Best Credit CardsHardest to Get
Selected from 1,500+ credit cards for April 2024
Updated Mar 13, 2024Fact checked
By:John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor
|Mar 13, 2024
Reviewed by:Alina Comoreanu, Senior Researcher
Fact checked
The hardest credit cards to get approved for require you to have excellent credit, a lot of income and, in some cases, an invitation. For example, you can only get the Centurion “Black” Card from American Express if you charge hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and receive an invite to apply. Being hard to get doesn't necessarily make a credit card good, though. As a result, we evaluated more than 350 credit cards for people with excellent credit to identify both the most exclusive cards (in terms of accessibility to the general public) and the offers with the best terms, which would presumably be among the most difficult to get.
Hardest Credit Cards to Get in2024:
Overall:Centurion® Card from American ExpressCenturion® Card from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn More- Rewards:Chase Sapphire Reserve®Chase Sapphire Reserve®Learn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Business:Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Luxury Travel:Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back CardFifth Third 1% Cash/Back CardLearn MoreLearn More
- 0% APR:CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum CardLearn MoreLearn More
- Students:Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for StudentsBank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for StudentsLearn MoreLearn More
- Business:Capital One Spark 2% Cash PlusCapital One Spark 2% Cash PlusLearn MoreLearn More
When choosing between hard-to-get credit cards with stellar terms and rewards, you should first estimate how much you'll spend in a year in major spending categories so that you can figure out how rewarding each card will be for your particular spending profile. Then, add in the value of any supplemental benefits and subtract the annual fee to find the approximate yearly value of the card. If you plan to keep the card for years, pay more attention to the ongoing perks than the initial bonus, and vice versa.
WalletHub tracks 1,500+ credit cards (other sites only consider a much smaller number of cards, so they naturally miss a lot of great cards)
WalletHub picks the best credit cards overall (other sites pick the best cards from their advertising partners)
WalletHub uses a sophisticated card rating system to objectively find the best cards (other sites’ picks are influenced by their own biases)
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WalletHub does not have a conflict of interest (other sites are biased due to promoting their own lending and banking offers)
WalletHub has 15+ years of credit card experience (other sites simply don’t have the same expertise)
WalletHub's best credit card picks and ratings are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any issuer. Some offers may come from WalletHub's advertising partners. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Winner
Hardest Credit Card to Get Overall
Centurion® Card from American Express
Centurion® Card from American Express
1.2WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
1.2
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
3.0
User Reviews
4.2
Market Comparison
0.6
fees: 1.3
rewards: 0.8
cost: 0.0
Other Features: 5.0
Learn More
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion. And only the super rich and famous can expect to get the call, as it’s rumored that you must charge at least $1 million per year to an American Express credit card to even qualify. Its reported benefits include a 24/7 concierge capable of doing anything and everything from planning an entire wedding to getting Drake to perform at your child’s bar mitzvah – seriously.
That being said, it is important to note that theMastercard® Black CardisnotTHE Black Card. It’s merely an expensive poser – $495 annual fee.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No foreign fee
Cons
- High membership fees
- No rewards bonus
Rewards Details
- 1X Membership Rewards point for every eligible dollar you spend.
- Membership Rewards® points can be used towards travel, dining, shopping, and merchandise.
- Points have no expiration date and there's no limit to the amount of points you can earn.
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- All information about the Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by WalletHub.
- This card requires a $10,000 initiation fee.
