If you’ve ever tried to find the perfect credit card, you know it takes time to read terms and compare sign-up bonuses. Even if you do your research, it’s hard to predict whether you’ll qualify.
That’s where CardMatch comes in — this free online tool helps you find targeted credit card offers that give you the highest odds of approval. The process is quick and easy, so you can compare prequalified offers in minutes.
Curious? Let’s take a deeper look at this unique tool to see how it can help you find your next credit card.
Some topics we’ll explore include:
CardMatch is a tool that recommends credit cards that match your preferences and financial qualifications.
All you need to do is provide a few details about your income, employment status, and existing financial obligations. Based on that information, the system returns the credit card offers that are tailored to your situation.
It’s important to note that the tool doesn’t guarantee you’ll be approved for these credit cards; it merely shows you the cards that provide the best odds. You’ll need to complete a separate application to get a final decision.
CardMatch locates credit cards targeted to your unique situation. If you’re well-qualified, for example, the system can help you find better offers than you’ll see on the card issuer’s website. It can also reveal limited-time special promotions with better welcome perks.
If you are building or repairing your credit, the tool helps you determine which cards have the best odds of approval. That way, you don’t damage your credit score by applying for cards that aren’t a good fit. Next to each offer, you’ll see a box that tells you whether your chances are excellent, good, fair, or poor.
Although you aren’t guaranteed to snag an elevated welcome offer for the Amex Platinum card, select CardMatch users have been able to earn up to 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on the card within the first three months of account opening.
For our take on this card, check out our Amex Platinum Card review.
Like the Platinum card, you may be able to earn a higher welcome offer for the American Express® Gold Card through CardMatch. Offers as high as 90,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on the card in the first 3 months of account opening have been seen.
For our take on this card, check out our Amex Gold Card review.
Using the CardMatch tool does not affect your credit score. That’s because it uses a soft inquiry to match you with offers. This check provides the tool with a general overview of your creditworthiness, but since it’s not tied to a credit application, it doesn’t hurt your score.
If you decide to apply for one of the offers, however, the bank you choose will run a hard inquiry. These checks can reduce your credit score for a few months, so it’s important to keep applications to a minimum. Not sure what your score is? See how to check your credit score.
Ready to get started? Click on the banner below or go directly to the CardMatch site.
To start the process, decide what you’re looking for in a credit card. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to earn travel rewards or fix a low credit score.
The options available to choose from are: getting cash back, earning travel rewards, transferring a balance, saving money on interest, paying business expenses, building credit history, and repairing credit.
If you’re not sure, click the blue “Skip question” link.
Next, the CardMatch tool will ask you for some basic information.
Make sure to answer each question honestly to get the best credit card offers and increase your chances of approval.
Click the “Agree and Get Matches” button to complete the process. In doing so, you allow CardMatch to do a soft pull of your credit to find offers.
Keep in mind that the system will do the same once per month and every time you log in; this helps you get the most current offers at all times. You’re also opting into emails and agreeing to the tool’s terms of service and privacy policy.
It only takes a few seconds for CardMatch to show you the best available offers. Note that although “John Doe” has certain offers available to them, that doesn’t mean the same offers are guaranteed to be offered to you.
The match page includes a few key pieces of information:
CardMatch is just one way to find the right card for you.
If you want to explore alternatives, try these strategies:
Head to the websites for card issuers such as American Express, Chase, or Capital One to discover the latest welcome bonuses. If you’re looking for a travel card and you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel, go to the website to find sign-up bonuses for miles or points.
Card issuers run promotions throughout the year. To get early access, sign up for a variety of mailing lists in advance — you can get both email and physical mail offers.
Traditional news websites, YouTube channels, and social media influencers often share the latest credit card offers. Check with these outlets regularly to find out about special bonuses and perks.
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This tool is only as accurate as the information you provide. To get the best offers, make sure you’re providing the correct income and housing payment information. Keep in mind that the other information on your credit report, such as debt, credit history, on-time payment history, credit utilization, and past credit inquiries can affect your final odds of approval.
The CardMatch tool itself does not have an impact on your credit score. It conducts a soft credit check, which is the same type of inquiry that happens when you check your own credit. If you complete an application for any of the offers the tool finds for you, it will affect your credit score.
This tool is safe to use; the system uses the security procedures required by federal law. You can help keep your information safe by using a secure, unique password.
The CardMatch tool partners with many top credit card issuers, including Chase, American Express, Wells Fargo, and Discover. These providers change their offers throughout the year, so it’s worthwhile to check on your matches regularly to find an option that meets your needs.
Hayley Harrison is an active personal finance contributor for LA Times Compare. She is passionate about helping consumers make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial goals by simplifying complex topics relating to insurance and personal finance.
Hayley brings first-hand knowledge of the finance industry thanks to her previous experience as a branch manager for a mid-sized regional bank and as a licensed accident and health insurance agent.
* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.
All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.
