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How to prequalify for Discover credit cards
Find out if a Discover card is right for you.
Unlike most providers, Discover allows you to prequalify for its cards. Just submit your personal and financial information, then Discover will determine your approval odds for their credit cards.
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What does prequalification mean?
During prequalification, you’ll submit personal information such as your name, Social Security number and annual income. The provider will initiate a soft pull on your credit. If it prequalifies you, it means you’re a good candidate for one of its products.
Though prequalification will give you a good idea of your chances, it doesn’t guarantee approval. When you apply for a card, the provider will check your credit with a hard pull, and you can still be denied after this process.
What’s the difference between a soft pull and a hard pull?
Think of a soft pull like a background check. It gives a provider a quick sense of whether you’re generally a fit for certain products. A soft pull won’t lower your credit score.
A hard pull is a credit check as a result of your card application. It will usually lower your credit score by a few points, though your score should rebound as you consistently make on-time payments.
What are the benefits of Discover’s prequalification?
- See prequalification results quickly. You’ll see suggested cards within a few minutes of submitting your information to Discover.
- Better approval odds. Approval is never guaranteed, but prequalification will give you a better idea of where you stand.
- Won’t affect your credit. Discover will run a soft pull on your credit. This won’t lower your credit score.
- No obligation to apply for a card. Submitting a prequalification request doesn’t bind you to submitting a card application. You’re free to shop around with other providers before you decide.
How do I get prequalified for a Discover credit card?
- Navigate to the prequalification page on Discover’s website.
- Complete the prequalification form with information such as your name, address, total annual gross income, monthly housing payment, date of birth and Social Security number.
- In the What card benefit is most important to you? dropdown, select Cash Back, Travel Rewards, Balance Transfer or other.
- Agree to Discover’s terms and click Check now.
Strongly consider one of the cards you’ve prequalified for if you want a Discover product.
Think twice before submitting an application for a card you may want but haven’t yet prequalified for. You may want to raise your credit score first.
Bottom line
Using Discover’s prequalification tool, you can find suggested cards and get a better idea of your approval odds.
If you’re not sure a Discover card is right for you, consider another prequalifying provider such as Chase or American Express.
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