How hard is it to get a Capital One credit card?

Capital One has credit cards that fit nearly every credit situation including poor credit, no credit, good credit, or better, so it is not difficult to get a Capital One credit card.

What credit score do I need for a Capital One credit card?

There is no published minimum, but anecdotal reports are that you may be able to be approved for a secured card with a credit score as low as 300. You will generally need a very good to excellent score, normally 740 or above, to be approved for Capital One’s best credit cards.

What income do I need to qualify for a Capital One credit card?

Capital One does not publish a minimum income. Capital One will evaluate whether you have sufficient income to make monthly payments and may include household income in the consideration.

How long does it take to get approved for a Capital One credit card?

You could be approved instantly when submitting the application or your application could need to be reviewed further. If your application is pending, you should receive an answer in 7 to 10 additional business days. If you’re approved, your card should be received within 7 to 10 business days. If you’re not approved, you’ll receive a letter within 7 to 10 business days stating why you were not approved.

What is the maximum credit limit for a Capital One card?

There is no published maximum credit limit that Capital One will assign. Although some specific Capital One credit card products do have maximum credit limits, actual credit limits are determined based on each card applicant’s income and creditworthiness.

Which Capital One card is easiest to get?

The easiest Capital One card to get is the Capital One Platinum Secured card.

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Credit Cards

The Recommended Minimum Requirements for Capital One Credit Cards [2024]

Updated: October 22, 2024, 11:32am CDT

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The Value of a Capital One Relationship
Recommended Minimum Requirements for Capital One Credit Cards
Applying for a Capital One Credit Card
Best Capital One Credit Card for Excellent Credit (740+)
Best Capital One Credit Cards for Good Credit (670 to 739)
Best Capital One Business Credit Cards
Best Capital One Credit Card for Poor or No Credit
Reconsideration Line
Final Thoughts

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If you’re looking to add a Capital One credit card to your wallet, you’ll find a lot of available information that can be helpful in your pursuit.

Our quest today is to share some of that information to assist you in starting the process. Of course, we don’t have all the answers, but we can help you increase your chances of getting approved for a Capital One credit card and potentially avoid the disappointment of being declined.

Capital One is a solid financial institution known historically for simplicity in its credit card products — both in terms of earning rewards and redemption options. While the issuer has expanded its line with a premium travel rewards card and more ways to redeem rewards, you’ll still find that most of the collection functions simplistically.

There’s a Capital One credit card that’s a fit for nearly every consumer credit situation. If you’re considering a Capital One credit card, you’ll want to read today’s article to learn what it takes to increase your chances for approval.

The Value of a Capital One Relationship

With all the credit card issuers out there, why consider Capital One? Here are some reasons Capital One is a good credit card choice.

A Card for Every Consumer

Whether you have excellent credit or credit that’s far less than perfect, Capital One has built a collection of credit cards to match every credit situation. Not all credit card issuers can make this claim. No matter your starting point, you’ll have a path to improving your credit with Capital One.

And, if you have excellent credit, there are cards with robust earning structures, premium travel benefits, and flexible, valuable choices at redemption time.

Earning Rewards

With the exception of cards designed for the sole purpose of building/rebuilding credit, every purchase you make with a Capital One card earns rewards. Most cards feature purchase categories that receive bonus rewards earnings.

Multiple Redemption Options

Rewards earned on Capital One credit cards can be redeemed for cash-back, statement credits, travel, or transferred to travel partners for potentially greater value.

Travel and Shopping Protections and Benefits

Many Capital One cards come with various levels of travel protections, including car rental insurance and roadside dispatch, plus benefits such as lounge access and no foreign transaction fees. You’ll also find protections such as purchase security and extended warranty that can make you whole if something happens to an eligible purchase.

Additional Services

In addition to issuing credit cards, Capital One offers financial products, including checking/savings accounts, debit cards, money market accounts, and certificates of deposits.

