applying for a credit card, but not sure if you’ll qualify? You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to credit or aiming for a premium card, issuers look at a few common factors before giving the green light—like your credit score, income, and repayment history.
Let’s walk through some of the most typical credit card requirements and how to check your eligibility without putting your credit score at risk.
Key Credit Card Requirements
Card issuers examine a few different items before approving you for a credit card, like your credit score, income, age and residency, as well as your financial history.1
Credit Score
There’s no all-encompassing rule for what credit score you need to qualify for a credit card, but if you have a higher score, you may qualify for cards with more perks and features.2 So if you’re applying for a premium rewards card, you may need to have good to excellent credit in order to get approved.3
If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, there are ways you may be able to boost your score, like making timely payments on your outstanding debts, limiting your credit utilization, and keeping older lines of credit open to lengthen your credit history.
Income and Ability to Pay
Your income also plays a key role in your eligibility for a credit card. Income requirements may vary by card provider and card, but sometimes even part-time or household income can be enough for you to qualify.4
That said, issuers also balance your income with the amount of debt you have. If a lot of your earnings go toward paying off existing debt, it may be tougher to qualify.5
Some cards have lower income requirements than others. For instance, student credit cards may be easier to get if you have limited credit history or income. But you’ll likely need to show you’re enrolled part-time or full-time at a college or university.
Age and Residency
In general, you must be at least 18 years old to get a credit card.6 In some states, you may need to be at least 19, and in Puerto Rico, you need to be at least 21.7 If you’re under 21, no matter where you live, you may need to provide additional proof of income.8
Additionally, many card providers require you to be a permanent U.S. resident or a citizen before they approve you for a credit card.9 However, some cards may cater to international applicants.10
Financial History
If you’ve recently declared bankruptcy or had missed payments sent to collections, it might be more challenging to get a credit card. But you still have hope. While bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for 10 years,11 you may be able to qualify for certain credit cards after a year or two of filing.12
If you’ve had financial challenges, you may have better luck applying for a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you put down a deposit that acts as your credit limit. The card issuer can keep the deposit if you don’t repay according to your agreement. If you make payments on time, though, a secured card can help you start the process of improving your credit score.13
How to Check Your Eligibility
Some card issuers, including American Express, make it easier for you to tell if you qualify for their cards by providing prequalification tools. Prequalification can show if you meet the preliminary requirements for a card by making a soft inquiry into your credit history, which doesn’t affect your credit score. If you prequalify for a certain card, you may feel more confident in your chances of approval if you formally apply.
To review the full range of available American Express Cards, please visit americanexpress.com/apply or call us at 888-779-9580 to apply. We're happy to help you find the Card that's right for you. 8 am - 11 pm EST, 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most issuers look at factors like your credit score, income, age, and financial history. Requirements may vary depending on the card.
You generally need to be 18 or older, have a steady income, and meet the card’s credit score criteria. You typically need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, but some cards may allow international applicants.
Not always. Household income or other forms of support may count, depending on the issuer.
The Takeaway
Credit card requirements aren’t a mystery—they’re just the basics, like your credit score, income, and payment history. Once you know the rules of the game, finding—and getting approved for—the right card can be a whole lot less stressful. If you’re feeling comfortable with how your profile fits some of the criteria, check out some card offers to see if you might qualify.
1,9,10 “Here’s who’s eligible for a credit card and what factors card issuers consider when you apply,” CNBC
2,3 “What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Credit Card?,” US News
4,5 “What Annual Income Is Required for a Credit Card?,” US News
6,7,8 “How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?,” Experian
11,12,13 “Can You Keep Credit Cards After You Declare Bankruptcy?,” Experian
Scott Drueding Hanson is a content writer and copywriter based in Brooklyn. His work focuses primarily on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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