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How to Get a Credit Card

7 min read
Last Updated: July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways

  1. Before you apply for a credit card, understand the factors that affect your credit score.
  2. Some online credit card applications immediately let you know whether you’re approved.
  3. If your credit card application for a standard card is denied, you may qualify for a secured credit card.
What Makes Up Your FICO® Score
  • 35%
    Payment History
  • 30%
    Amounts Owed
  • 15%
    Length of
    Credit History
  • 10%
    Credit Mix
  • 10%
    New Credit

This formula shows how each category impacts FICO® Scores. FICO is a registered

trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.<a class='footnote-link' href="javascript:void(0);" role="link" aria-label="footnote 1" data-scrollto="q1"><sup>1</sup></a>1

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