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Rewards Credit Cards to Get
Hardest Rewards Credit Card to Get
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
4.1WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.1
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.4
User Reviews
3.3
Market Comparison
4.1
fees: 1.3
rewards: 4.8
cost: 4.8
Other Features: 0.0
Apply Now
Regular APR
22.49% - 29.49% (V)
Annual Fee
$550
Rewards Rate
1 - 10 points / $1
Bonus Offer
60,000 points
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Regular APR
22.49% - 29.49% (V)
Annual Fee
$550
Rewards Rate
1 - 10 points / $1
Bonus Offer
60,000 points
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get:Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the hardest credit cards to get approved for by virtue of the fact that it is one of the best rewards cards on the market. From its initial bonus of 60,000 points to the 1 - 10 points per $1 spentthat Sapphire Reserve provides on purchases, and even its annual fee of$550, it’s no wonder why the card is so sought-after. Those are also reasons why you’ll need excellent credit to get approved.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- Initial Bonus: 60,000 points
- $300 Annual Travel Credit
- Up To 15% Back On Hotels and Car Rentals
Cons
- High Annual Fee
- High APR
Rewards Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursem*nt for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
- Member FDIC
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Travel Credit Card to Get
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
3.6WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.6
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Travel Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.8
User Reviews
3.2
Market Comparison
3.5
fees: 2.1
rewards: 4.0
cost: 3.4
Other Features: 5.0
Apply Now
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$395
Rewards Rate
2 - 10 miles / $1
Bonus Offer
75,000 miles
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$395
Rewards Rate
2 - 10 miles / $1
Bonus Offer
75,000 miles
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get:The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is hard to get because it requires excellent credit for approval and charges an annual fee of $395. You get a lot in return, though.
New cardholders can earn an initial bonus of 75,000 miles (worth $750 in travel) by spending at least $4,000 within 3 months of opening an account. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also offers up to $300 in statement credits each year for travel purchases booked through Capital One Travel, along with generous ongoing rewards rates of 2 - 10 miles per $1 spent on purchases and various other perks.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- 75,000-mile initial bonus
- 2 - 10 miles per $1 spent on purchases
- Annual statement credit & bonus opportunities
- Airport lounge access
Cons
- $395 annual fee
- Not good for financing
- Requires excellent credit
Rewards Details
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption*: Add peace of mind to your itinerary when you use your Venture X card to book your travel
- Extended Warranty Protection*: Extend your qualifying product warranties automatically when you purchase using your Venture X card
- Return Protection*: Keep your options open with 90 days of Return Protection, here to help when you make a qualifying purchase with your card
- Cell Phone Protection*: Protect your cell phone every time you pay your bill. When you pay your monthly wireless bill with your covered Capital One card, your cell phone is protected for the next calendar month. So, you can get reimbursed if your cell phone is stolen or damaged ($50 deductible)
- Visa Infinite Concierge*: Concierge who can help you with requests, like dinner reservations, or Broadway, music and sporting event tickets
- Baggage Delay Reimbursem*nt*: Your bags are covered against common carrier-caused loss or theft with Lost Luggage Reimbursem*nt* when you use your Venture X card to purchase common carrier tickets
- Trip Delay Reimbursem*nt*: Anticipate delays when you purchase air travel with your covered Visa Infinite card, with Trip Delay coverage of up to $500 when you’re stuck for more than six hours or require an overnight stay
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver*: Count on built-in auto rental coverage. Save money by saying no at the counter – rent with your covered Visa Infinite card and get built-in Auto Rental Coverage
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Pros, Cons & Details
HARDEST CREDIT CARD TO GET OVERALL
Centurion® Card from American Express
Centurion® Card from American Express
1.2WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
1.2
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
3.0
User Reviews
4.2
Market Comparison
0.6
fees: 1.3
rewards: 0.8
cost: 0.0
Other Features: 5.0
Learn More
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Regular APR
21.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$5000
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion. And only the super rich and famous can expect to get the call, as it’s rumored that you must charge at least $1 million per year to an American Express credit card to even qualify. Its reported benefits include a 24/7 concierge capable of doing anything and everything from planning an entire wedding to getting Drake to perform at your child’s bar mitzvah – seriously.
That being said, it is important to note that theMastercard® Black CardisnotTHE Black Card. It’s merely an expensive poser – $495 annual fee.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No foreign fee
Cons
- High membership fees
- No rewards bonus
Rewards Details
- 1X Membership Rewards point for every eligible dollar you spend.
- Membership Rewards® points can be used towards travel, dining, shopping, and merchandise.
- Points have no expiration date and there's no limit to the amount of points you can earn.
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- All information about the Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by WalletHub.
- This card requires a $10,000 initiation fee.