Capital One also provides services such as the Capital One Shopping tool and CreditWise, a free credit access/monitoring tool. You do not need a Capital One account or credit card to utilize these services.

Bottom Line: Capital One offers nearly every consumer, regardless of their credit situation, an opportunity to qualify for a credit card and improve their credit situation. You’ll find bountiful earning opportunities, flexible redemption options, travel/shopping protections and benefits, and additional services offered by Capital One.

Recommended Minimum Requirements for Capital One Credit Cards

Credit Score Experian — While the verbiage may vary by credit bureau, the higher your credit score, the better your chance of card approval. Image Credit: Experian

What We Know for Sure

Having an Excellent Credit Score Increases Your Likelihood of Approval

Although Capital One offers cards for every credit level, a very good or even excellent credit score (740 and above) increases your chances of approval for the best Capital One credit cards. And, although your credit score is one of the most important factors Capital One looks at, it’s not the only factor.

Sufficient Income and Credit History Are Also Important

Capital One looks at your credit score but also whether your income (and possibly household income) is sufficient to make credit card repayments. In addition, Capital One offers the following statement clarifying its definition of a qualified applicant, even with a good to excellent credit score.

Capital One Can Pull Credit From All 3 Major Credit Bureaus

When applying for a Capital One credit card, you can expect to receive a hard inquiry (hard pull) from each major credit bureau — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. For this reason, you must make sure you haven’t frozen access to any of these accounts.

It also emphasizes the importance of knowing where you stand credit-wise, of meeting the requirements for the card you’re applying for, and not wasting inquiries for a possible denial.

Too Many Inquiries Can Be a Negative

One top reason Capital One denies you a credit card is too many inquiries. While no definitive number guarantees a denial, the more inquiries you have on your credit report, the greater your chances of being denied.

You Will Need an ITIN or SSN To Be Approved

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to be approved for a Capital One credit card. Still, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or Social Security number. You must also be 18 years old and have a U.S. physical address.

Optional but Potentially Helpful

Any Positive Relationship With Capital One Is Helpful

Having had a previous Capital One credit card, bank account, or other financial relationship can improve your chances of being approved for a Capital One credit card.

It’s Not a Sin To Anticipate Carrying a Balance

In reality, carrying a balance from one statement to the next does negate any rewards you’re earning due to incurring interest charges. Credit card companies, however, make money on consumers who carry card balances. For this reason, don’t rule out the possibility that you may need to carry a balance when completing the application.

Bottom Line: Capital One will determine your eligibility for its credit cards based on credit score, credit history, income, existing relationships, and the number of credit card inquiries on your credit report.

Applying for a Capital One Credit Card

Capital One Pre Approved — See if you have card offers without affecting your credit. Image Credit: Capital One

Check To See if You Have Offers

Fortunately, you do not need to be subjected to a hard inquiry (hard pull) on your credit report to find out if you have card offers waiting for you from Capital One. Below are some options for finding existing card offers with no risk to your credit.

Capital One Pre-Approval Tool

Capital One has its own pre-qualification tool perfect for finding out if you have existing card offers. There won’t be a hard inquiry on your credit report, and very little information is required to view any possible card offers. Pre-qualifying doesn’t mean guaranteed approval, but you can view the cards you’re more likely to be approved for.

CardMatch Tool

Many large credit card issuers, including Capital One, participate in CardMatch. The tool is simple to use and does not affect your credit score. Just supply some basic information, and you’ll be able to see any potential credit card offers available to you.

Know Your Credit History and Score

Contrary to popular belief, it does not affect your credit score if you access your credit report. In fact, knowing your credit history and credit score is a key component to increasing your odds of getting approval for a credit card.

Once you’re aware of where you stand, credit-wise, you’ll have the power to begin to improve your situation and/or apply for a card that closely matches your credit profile.

The first step is to check your credit score and access a copy of your credit report. You can accomplish this for free at the 3 major credit bureaus every 12 months. Use the Annual Credit Report to access your information, or sign up with a third-party website, such as Credit Sesame, Credit Karma, or Credit Journey (Chase).

