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Credit Cards » Credit Card Guides » How To Get Pre-Approved For Capital One Credit Cards

How To Get Pre-Approved For Capital One Credit Cards

There are more than 10 steps if you would like to get Capital One pre approval, but most of them are quick and easy. Here's how to do it.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: November 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Table Of Content

Does Capital One Have Pre-Approval?

Yes, Capital One offers pre-approval for credit cards.

Pre-approval means that Capital One has reviewed your credit information and determined that you meet certain qualifications for a specific product. This can include credit score, income, and other factors.

However, pre-approval does not guarantee that you will be approved for the product, and final approval may depend on additional information provided during the application process.

capital one pre approval offers
(Screenshot from capitalone.com)

How to Get Preapproved for Capital One Credit Cards?

In summary, obtaining pre-approval for a Capital One credit card involves checking your credit score, gathering the necessary documentation, submitting a pre-approval application, waiting for a response, and reviewing the offer and terms.

Here are the main steps to obtain pre-approval for a Capital One credit card:

1. Check Your Credit Score And Choose You Card

Before applying for pre-approval, it is important to check your credit score and review your credit report to ensure that there are no errors or inaccuracies that may affect your chances of being approved.

You can check your credit score for free on Capital One's website or through a credit reporting agency. For example, if you have a score of 700 or above, you are more likely to be pre-approved for a Capital One credit card.

(Screenshot from capitalone.com)

2. Gather Necessary Documentation

To apply for pre-approval, you will need to provide some basic personal and financial information, such as your name, address, income, and employment information. Have these documents ready before you apply.

For example, you will need to provide your ID, proof of income, and proof of address.

capital one pre approval personal details
(Screenshot from capitalone.com)

3. Provide Income Deatils And Submit Application

Capital One offers pre-approval applications for credit cards on their website. You can also apply for pre-approval over the phone by calling Capital One's customer service line.

capital one pre approval income
(Screenshot from capitalone.com)

4. Wait For A Response

After submitting your pre-approval application, Capital One will review your information and determine if you qualify for pre-approval.

This process can take a few minutes to a few days, depending on your qualifications. For example, if you have a high credit score, Capital One will process your application faster

5. Review The Offer And Terms

If you are pre-approved, Capital One will send you an offer with the terms and conditions of the credit card.

Carefully review the offer, including the annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and rewards, and make sure you understand and agree to the terms before accepting the offer

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Tips For Getting Pre-Approved With Capital One

 Here are 3 main tips to consider:

  • Remember that pre-approval does not guarantee final approval, as additional information may be required during the application process.
  • Check your credit report for errors and disputes any inaccurate information.
  • Compare the offer with other credit card options available in the market.

By following these steps and keeping in mind the tips provided, you will be on your way to potentially getting pre-approved for a Capital One credit card!

Does Capital One Pre Approval Affect Credit Score?

A pre-approval application for a credit card with Capital One will likely result in a “soft inquiry” on your credit report, which will not affect your credit score.

A soft inquiry occurs when a lender or creditor requests a copy of your credit report as part of a pre-approval application process. Soft inquiries do not affect your credit score, as they are not used to determine creditworthiness.

What Credit Score And Requirements Do You Need For Capital One Cards?

Capital One does not disclose specific minimum requirements for getting pre-approved for a credit card.

However, pre-approval for a credit card is generally based on a review of your creditworthiness, which can include factors such as your credit score, income, and credit history.

Card
Rewards
Bonus
Annual Fee
Best For

capital-one-venture

2X – 5X 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
75,000 miles 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$95
Basic Travel
1.5% – 5% 5% percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on all purchases everyday.
$200 $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$0
Cashback

Venture X Rewards

1X – 10X 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
75,000 miles 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$395
Premium Travel

capital one savor

1% – 4% unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
$300 $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$95
Entertainment

Capital One® Walmart Rewards® Card

1-5% 5% cash back at Walmart.com (including pickup and delivery), 2% cash back in Walmart stores and gas stations, at restaurants and on travel plus 1% cash back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
5% 5% cash back for the first 12 months when you use your card with Walmart Pay for in-store purchases, upon approval
$0
Online Shopping

capital_one_secured_mastercard

N/A
N/A
$0
Bad Credit

How To Improve Capital One Cards Approval Chances?