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Low Interest Credit Cards to Get
Hardest Low Intro APR Credit Card to Get
BankAmericard® credit card
BankAmericard® credit card
4.0WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.0
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Finance New Purchases"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.0
User Reviews
3.7
Market Comparison
4.0
fees: 4.0
rewards: 0.0
cost: 3.7
APR: 5.0
Learn More
Purchase intro APR
0% for 18 billing cycles
Transfer intro APR
0% for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Transfer Fee: 3%
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Purchase intro APR
0% for 18 billing cycles
Transfer intro APR
0% for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Transfer Fee: 3%
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get:The BankAmericard® credit card is one of the hardest 0% credit cards to get approved for because you need a 750+ credit score for good approval odds. Cardholders get an introductory APR of 0% for 18 billing cycles on purchases and 0% for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days.
The BankAmericard® credit card has a regular APR of 16.24% - 26.24% Variable and a balance transfer fee of 3%. Plus, it has a $0 annual fee.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- Low balance transfer intro APR for 18 billing cycles
- Low purchase intro APR for 18 billing cycles
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee of 3%
- Very high regular APR
- Excellent credit required
Rewards Details
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Credit Card to Get With 0% APR & Rewards
Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card
Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card
4.5WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.5
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Finance New Purchases"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Market Comparison
4.5
fees: 5.0
rewards: 3.3
cost: 4.1
APR: 5.0
Learn More
Purchase intro APR
0% for 21 months
Transfer intro APR
0% for 21 months
Transfer Fee: 4% (min $5)
Regular APR
16.24% - 27.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Purchase intro APR
0% for 21 months
Transfer intro APR
0% for 21 months
Transfer Fee: 4% (min $5)
Regular APR
16.24% - 27.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get:The Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card is one of the hardest credit cards to get approved for because it’s the only card that offers rewards along with an introductory APR of 0% for 21 months, and it requires excellent credit for approval.
The Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card has a regular APR of 16.24% - 27.24% (V) and comes with a $0 annual fee.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No membership fees
- 0% intro APR on purchases
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers
- No foreign fee
Cons
- No initial rewards bonus
- Balance transfer fee
- Requires excellent credit
Rewards Details
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no caps, and no expiration of rewards
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- Cell phone protection.
- Current customers can apply online. New customers can visit a branch location or call at Fifth Third Bank.
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Low Interest Credit Card to Get
3.2WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.2
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Finance New Purchases"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
User Reviews
4.9
fees: 4.3
rewards: 3.3
cost: 2.7
APR: 3.2
Learn More
Purchase intro APR
1.9% for 6 months
Transfer intro APR
1.9% for 6 months
Transfer Fee: 3% (max $50)
Regular APR
11.75% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Purchase intro APR
1.9% for 6 months
Transfer intro APR
1.9% for 6 months
Transfer Fee: 3% (max $50)
Regular APR
11.75% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 point / $1
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: Credit cards aren’t just giving away low regular APRs these days. You need a really stellar track record as a borrower. Even credit cards for people with excellent credit charge above 14% on average. That’s what makes the CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum Card’s 11.75% (V) regular APR so remarkable.
On top of a relatively low regular APR, cardholders enjoy an even lower introductory interest rate, a $0 annual fee and 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases. As you might expect, the CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum Card requires excellent credit for approval.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No membership fees
- 1.9% intro APR on purchases
- 1.9% intro APR on balance transfers
Cons
- No initial rewards bonus
- Balance transfer fee
- Foreign fee
- Requires excellent credit
Rewards Details
- Earn 1 point for every $1.00 spent on qualifying purchases with ScoreCard® Rewards.
- Redeem points for merchandise, gift cards, and travel.
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- Access your account information with Internet Banking.
- Add your credit card to your electronic wallet - Apple Pay® or Samsung Pay.
- Fraud protection with Visa's Zero Liability Policy.