Once you can access your credit report, you’ll want to check it for errors. It’s common to find errors on a credit report, and if you do, you can take this opportunity to get them corrected.

Remember, retrieving your credit information doesn’t cost anything or hurt your credit. Plus, it’s a necessary step to educate yourself and check for accuracy before applying for any credit card.

Hot Tip: If you find errors on your credit report, here are some tips on how to fix or dispute those errors and/or mistakes.

What if You Have No Credit or Poor Credit

We all had to start somewhere — and that somewhere could be with poor credit or even no credit. Knowing where you stand, however, can give you an edge and make it easier to secure a card that can help you improve your situation.

Capital One is a prominent credit card issuer that offers card options, even for those with poor or no credit. We’ll cover some of those options shortly.

Hot Tip: If you have no credit history, asking a close friend or family member who has a Capital One credit card if they would add you as an authorized user can help you build a positive credit history. This is a big step for the credit card holder as they are responsible for any charges made on the card, but in the right circumstances, it’s a solid path to building credit.

Best Capital One Credit Card for Excellent Credit (740+)

Capital One Venture X Upgraded Points LLC — You’ll earn rewards on every purchase and won’t pay foreign transaction fees. Image Credit: Upgraded Points

Congrats, you’ve earned a very good to excellent credit score. Here are some of the best Capital One cards you might want to consider:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$395 annual fee (rates & fees)
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

We like Capital One’s flagship card, the Capital One Venture X card, for its travel benefits like lounge access with unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and participating Priority Pass or Plaza Premium Lounges in the Partner Lounge Network. The card strays from Capital One’s previous theme of simple earning structures and provides robust earning opportunities. The Capital One Venture X card has surfaced as one of the best travel rewards cards available.

Capital One Venture X Business Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Capital One Venture X Business Card

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers at least 2x miles on all purchases, and comes packed with premium perks.

Welcome OfferEarn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
150,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$2,700

Annual Fee

$395

APR

All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Business card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The Capital One Venture X Business card is a great all-around premium rewards card that helps you rack up miles on all of your business expenses.

From 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, airport lounge access, an annual travel credit, complimentary employee cards, and more, there is plenty to love about the Capital One Venture X Business card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per dollar on all other purchases

Cons

$395 annual fee (rates and fees)
10x and 5x bonus categories are limited to Capital One Travel bookings

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs. The annual fee on this card is $395
Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
Earn unlimited 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get the best prices on thousands of options
Every year, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
Skip the lines with up to a $120 statement credit on TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry. Then enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and a network of 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group lounges
This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection

Financial Snapshot

APR: All charges made on this account are due and payable in full when you receive your periodic statement. The minimum payment due is the New Balance as indicated on your statement.
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

As Capital One’s flagship business card, the Capital One Venture X Business CardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. packs a punch. We like the travel benefits, such as lounge access, a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, and a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, starting on your first anniversary.

Plus, you’ll have access to Capital One’s Premier or Lifestyle Collections, each of which come with a suite of cardholder benefits like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more.

Best Capital One Credit Cards for Good Credit (670 to 739)

With good credit, you’ll still be able to find a Capital One card that earns rewards on every purchase.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome OfferEnjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

$95 annual fee (rates & fees)
Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Earning double miles on every purchase and 5x miles on hotel and rental cars via Capital One Travel makes accumulating a stash of travel rewards on the Capital One Venture card easy. You’ll also receive fee reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The option to transfer miles earned on the card to travel partners can result in potentially greater value for your rewards.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome OfferEarn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$360

Annual Fee

APR

19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

No annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

If you’re looking for a rewards-earning card that doesn’t charge an annual fee (rates & fees), the Capital One VentureOne card might be a fit, as you’ll earn a flat rate of 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase.

At redemption time, you can purchase travel via Capital One Travel or, just like the Capital One Venture X card and Capital One Venture card, you’ll have the option to transfer those miles to travel partners with great redemption value potential.

