Credit Cards FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Credit Cards

How do I know if I have excellent, good, average or bad credit?

If you know your credit score, see our information on credit scores. If you don't know your credit score, we recommend getting a free credit score at one of our recommended free credit score providers. Your credit score is the best way to understand which type of card you will likely be approved for. However, if you don't have that information, you can estimate your credit score based on guidelines from the credit card companies. For example, Capital One gives the following guidelines:

Excellent Credit

• I have had a loan or credit card for at least five years
• I have a credit card with a credit limit greater than $10,000
• I have never been more than 60 days late on a credit card, medical bill or loan payment
• I have never declared bankruptcy

Good Credit

• I have had a loan or credit card for three years or more
• I have had a credit card with a credit limit above $5,000
• I have not been more than 60 days late on any credit card, medical bill, or loan in the last year

Average Credit

• I currently have or have had a U.S. loan or credit card
• My credit limit on a current credit card, if any, is less than $5,000
• I may have been late on more than one credit card, medical bill, or loan payment in the last six months

Of course, these guidelines are an oversimplification and every credit card issuer has different formulas to determine your creditworthiness. They are helpful as general guidelines, though.

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