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The Discover it Secured Card is a popular choice for those looking to build credit or get back on track after a financial setback. To get pre-approved, you'll need a good credit history, typically a score of 650 or higher.
You can apply for pre-approval online, by phone, or through the Discover app. This will give you an idea of how much credit you'll be eligible for and what your monthly payments will be.
With the Discover it Secured Card, you'll get a credit limit of up to $2,500 and a chance to earn cash back rewards. You'll also get access to your FICO credit score for free, which can help you track your progress.
Pre-Approval Process
The pre-approval process for a Discover it Secured Card is a great way to see if you're eligible for the card without affecting your credit score.
You can use the Discover pre-approval tool to see if you're pre-approved for a Discover Card, and it won't harm your credit score since it's a soft inquiry.
Pre-approval means the card issuer feels confident you can be approved for a credit card, and it gives you several benefits.
Pre-qualified credit card offers can help you find the right card for you, and they're a great way to see unique credit card offers that match your credit profile.
You have 7 days to apply for your pre-approved offer before it expires, after which you can request a new pre-approved offer.
Here's a quick rundown of the benefits of pre-qualified credit card offers:
- See your unique credit card offers that match your credit profile.
- Only a soft inquiry will be placed on your credit report, which won't impact your credit score.
- Pre-qualified credit card offers help you find the right card for you.
- Using a pre-approval process can help gather the information you need for your full credit card application.
Understanding Pre-Approval
Pre-approval is a great way to check if you're eligible for a credit card without affecting your credit score. This is because pre-approvals use soft inquiries, which don't impact your credit score.
You have 7 days to apply for your pre-approved offer before it expires, after which you can request a new pre-approved offer. This allows you to take your time and compare different credit card options.
Pre-approvals can give you a sense of whether you're eligible for a credit card and what kind of offers you might qualify for. With Discover's pre-approval tool, you can see if you're pre-approved for a Discover Card with no harm to your credit score.
Here are some benefits of checking for pre-qualified credit card offers:
- See your unique credit card offers
- Instead of submitting a full credit card application, a soft inquiry is usually placed on your credit report
- Pre-qualified credit card offers help you find the right card for you
- Prepare your full credit card application
Difference Between Pre-Approved, Pre-Selected, and Pre-Qualified
Lenders use different terms to describe the process of determining whether you may be eligible for loans. Pre-qualified and pre-approved offers use a review of your financial profile to understand your eligibility to qualify and be approved when you submit an application. This process is a soft inquiry, which doesn't impact your credit score.
Discover's pre-approval form requires only basic financial information, including your social security number, current income, housing status, and bank account status. This information is used to determine if you're pre-approved for a Discover Card.
The key difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved is that pre-qualified offers are more general, while pre-approved offers are more specific. You can check for pre-qualified credit card offers with the free Discover pre-qualification form.
Here's a comparison of the three terms:
Basics
Pre-approval is like getting a sneak peek at what credit card offers are available to you without affecting your credit score. You can use the Discover pre-approval tool to see if you're pre-approved for a Discover Card without any harm to your credit score.
Pre-approval is a soft inquiry, which means it won't impact your credit score, unlike a hard inquiry that can lower your score. Soft inquiries are used when you request pre-qualified offers, and they're usually placed on your credit report.
You can browse all an issuer's card options and compare cards for the best perks, like 0% introductory APR, introductory bonuses, and appealing cash back rewards. This is especially helpful when you're looking for a card that suits your needs.
Some benefits of pre-qualified credit card offers include seeing your unique credit card offers, avoiding a full credit card application that triggers a hard inquiry, and finding the right card for you. Pre-approval also helps you prepare your full credit card application by gathering the necessary information.
Here are some key features of the Discover it Secured Credit Card:
- Security deposit: A minimum of $200, which determines your credit limit.
- Rewards: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
- APR: 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months, and then the ongoing APR of 27.49% Variable APR.
- Payments are reported to the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian), which helps you build credit.
- Discover reviews your account starting at seven months to see if you qualify for a regular credit card.
- Discover doesn't charge a late fee on the first late payment.
- The issuer's Credit Scorecard lets you track your credit score.
- Free Social Security number alerts notify you when your information is found on the dark web.
Card Details
The Discover it Secured Card doesn't require a security deposit, it's free to use, and has no foreign transaction fees.
You'll need to provide some basic personal and financial information to get pre-approved, including your income, employment history, and credit history.
The card has no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, and no late fee, making it a great option for those who want to avoid extra costs.
You can get pre-approved for the Discover it Secured Card in just a few minutes, and you'll receive a letter in the mail with your pre-approval amount.
