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What is CardMatch and how does it work?

More importantly, is it it legitimate and safe?

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CardMatch is an application that presents you with targeted credit card offers after you provide various pieces of personal information, such as your income and birthdate. It is owned by CreditCards.com, a privately owned company within the parent company of major media company Red Ventures. While it’s a handy feature, the limited cards offered to you may not be worth giving up your personal data over.

What is the CardMatch tool?

CardMatch is an online tool that lets you view credit cards you’re prequalified for, as well as targeted offers from major US providers. To use the tool, enter your name, address and last four digits of your Social Security number. Then, you’ll see a list of suggested cards in one place.

Pros and Cons of CardMatch

Pros

  • Doesn’t affect your credit score. CardMatch doesn’t perform a hard credit pull when checking for card eligibility, meaning you won’t see a dip in your credit score for using it.
  • Can help you filter your options. If you’re not interested in comparing all of your available options, CardMatch can save you time with its recommendations tailored to cards you’re likely to qualify for.

Cons

  • You have to give up a lot of personal information. To get your card recommendations, CardMatch asks for an unusual amount of personal information, including name, address, employment status, income, home ownership, rent or mortgage payments, banking information and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
  • Card recommendations are limited. CardMatch can only match you with its card partners. Currently this list just includes American Express, Citi, Discover, Bank of America, and CreditOne.

Screenshot Pre-Qualified Credit Card Offers in Card Match

If the idea of giving away such a large amount of personal information worries you, check out our Card Finder Quiz instead. After answering just a few questions, Finder can connect you with a wider variety of cards within your credit range and tailored to your preferences.

How does CardMatch work?

To use CardMatch and get your credit card suggestions, you’ll need to do the following:

  1. Click on “CardMatch” at the top navigation bar of CreditCards.com.
  2. Enter your name in the fields provided and click “Next” to start filling out your personal information.
  3. In addition to your name, you’ll need to enter your:
    • Address
    • Employment status
    • Whether you own or rent your house
    • What you pay for your monthly rent or mortgage
    • What kind of bank accounts you possess
    • The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
    • Your email address
  4. After filling in your email address, click “Next” to view CardMatch’s personalized credit card offers.

Types of offers you’ll find using the CardMatch tool

  • Prequalified offers. These are cards that match your credit profile and that you’re more likely to qualify for. Remember that approval is never guaranteed, and it’s be selective about which cards you apply for.
  • Targeted offers. These are special promotions offered to you based on factors such as your credit history, location and spending habits.
  • Normal offers.These are credit card offers you’re not prequalified for and that are normally available on provider websites.

Is CardMatch safe?

CardMatch collects a lot of personal information in order to provide you with their personalized card offers. CreditCards.com states on its website that your information is protected with 256-bit encryption, the same as major banks. With that said, RedVentures, the parent company of CreditCards.com, does share your personal information with partners. You can read more about how your information is used and how to request they delete your information at the Red Ventures privacy policy page.

Compare credit cards

If you want an idea of what cards you might qualify for across a wider variety of providers, use our comparison table below.

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%), 2% at US gas stations and select US department stores and 1% on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
Earn up to $250. You'll get 20% back on Amazon.com purchases in the first six months for up to $150 back, and $100 after you spend $2,000 in the first six months. This is a higher-than-average welcome offer for a card with no annual fee. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Apply now
View details
Earn up to $350. In your first 6 months, you can earn a $150 statement credit when you spend $3,000, and earn 20% back on Amazon purchases made with your card, up to $200 total. Having 6 months to earn a welcome offer is a rare benefit as most cards give you only 3. Terms apply, see rates & fees
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
Up to 2% cash back. 1% cash back on purchases plus 1% when you redeem into an eligible TD Bank Deposit Account
14.99%, 19.99% or 24.99% variable
$0
Apply now
View details
Earn up to 2% cash back. 1% cash back on purchases plus 1% when you redeem into an eligible TD Bank Deposit Account. Available in: CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT
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Compare up to 4 providers

Bottom line

CardMatch can give you a decent idea of which cards you’re eligible for without the need for a hard credit pull. However, the limited card options and personal information requirements make it difficult to recommend unless you’re specifically avoiding credit checks.

For a look at all of your card options along with recommendations from Finder’s credit card experts, Visit our guide to the best cards of 2021.

Frequently asked questions

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