Requirements to Get a Credit Card

May 30, 2025

The first step in applying for a credit card is to fill out an application online, by mail or over the phone with customer service.. You’ll need to provide information like your annual income, date of birth and Social Security number. Lenders consider factors like your general creditworthiness, income and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio when they decide whether you’re approved.

There are many different types of credit cards, and requirements can vary by card. Here, we’ll take a deeper look at what those requirements might look like.

Information required

You must fill out an application to apply for a credit card. You can generally do this online (typically the fastest option), by mail or over the phone. The application will ask for some personal and financial details, such as:

  • Full legal name
  • Birth date
  • Address
  • Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Gross or net annual income
  • Employment details (whether you’re employed, unemployed or self-employed)
  • Housing payment

Creditworthiness requirements

Creditworthiness helps a lender decide whether you’re a good candidate for a credit card. It goes beyond your credit score – though your credit score is important – and can account for things like payment history, credit report and income. Creditworthiness is a key factor in getting approved for a credit card.

Not all credit cards have the same creditworthiness requirements. For example, a card that offers a lot of perks likely wouldn’t have the same requirements as a no-frills credit card.

Some factors that may make up creditworthiness include:

  • Credit report: Your credit report is a detailed record of your credit history. It includes information about open and closed accounts, current debt amounts, payment history, public records (like bankruptcies) and inquiries. Your credit report can give the lender an idea of how you’ve handled debt over time.
  • Credit score: Your payment history, credit utilization, age of accounts, credit mix and new credit inquiries help determine your credit score. A higher score can improve your chances of being approved for a credit card.
  • Payment history: Part of your credit report and credit score, this gives lenders an idea of how likely you are to make payments on time.
  • Income: Lenders want to know that you make enough to cover your credit card payments.

Other factors

Lenders may consider other factors when evaluating credit card applications. Some of those may include:

  • Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Your DTI compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. It’s typically expressed as a percentage. A lower DTI looks less risky to lenders.
  • Age: Legally, you must be at least 18 years old to open your own credit card account. However, anyone 18 to 20 years old must have independent income – they cannot claim household income as their own. Anyone 21 or over can include household income in their application.
  • Type of credit card: Different cards have different requirements. For example, you sometimes must provide proof of enrollment to qualify for a student credit card.
  • Number of open credit cards you have: Even if you meet credit requirements, some card issuers might deny your application if they decide you have too much available credit or too many open credit cards.

Deciding which card to apply for

The right credit card for you depends on your financial situation, creditworthiness and spending habits. For example, if you’re building credit, a secured credit card may make the most sense. Or, if you often spend money on travel, a travel card that lets you earn points or miles for those purchases can help you save on future trips.

Checking your credit score and credit report can be a good place to start. Then, you can narrow things down based on your credit card needs and wants. Consider things like whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee, the rewards programs offered by each card and how you plan to use your card.

Pre-qualification may also help you decide on your next credit card. You can see which cards you may qualify for by filling out a pre-qualification form on a card issuer’s site. Pre-qualifying does not impact your credit.

What if you’re new to credit?

If you don’t have established credit, qualifying for a traditional credit card may be challenging. But there are options that can help you get started.

Secured credit cards are designed for people building credit. They require a security deposit, which the issuer can use to cover missed payments if needed. Or you might decide to apply for an unsecured credit card that doesn’t offer tons of perks and is easier to qualify for.

If you have a family member with good credit habits, becoming an authorized user on one of their credit card accounts can help you to establish credit. As an authorized user, you’d receive your own card, which you can use to make purchases. Just make sure the card issuer reports authorized users to the credit bureaus.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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