Hardest Credit Cards to Get Approved For in 2023 - WalletHub (2024)

Hardest Credit Cards to Get Approved For in 2023 - WalletHub (1)Having a “black card” has become a symbol of wealth and status, at least in pop culture. But there are a few different black cards, and the famous one doesn’t even have “black” in its name. It’s actually the American Express Centurion Card, which is black in color and available on an invitation-only basis to people who charge hundreds of dollars per year. So having that black card says a lot about how much money you make and spend.

Having the Mastercard® Black Card, on the other hand, just means that you’re overpaying. After all, that particular black card charges a $495 annual fee and doesn't offer nearly enough rewards to make it worthwhile.

That being said, here’s a recap of some of the most difficult credit cards to get.

Hardest Credit Cards to Get Comparison

Ignore Exclusivity & Focus on Terms

Getting approved for an exclusive credit card might seem like a major victory. But is that a game you should even be playing in the first place? Not quite. Your focus in choosing a credit card should always be on its terms – rewards earning rates, fees and APR, in particular. It doesn’t matter what your card looks like or how many people have the same kind. Such things won’t save you money, and no one really looks at your credit card anyway.

So, if you pay your bill in full every month, compare rewards cards in search of an offer that complements your lifestyle. If you have debt you’d like to pay down faster, focus on 0% balance transfer cards and don’t forget to consider the cost of transfer fees. And if you have a major expense coming up, consider cards giving you 0% on new purchases.

Finding the right credit card is only half the battle, though. For tips on responsible credit card management once you have your shiny new plastic (or metal), check out ourGuide for Credit Newcomers. You can also review our breakdown of theBiggest Credit Card Mistakes for an idea of what not to do.


Methodology for Selecting the Hardest Credit Cards to Get

To identify the hardest credit cards to get, both overall and by category, WalletHub’s editors compare more than 1,500 credit card offers based primarily on their stated approval requirements as well as customer reviews and card terms.

Particularly attractive rewards, rates, fees, and luxury benefits are a sign of exclusivity, after all, hinting at more difficult underwriting requirements for applicants to pass. With that in mind, we estimate the two-year cost of owning each card and incorporate the results into our final selections.

To ensure that consumers have the latest intelligence on this issue, WalletHub’s editors regularly update their selections based on any new credit card offers that hit the market as well as any significant changes to existing offers.

How Two-Year Cost Is Calculated

Two-year cost is used to approximate the monetary value of cards for better comparison and is calculated by combining annual and monthly membership fees over two years, adding any one-time fees or other fees (like balance transfer fees), adding any interest costs, and subtracting rewards. Negative amounts indicate savings. When fees or other terms are presented as a range, we use the midpoint for scoring purposes.

Rewards bonuses and credits have been taken into account for two-year cost calculations. However, bonuses applicable to only a very small portion of cardholders are not considered. For example, credits and bonuses awarded for spending or redeeming rewards through a company portal with non-co-branded cards have not been taken into account. Similarly, bonuses and credits related to spending with specific merchants using a non-co-branded card have not been taken into account (for example, if Card A offers credits with DoorDash, this feature would not be factored into calculations because it is hard to assess how many cardholders would use the benefit or exactly how much value they'd get from it).

Cardholder Spending Profiles

Given that different users have different goals and are likely to use their credit cards differently, we identified spending profiles that are representative of different users’ financial priorities and behaviors. For each cardholder type, we have assumed a specific amount of monthly spending by purchase type (e.g., groceries, gas, etc.), as well as an average balance, balance transfer amount, amount spent on large purchases and average monthly payment. Spending assumptions are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for consumers and PEX data for businesses.

Hardest Credit Cards to Get Approved For in 2023 - WalletHub (2024)

FAQs

Hardest Credit Cards to Get Approved For in 2023 - WalletHub? ›

Centurion® Card from American Express

Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.

What's one of the hardest credit cards to get? ›

Centurion® Card from American Express

Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.

Which credit card usually gives the highest credit limit? ›

Highest “Overall” Credit Limit: $500,000

The winners of the nosebleed award for the highest credit limit among cards for mere mortals are these twins: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, with annual fees in the mid-triple digits and high-double digits, respectively.

What is the credit card billionaires use? ›

What Credit Card Do the Super Rich Use? The super rich use a variety of different credit cards, many of which have strict requirements to obtain, such as invitation only or a high minimum net worth. Such cards include the American Express Centurion (Black Card) and the JP Morgan Chase Reserve.