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Student Credit Cards to Get
Hardest Student Credit Card to Get for Travel
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students
3.9WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
3.0
User Reviews
3.9
Market Comparison
4.1
fees: 5.0
rewards: 3.5
cost: 4.5
Other Features: 0.0
Learn More
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles
Transfer intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Transfer Fee: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5 points / $1
Bonus Offer
25,000 points
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles
Transfer intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Transfer Fee: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5 points / $1
Bonus Offer
25,000 points
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get:The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students is one of the hardest student credit cards to get approved for because it requires excellent credit for approval. Most student credit cards are available to newcomers with limited credit history.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students rewards cardholders with 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. There’s also an initial bonus of 25,000 points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
A $0 annual fee and an introductory APR of 0% for 15 billing cycles only make the offer even more appealing. Just watch out for the card’s regular APR, which is 18.24% - 28.24% Variable.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No membership fees
- Low intro APR on purchases
- Low intro APR on balance transfers
- 25,000 points initial rewards bonus
Cons
- Balance transfer fee
- High regular APR
- Requires excellent credit
Rewards Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Cash Back Student Credit Card to Get
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students
3.6WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.6
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
3.0
Market Comparison
3.7
fees: 3.8
rewards: 3.4
cost: 4.2
Other Features: 0.0
Learn More
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles
Transfer intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Transfer Fee: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$200
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles
Transfer intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Transfer Fee: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$200
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get:The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students is the hardest cash back student credit card to get approved for, as it requires excellent credit.
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students, which has a $0 annual fee, offers an initial bonus of $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. It also rewards cardholders with 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
In addition, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students offers an introductory APR of 0% for 15 billing cycles. Its regular APR is 18.24% - 28.24% Variable.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- No membership fees
- Low intro APR on purchases
- Low intro APR on balance transfers
- $200 initial rewards bonus
Cons
- Balance transfer fee
- High regular APR
- Foreign fee
- Requires excellent credit
Rewards Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros, Cons & Details
Hardest Business Credit Card to Get
Hardest Rewards Credit Card to Get for Business
Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus *
Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus *
4.3WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.3
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Business - Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.8
Market Comparison
4.2
fees: 2.9
rewards: 4.7
cost: 4.5
Other Features: 0.0
Learn More
Regular APR
Not Applicable
Annual Fee
$150
Rewards Rate
2 - 5% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$1,200
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Regular APR
Not Applicable
Annual Fee
$150
Rewards Rate
2 - 5% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$1,200
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus requires excellent credit for approval and charges an annual fee of $150, making it difficult to get and afford.
Fortunately, the card offers rewards of 2 - 5% cash back on purchases and a generous initial bonus. New cardholders get $1,200 for spending $30,000 in the first 3 months. However, those attractive terms don’t make the card easier to get.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Earn $1,200 initial rewards bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- High membership fees
- Requires excellent credit
- Must be paid in full each month
Rewards Details
- Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
Interest Rate Breakdown
| Balance | APY |
|---|
Additional Info
- Info about the card has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide the details.
- Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
- Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000.
- Spark 2% Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
Pros, Cons & Details
What does it mean when you have a black card?
Having a “black card” has become a symbol of wealth and status, at least in pop culture. But there are a few different black cards, and the famous one doesn’t even have “black” in its name. It’s actually the American Express Centurion Card, which is black in color and available on an invitation-only basis to people who charge hundreds of dollars per year. So having that black card says a lot about how much money you make and spend.
Having the Mastercard® Black Card, on the other hand, just means that you’re overpaying. After all, that particular black card charges a $495 annual fee and doesn't offer nearly enough rewards to make it worthwhile.
That being said, here’s a recap of some of the most difficult credit cards to get.
Hardest Credit Cards to Get Comparison
| Credit Card | Category |
| Centurion® Card from American Express | Overall |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Rewards |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Travel |
| Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card | 0% APR |
| Low Interest | |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students | Students |
| Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus* | Business |
Ignore Exclusivity & Focus on Terms
Getting approved for an exclusive credit card might seem like a major victory. But is that a game you should even be playing in the first place? Not quite. Your focus in choosing a credit card should always be on its terms – rewards earning rates, fees and APR, in particular. It doesn’t matter what your card looks like or how many people have the same kind. Such things won’t save you money, and no one really looks at your credit card anyway.
So, if you pay your bill in full every month, compare rewards cards in search of an offer that complements your lifestyle. If you have debt you’d like to pay down faster, focus on 0% balance transfer cards and don’t forget to consider the cost of transfer fees. And if you have a major expense coming up, consider cards giving you 0% on new purchases.
Finding the right credit card is only half the battle, though. For tips on responsible credit card management once you have your shiny new plastic (or metal), check out ourGuide for Credit Newcomers. You can also review our breakdown of theBiggest Credit Card Mistakes for an idea of what not to do.
