credit card approval - UncoverCards

Minimum Credit Score Required for Credit Cards in the US (2026 Guide)

February 20, 2026January 18, 2026 by UncoverCards Editorial Team

Split screen illustration showing minimum credit score required for credit cards, comparing who qualifies and who does not among freelancers and gig workers

Minimum credit score required for credit cards in the US is one of the most common questions freelancers, gig workers, and self‑employed professionals ask before applying: what credit score do I actually need? The short answer is that there’s no single universal minimum, but most card issuers expect at least a 650 to 700 credit score for general approval. That said, plenty of options exist at lower scores, and the real picture is more nuanced than a simple number.

How Credit Score Affects Credit Card Approval for Freelancers: 7 Things to Know

January 18, 2026January 16, 2026 by UncoverCards Editorial Team

How credit score affects credit card approval for freelancers is one of the most common questions self‑employed professionals ask when applying for a new credit card in the United States. .For someone earning a steady W-2 paycheck, credit card approval is often straightforward. A bank checks your credit report, sees a decent score and regular income, and typically approves you within days. For freelancers and self-employed professionals, the process feels entirely different.

How Credit Card Companies Evaluate Freelancer Income in the US

January 14, 2026January 1, 2026 by UncoverCards Editorial Team

Illustration showing a freelancer working on a laptop with a credit card on the desk, explaining how credit card companies evaluate freelancer income in the US.

This guide breaks down how US credit card companies evaluate freelancer income, including verification methods, income stability checks, and factors that influence approval decisions.