To get started, you'll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and social security number.
The Discover it Secured Card is designed for those who are building or rebuilding credit, and it reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Credit Score and Approval
You can get approved for the Discover it Secured card even with a poor credit score, as long as you meet the basic requirements of being at least 18 years old, having a Social Security number, a U.S. address, and a U.S. bank account.
Pre-approvals use soft inquiries, which don't affect your credit score because you haven't applied for credit. This is a great opportunity to see if you're pre-approved for a Discover Card without harming your credit score.
Your credit score tells a lender how likely you are to repay your credit card balance on time, and most FICO Credit Scores range from 300 to 850. A good credit score makes you a lower-risk borrower for lenders.
You can be approved for a secured credit card, like the Discover Secured Credit Card, with a lower credit score since you provide a deposit equal to your credit limit. This deposit is less risky for the card issuer, so they're more willing to approve you.
Pre-approval is a great way to find out if you're eligible for a credit card, and it can give you benefits like no harm to your credit score. The Discover pre-approval tool can help you see if you're pre-approved with no impact to your credit score.
If you're pre-approved for a credit card, it doesn't always guarantee credit card approval, but it's a good sign that you'll be approved. Once you apply for credit, the lender still must place a hard inquiry on your credit file, which can affect your credit score.
Card Features and Comparison
The Discover it Secured Credit Card offers a free FICO credit score to help you track your credit, which can be a valuable tool in your credit-building journey. This score is just one of many that lenders may consider, but it's a great resource to have.
If you need to carry a balance from month to month, be aware that the card's high variable purchase APR of 27.24% might cost you. However, this APR is in line with what you can expect to see from many secured credit cards.
One of the benefits of using pre-qualified credit card offers is that you can see your unique credit card offers without triggering a hard inquiry on your credit report. A soft inquiry, on the other hand, won't impact your credit score.
Here are some benefits of pre-qualified credit card offers at a glance:
- See your unique credit card offers
- No impact on your credit score (soft inquiry)
- Help you find the right card for you
- Prepare your full credit card application
Pre-approval also means you can browse all an issuer's card options, allowing you to compare cards for the best perks, such as 0% introductory APR, introductory bonuses, and appealing cash back rewards.
Compare to Other
The Discover it Secured Credit Card offers some great features, but how does it compare to other secured credit cards? One thing that sets it apart is its rewards program, which earns 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined spending each quarter at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
In fact, most secured credit cards don't come with any rewards at all, so this extra value is another reason to consider the Discover it Secured Credit Card.
Here are some key differences between the Discover it Secured Credit Card and other secured credit cards:
- Other secured credit cards may not offer rewards, while the Discover it Secured Credit Card earns 2% cash back on gas and restaurant purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
- The Discover it Secured Credit Card's Cashback Match feature matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, which is a unique benefit among secured credit cards.
- Some secured credit cards may charge a penalty APR or late payment fees, but the Discover it Secured Credit Card does not have a penalty APR and waives the first late payment fee.
Overall, the Discover it Secured Credit Card offers a unique combination of rewards and benefits that make it a great option for those looking to build credit and earn some extra cash back.
No Annual Fee
Having a no annual fee is a huge advantage, especially if you're already required to pay a security deposit on a secured card. This card's annual fee of $0 is one less obstacle for would-be applicants.
It's best to avoid an annual fee if you can help it, as it can add up quickly.
Application and Approval
To get approved for a Discover it Secured Credit Card, you'll need to provide a deposit that's equal to your credit limit. This deposit acts as collateral, making it less risky for the card issuer.
You don't necessarily need a high credit score to get approved for a secured credit card. With Discover, you can get your deposit back after 6 consecutive on-time payments and maintaining good status on all your credit accounts.
The application process for a Discover it Secured Credit Card is relatively straightforward. You'll need to provide some basic personal and financial information to get started.
Once you've been approved and have held the card for seven months, Discover will begin automatic monthly reviews to see if you're ready to move to an unsecured card and get your deposit returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score is needed for a Discover secured card?
No credit score is required to qualify for the Discover it Secured Credit Card, making it a great option for those looking to build or improve their credit history.
Does everyone get approved for the Discover It Secured card?
Approval for the Discover It Secured card is not guaranteed, and rejection is possible despite relatively low approval requirements. If rejected, you can request reconsideration by contacting Discover's customer service.
Sources
- https://www.discovercard.com/application/preapproval/initial
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/discover-it-secured
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/compare/secured.html
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/insights/discover-secured-credit-card
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/what-credit-card-do-i-qualify-for/
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