Which card is easiest to get approved for? ›

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: EASIEST CREDIT CARDS TO GET
  • OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card. Our pick for: No credit check and no bank account required. ...
  • Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. ...
  • Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card. ...
  • Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card. ...
  • Self Visa® Secured Card. ...
  • Grow Credit Mastercard.
May 31, 2023

What is the single biggest credit card trap for most people? ›

The minimum payment mindset

Here's how most people get trapped in credit card debt: You use your card for a purchase you can't afford or want to defer payment, and then you make only the minimum payment that month. Soon, you are in the habit of using your card to purchase things beyond your budget.

What is the credit limit for 50000 salary? ›

What will be my credit limit for a salary of ₹50,000? Typically, your credit limit is 2 or 3 times of your current salary. So, if your salary is ₹50,000, you can expect your credit limit to be anywhere between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh.

What credit limit can I get with a 750 credit score? ›

The credit limit you can get with a 750 credit score is likely in the $1,000-$15,000 range, but a higher limit is possible. The reason for the big range is that credit limits aren't solely determined by your credit score.

What credit limit can I get with a 700 credit score? ›

What credit score is needed to get a high-limit credit card?
VantageScore 3.0 credit score rangeAverage credit card limit
300–640$3,481.02
640–700$4,735.10
700–750$5,968.01
750+$8,954.33
Feb 15, 2023

What is the rarest credit card in the world? ›

The rarest credit card in the world is likely the Centurion® Card from American Express, also known as the “Black Card.” This card is available by invitation only, and you will reportedly need to spend at least $250,000 per year on other Amex credit cards and have an income of $1 million+ to get it.

What is a black card limit? ›

The minimum credit limit on a Mastercard Black card is $5,000. However, your credit limit could be higher depending on your creditworthiness.

What credit card do most celebrities use? ›

If there's one card most associated with celebrities, it's the American Express Business Centurion Card, often referred to as the Amex Black Card. It's an invite-only card, and although you don't need to be famous to get it, the spending requirement for an invite is rumored to be at least $250,000 per year.

Can I get a Walmart credit card with a 520 credit score? ›

The Walmart Credit Card credit score requirement is 640 or higher, which means people with fair credit or better have a shot at getting approved for this card. The Walmart® Store Card also requires at least fair credit for approval.

What is the easiest card to get with bad credit? ›

Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit
  • Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card * [ jump to details ] ...
  • Tomo Credit Card * [ jump to details ] ...
  • OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. ...
  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card. ...
  • Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit * ...
  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
May 30, 2023

What is the easiest unsecured card to get? ›

Some of the easiest unsecured cards to get approved for are the Indigo® Mastercard®, Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card and Milestone® Mastercard®. While these cards are geared toward people with bad credit and have easy approval odds, they tend to charge high fees and interest, which can make building credit costly.

What is the 15 3 credit card hack? ›

The 15/3 credit card hack is a payment plan that involves making two payments during each billing cycle instead of only one. Anyone can follow the 15/3 plan but it takes some personal management and discipline. The goal is to reduce your credit utilization rate and increase your credit score.

How many credit cards does a millionaire have? ›

Key points. 70% of millionaires carry two or more credit cards, which is more than recommended. Millionaires trust the same credit card issuers as regular Americans. Most Americans should stick to one or two cards.

Which credit card company sues the most? ›

For instance, a recent report by ProPublica notes that one company is much more likely to file lawsuits against borrowers: Capital One. According to the report, which can be read in full here, Capital One has filed far more lawsuits against borrowers than any other credit card company, and for much smaller debts.

Why do millionaires use credit cards? ›

For rich folks, credit cards are a tool to manage their finances and simplify their spending. Credit cards give people a convenient way to spend, and that includes the wealthy. They often use credit cards to make large purchases or to pay for travel and entertainment expenses.

How many credit card thieves are caught? ›

It really depends on the actions taken by a cardholder after they notice a possible attack and the prevention methods a bank or card issuer takes to detect fraud. Some estimates say less than 1% of credit card fraud is actually caught, while others say it could be higher but is impossible to know.

What is a respectable credit limit? ›

A good credit limit is above $30,000, as that is the average credit card limit, according to Experian. To get a credit limit this high, you typically need an excellent credit score, a high income and little to no existing debt.

