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

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Lyle Daly
Author: Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
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Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. His work with Motley Fool Money and The Motley Fool has appeared syndicated in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.

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Eric McWhinnie
Fact Checked: Eric McWhinnie
Eric McWhinnie
Eric McWhinnie

Eric McWhinnie has been writing and editing digital content since 2010. He specializes in personal finance and investing. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

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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.

As of Dec. 26, 2024
Image for
Image for
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Read Review
Read Review

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Credit Rating Requirement: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Welcome Offer:

N/A

Welcome Offer: Circle with letter I in it. 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

20,000 bonus points

Rewards Program:

N/A

Rewards Program: Circle with letter I in it. 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery. 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more! 2X points at grocery stores (excluding warehouse clubs and discount stores/supercenters), grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations. 1X point on all other eligible purchases.

1x - 4x points

Intro APR: Circle with letter I in it. 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 21 billing cycles on purchases billing cycles, and after that 18.24% - 29.24% (Variable).

Purchases: 0%, 21 billing cycles on purchases

Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 billing cycles

Intro APR: Circle with letter I in it. 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases billing cycles, and after that 17.74% to 28.74% (Variable).

Purchases: 0%, 12 billing cycles on purchases

Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 billing cycles

Regular APR:

18.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Regular APR:

17.74% to 28.74% (Variable)

Annual Fee:

N/A

Annual Fee:

$0

Highlights:

  • For a limited time, 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.24% - 29.24%.
  • Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
  • Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.

Highlights:

  • Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
  • 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
  • 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
  • 2X at grocery stores and gas stations/EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded).
  • 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.74% to 28.74%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Points never expire as long as your account is active.
  • Redeem points towards a monetary charitable contribution and U.S. Bank will match your contribution at 100%.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
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U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is unavailable on Motley Fool Money. All information was collected independently and not reviewed for accuracy or provided by the credit card issuer. Some items may be out of date. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is unavailable on Motley Fool Money. All information was collected independently and not reviewed for accuracy or provided by the credit card issuer. Some items may be out of date.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

U.S. Bank has a large selection of credit cards. 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.

COMPARE TOP PICKS: Best U.S. Bank Credit Cards

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.

Here are U.S. Bank cards that typically require good credit:

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:

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

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

  1. Check your FICO® Score
  2. Choose the U.S. Bank credit card you want
  3. 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.