Other Capital One cards to consider are:

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit CardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. — Earn 1.5% unlimited cash-back on every purchase.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. — Earn 3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target). Earn 1% cash-back on all other purchases.

Best Capital One Business Credit Cards

Close up of businessman online shopping with credit card — Regardless of your business’s size or credit situation, a Capital One credit card can fit. Image Credit: Liubomir via Adobe Stock

Just like Capital One personal consumer cards, there’s an option for every credit situation with Capital One business credit cards.

Business credit cards allow you to manage cash flow with employee credit cards, set spending limits, manage your account online, and view transaction reports.

Here are 3 examples of Capital One business credit cards for those with excellent, good, and fair credit or those rebuilding credit.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business — Good to Excellent Credit

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Welcome OfferEarn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
50,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$900

Annual Fee

$0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

APR

25.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a great option for business owners looking for an uncomplicated rewards card that earns double miles on every purchase they make and offers access to transfer partners, all for a low annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Unlimited 2x miles per dollar spent on all purchases
5x miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year

Cons

Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
Unlimited 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
$0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar from their purchases

Financial Snapshot

APR: 25.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

With double miles on every purchase, you’ll be off to a good start with the Capital One Spark Miles cardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.. If your business involves travel, you’ll also like that the card earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel and has no foreign transaction fees. Plus, you can redeem miles on flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.

Capital One Spark Cash Select — Excellent Credit

With no annual fee and 1.5% cash-back earnings on every purchase your business makes, earning rewards with the Capital One Spark Cash Select cardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. is cost-effective and simple.

Capital One Spark Classic for Business — Fair/Rebuilding Credit

You can still earn rewards, even if your credit is less than perfect. With the Capital One Spark Classic cardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One., you’ll earn 1% cash-back on every purchase without paying an annual fee.

If your credit score is considered fair (580 to 669), Capital One clarifies that you can still qualify, even if you have “defaulted on a loan in the past 5 years or have a limited credit history of less than 3 years.”

Bottom Line: Regardless of the size of your business or credit situation, chances are there’s a Capital One business credit card that will help you manage your business finances and earn rewards in the process.

Best Capital One Credit Card for Poor or No Credit

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Welcome Offer
None

Annual Fee

APR

29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Bad (300-579)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card gives you the tools to control and build your credit with responsible use.

Card Highlights

No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app

Financial Snapshot

APR: 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Capital One Platinum Secured card is perfect for building or rebuilding credit. You won’t earn rewards by spending on the card, as it’s explicitly designed to help you improve your credit situation.

Make a 1-time refundable deposit of $49, $99, or $200 (rates & fees), depending on creditworthiness determined by Capital One, and receive a $200 initial credit limit. With responsible use, you can qualify for a refund of your deposit, a higher credit limit, or a card upgrade. The card does not charge an annual fee (rates & fees).

Bottom Line: Capital One offers a wide variety of credit card products that can match nearly any consumer’s credit situation. Whether you have excellent credit or not-so-perfect credit, there’s a solution and path to improve or build your credit with Capital One cards.

Reconsideration Line

If you aren’t approved immediately or are declined for a credit card with Capital One, it’s worth calling 800-625-7866 to make sure the decision isn’t made based on any errors or misleading information.

You can also contact its customer service at one of these numbers: 800-763-9795 or 800-695-5171.

To check the status of an application, call 800-903-9177.

Final Thoughts

You’ll generally need a very good to excellent credit score, solid credit history, and sufficient income to qualify for Capital One’s best credit cards. However, even if you don’t have excellent credit, you’ll find plenty of Capital One cards that can help you build credit if you have none or rebuild your credit if it is less than perfect.

Not all card issuers offer such a range of credit card products, but Capital One does, making it an excellent choice for building a relationship that can lead to access to some of the best rewards-earning cards.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Enrollment required through the Capital One website or mobile app. Upon enrollment, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

The information regarding the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Select was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Spark Classic for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.