Is a $30000 credit limit good? ›

Yes, a $30,000 credit limit is very good, as it is well above the average credit limit in America. The average credit card limit overall is around $13,000, and people who have limits as high as $30,000 typically have good to excellent credit, a high income and little to no existing debt.

What credit limit can I get with a 800 credit score? ›

Despite those high balances, it's equally important to note that those with high credit scores also have high credit card limits. For those with 800-plus scores, their average credit card limits are $69,346. That's up from the $58,514 average we found in May 2021.

Can I get a 20k loan with 750 credit score? ›

You should have a 640 or higher credit score in order to qualify for a $20,000 personal loan. If you have bad or fair credit you may not qualify for the lowest rates. However, in order to rebuild your credit you may have to pay higher interest rates and make on-time payments.

Is A 900 credit score good? ›

Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.

How rare is a 750 credit score? ›

Your credit score helps lenders decide if you qualify for products like credit cards and loans, and your interest rate. You are one of the 46% of Americans who had a score of 750 or above in 2021, according to credit scoring company FICO. Here's how your 750 credit score can affect your financial life.

What is the minimum credit score for Chase Sapphire Preferred? ›

Generally, you'll need to have a credit score of at least 700 in order to qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Can I get an American Express card with a 700 credit score? ›

The American Express credit score requirement is of at least 700, depending on the card. That means people with good to excellent credit are eligible to get approved for an American Express credit card.

What is the highest credit limit on the Apple card? ›

It does have credit limits. The limits are determined by the cardholder's credit score, credit age, and income at the time of application. Cardholders have reported credit limits as low as $50 and as high as $15,000. An Apple Card may be shared using Apple Card Family.

What is the richest card? ›

The American Express Centurion Card, colloquially known as the Black Card, is a charge card issued by American Express. It is reserved for the company's wealthiest clients who meet certain net worth, credit quality, and spending requirements on its gateway card, the Platinum Card.

What is the hardest American Express card to get? ›

The Centurion® Card from American Express is one of the hardest credit cards to get because it requires an invitation, at least $1 million in annual income, and a significant amount charged to other Amex cards each year.

How rare is a black card? ›

How To Get a Black Card. Members of the 1% — or perhaps the 0.1% — may get an invitation for a black card, as some of these high-status cards are only available to consumers that the issuing bank deems worthy.

How much money do you need to have to own a black card? ›

How much do you have to make to get Amex's black card? There aren't any income requirements per se, but you most likely need to be a high spender on your Amex cards. If you're in the ballpark of $250,000 to $500,000 in annual spending across all your open Amex cards, you may qualify for the Centurion card.

Is there a credit card with no limit? ›

Currently, American Express is the primary issuer for cards with no set spending limit. If you're eligible, consider choosing one of the cards listed below: The Platinum Card® from American Express: A high-end travel card with plenty of card perks.

What's higher than a black card? ›

The Black Card has a hefty $10,000 initiation fee, a $5,000 annual fee, and offers many travel perks. The Platinum Card has a $695 annual fee with many travel-related perks, and cardholders can earn points for every dollar spent.

What card does Kim Kardashian use? ›

Kim Kardashian and Oprah Winfrey, meanwhile, have used the American Express Centurion, which is said to enable cardholders to buy anything they desire, no matter how seemingly inaccessible.

What credit score do you need for an Amazon card? ›

Typically, you can qualify for Synchrony's Amazon store cards with a fair credit score (580 to 669). On the other hand, you'll likely need at least a good credit score (670 to 739) to qualify for one of the Amazon Visa cards from Chase.

What credit score do you need for a Lowes credit card? ›

The credit score that you need for the Lowe's Store Card is 640, at a minimum. That means people with at least fair credit have a shot at getting approved for this card.

What is the highest Walmart credit card limit? ›

Credit limits for a Walmart credit card can range from $150 to over $5,000. Several factors go into determining your credit limit, including your annual income and credit history. Where can I use a Walmart credit card? The Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

What is the lowest score you can get a credit card with? ›

Most of the credit scores that lenders use in the United States, including most versions of the FICO Score, range from 300 to 850. Therefore, most financial professionals generally accept that 300 is the lowest credit score a consumer can have.

What's the lowest credit score to get a credit card? ›

You can get a credit card with a credit score of 570, but you may find your options are more limited and you may need to get a secured credit card. Secured credit cards require an upfront deposit, which your line of credit is based on.

