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

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.