Here are some ways to improve your chances of getting approved for a Capital One credit card:

  • Check your credit score and credit report: Before applying, it's a good idea to check your credit score and review your credit report to make sure there are no errors or inaccuracies that could impact your approval chances. You can access your credit score for free on Capital One's website or through a credit reporting agency.
  • Pay off outstanding debts: If you have high levels of outstanding debt, it can negatively impact your credit score and make it more difficult to get approved for a credit card. Try to pay off as much of your outstanding debt as possible before applying.
  • Increase your income: A higher income can improve your chances of getting approved for a credit card, as it demonstrates that you can repay the debt. Consider ways to increase your income, such as getting a raise or taking on a part-time job.
  • Prove your creditworthiness: Show Capital One that you have a history of responsible credit use by paying your bills on time and keeping your credit utilization low. Also, having a diverse credit history, like having a mix of credit cards, loans and mortgage can help boost your chances.
  • Consider a secured credit card: If you have a limited credit history or low credit score, you may want to consider applying for a secured credit card. A secured credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral, but it can help you build or rebuild your credit history.
  • Apply for the right card: Capital One offers a variety of credit cards, each with its own set of terms and qualifications. Research the different cards and apply for the one that best fits your needs and qualifications.

By following these steps, you can improve your chances of getting approved for a Capital One credit card and take control of your credit.

Capital One Venture X Credit score for approval
To get the Venture X card, you'll need a score of at least 680 (Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

How To Check Capital One Pre-Approval Status?

There are a few ways to check the status of your Capital One pre-approval application:

Capital One will send you an email confirmation after you submit your pre-approval application. This email will include information about the status of your application and next steps.

If you have an existing Capital One account, you can log in to check the status of your pre-approval application. Once logged in, you should be able to see the status of your application and any additional information required to complete the process

You can also call Capital One's customer service line to check the status of your pre-approval application. Be prepared to provide your personal information and any reference numbers associated with your application.

It's important to note that pre-approval status check may take a few minutes to a few days depending on the product and your qualifications. If you are pre-approved, Capital One will send you an offer with the terms and conditions of the product.

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Why Did I Get Denied By Capital One?

There are several reasons why Capital One may deny your credit card application, including:

  • Low credit score: Capital One typically requires a credit score of at least 640 for their credit card products, and if your credit score is lower than that, it may be the reason for the denial.
  • High levels of outstanding debt: If you have high levels of outstanding debt, it can negatively impact your credit score and make it more difficult to get approved for a credit card.
  • Insufficient income: Capital One will likely review your income and employment status to determine if you have the ability to repay the credit card. If your income is insufficient, it may be a reason for the denial.
  • Recent delinquencies or defaulted loans: A recent history of late payments or defaulted loans can negatively impact your credit score and make it more difficult to get approved for a credit card.
  • Too many recent credit applications: If you have applied for multiple credit accounts in a short period of time, it may be viewed as a sign of financial instability and may result in a denied application.
  • Fraudulent or inaccurate information: Capital One may deny your application if they suspect that the information provided on the application is fraudulent or inaccurate.

It's important to remember that these are just some examples and that every application is evaluated based on its merit and Capital One's underwriting policies and guidelines are subject to change. If you are denied, Capital One will provide you with the specific reason(s) for the denial in writing.

Low score impact pre approval chances
Low credit score is the most popular reason why your pre approval application has been rejected (Photo by Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock)

FAQs

Capital One pre-approval offer is typically valid for a certain period of time, usually 60-90 days. It's important to review the offer and terms carefully and to apply for the credit card before the pre-approval offer expires.

Pre-approved means Capital One has reviewed your credit details and believes you meet certain criteria for a specific credit card, such as your credit score, income, and other factors.

However, being pre-approved doesn’t guarantee final approval. The final decision may depend on additional information you provide during the application process.

The Capital One's Secured Mastercard is designed for those who are building or rebuilding their credit and may have a lower credit score, therefore, it may be considered as the easiest to get compared to other Capital One credit card products.

Capital One pre-approval offer is typically valid for a certain period of time, usually 60-90 days. It's important to review the offer and terms carefully and to apply for the credit card before the pre-approval offer expires.

Review Capital One Credit Cards

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Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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