What credit cards can I get with a 575 credit score? ›

Popular Credit Cards for a 575 Credit Score
  • Best Overall: Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
  • No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
  • Unsecured: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
  • Rewards & No Annual Fee: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.

What unsecured credit cards can I get with a 600 credit score? ›

Some of the best unsecured credit cards to get with a 600 credit score:
  • Best for Credit Line Increases: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
  • Best for No Upfront Fees: Milestone® Mastercard®
  • Best for Pre-Approval: Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit.
Sep 16, 2022

What credit cards can I get with a 590 score? ›

Popular Credit Cards for a 590 Credit Score
  • Best Overall: Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
  • No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
  • Unsecured: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
  • Rewards & No Annual Fee: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.

What credit card can I get with a 587 credit score? ›

Compare Cards Table for Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit
Annual FeeRegular APR
Capital One Platinum Credit Card$029.99% (Variable)
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card$017.74% – 31.74% (Variable)
Avant Credit Card$0-$5929.74%-34.74% (Variable)
Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®$017.99% – 29.49% (Variable)
2 more rows
Mar 30, 2023

What are the top five hardest credit cards to get? ›

The hardest credit cards to get include the Platinum Card, Centurion Card, Business Platinum Card, and Gold Card from American Express; the J.P. Morgan Reserve credit card; the Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card; the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card; the Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature Card; the Simmons ...

Which is the most rarest credit card? ›

What is the most prestigious credit card? One of the world's most prestigious credit cards is the Centurion® Card from American Express*.

Which credit card is rare? ›

Here are the most exclusive credit cards:

Centurion® Card from American Express. JP Morgan Reserve Card. Dubai First Royale Mastercard. Coutts Silk Credit Card.

What is the most Recognised credit card in the world? ›

1. American Express Centurion Card, the Most Famous. Also known as the “Black Card”, the AMEX Centurion Card is a by-invitation-only charge card offered by American Express, known for its luxurious perks and exceptional services tailored to the high-end lifestyle of its cardholders.

What is the hardest American Express card to get approved for? ›

The Centurion® Card from American Express is one of the hardest credit cards to get because it requires an invitation, at least $1 million in annual income, and a significant amount charged to other Amex cards each year.

How do you qualify for a black card? ›

How much do you have to make to get Amex's black card? There aren't any income requirements per se, but you most likely need to be a high spender on your Amex cards. If you're in the ballpark of $250,000 to $500,000 in annual spending across all your open Amex cards, you may qualify for the Centurion card.

What is the wealthiest card? ›

What is the wealthiest card?
  • The American Express Centurion Card is the most exclusive credit card in the world and is commonly known as the “Amex Black Card.” ...
  • The Centurion card is so exclusive that American Express won't release the card's full details or say how one can become a cardholder.

Do most millionaires have credit cards? ›

70% of millionaires carry two or more credit cards, which is more than recommended. Millionaires trust the same credit card issuers as regular Americans. Most Americans should stick to one or two cards.

What is the black credit card with no limit? ›

What is the spending limit on the American Express Black Card? There is no spending limit with the Amex Black Card. However, balances must be paid off in full every month.

What are the highest credit card colors? ›

Some providers may choose to use a hierarchy of colours with credit cards, such as (in descending order based on benefits and, potentially, cost): titanium, diamond, black. platinum. gold or silver.

What are secret rare cards? ›

Secret Rare. Secret rare cards are cards with set numbers outside the printed size of the set (for example, a card numbered 101/100).

What credit score do you need to get a black card? ›

What credit score is needed for the Mastercard® Black Card™? To increase your chances of approval for the Mastercard® Black Card™, you need a credit score in the range of 720 - 850.

What is the minimum income for Amex Platinum? ›

Salary Needed for Amex Platinum Credit Card

If you make nearly $100,000 a year and have good credit, you should have no issue getting approved. But, applicants with annual incomes as low as $40,000 have also been approved if they have a low debt-to-income ratio and pay their other credit cards in full every month.

What credit score do you need for a luxury black card? ›

Naturally, the Luxury Card™ Mastercard® Black Card™ requires an excellent credit score, usually 720 or higher on the FICO index. When being trusted with a high spending limit, you have to have exemplified responsible borrowing behavior in the past, which a strong FICO Score will reflect.

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