Methodology for Selecting the Hardest Credit Cards to Get
To identify the hardest credit cards to get, both overall and by category, WalletHub’s editors compare more than 1,500 credit card offers based primarily on their stated approval requirements as well as customer reviews and card terms.
Particularly attractive rewards, rates, fees, and luxury benefits are a sign of exclusivity, after all, hinting at more difficult underwriting requirements for applicants to pass. With that in mind, we estimate the two-year cost of owning each card and incorporate the results into our final selections.
To ensure that consumers have the latest intelligence on this issue, WalletHub’s editors regularly update their selections based on any new credit card offers that hit the market as well as any significant changes to existing offers.
How Two-Year Cost Is Calculated
Two-year cost is used to approximate the monetary value of cards for better comparison and is calculated by combining annual and monthly membership fees over two years, adding any one-time fees or other fees (like balance transfer fees), adding any interest costs, and subtracting rewards. Negative amounts indicate savings. When fees or other terms are presented as a range, we use the midpoint for scoring purposes.
Rewards bonuses and credits have been taken into account for two-year cost calculations. However, bonuses applicable to only a very small portion of cardholders are not considered. For example, credits and bonuses awarded for spending or redeeming rewards through a company portal with non-co-branded cards have not been taken into account. Similarly, bonuses and credits related to spending with specific merchants using a non-co-branded card have not been taken into account (for example, if Card A offers credits with DoorDash, this feature would not be factored into calculations because it is hard to assess how many cardholders would use the benefit or exactly how much value they'd get from it).
Cardholder Spending Profiles
Given that different users have different goals and are likely to use their credit cards differently, we identified spending profiles that are representative of different users’ financial priorities and behaviors. For each cardholder type, we have assumed a specific amount of monthly spending by purchase type (e.g., groceries, gas, etc.), as well as an average balance, balance transfer amount, amount spent on large purchases and average monthly payment. Spending assumptions are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for consumers and PEX data for businesses.
Hardest Credit Cards to Get FAQ
Finding the best credit card can be tough. But you’ve got the knowledgeable WalletHub community on your side. We encourage everyone to share their knowledge while respecting our content guidelines. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not the financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Most Popular
How do I get a Black Card?
1
Upvote
Reply
1
Bianca Smith, WalletHub Credit Cards Analyst
@bianca_stoian
To get a Black Card from American Express, you must receive an invitation to apply, have Excellent credit, and pay the $10,000 initiation fee. Amex customers can request an invitation for the Black Card online, though there is no guarantee of actually receiving an invite. The Amex Black Card is officially called the Centurion® Card from American Express, and it is reportedly reserved for customers who charge hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to other Amex cards.
How...
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1
Which is the most elite credit card?
20
Upvotes
Reply
20
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The Centurion® Card from American Express is the most elite credit card because it requires an invitation to apply and is very prestigious to own. You reportedly need to earn at least $1 million per year and spend at least $350,000 annually on Amex cards just to be eligible. On top of that, there's a $10,000 initiation fee for those who are approved, and the annual fee is a whopping $5000.
Also known as the "Amex Black Card,"...
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What credit card do millionaires use?
16
Upvotes
Reply
16
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Millionaires use credit cards like the Centurion® Card from American Express, the J.P. Morgan Reserve Credit Card. These high-end credit cards are available only to people who receive an invitation to apply, which millionaires have the best chance of getting. For example, in the case of the Amex Centurion Card – also known as “the Black Card” – you reportedly need to charge at least $100,000 across Amex credit cards every year to even qualify for an invite. The Platinum Card® from American Express is another exclusive credit card that...
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1
1
What is the hardest Amex card to get?
25
Upvotes
Reply
25
Evelyn Boros, Credit Cards Moderator
@evelyn_boros
The hardest Amex card to get is the Centurion® Card from American Express. Also known as the “Black Card,” this Amex card is hard to get because it is available by invitation only, and potential candidates are rumored to need an annual income of at least $1 million. They'll also reportedly need to meet lofty spending requirements on other Amex accounts every year just to get an invitation to apply. Additionally, the Centurion® Card from American Express carries a $5000 annual fee and...
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2
What is the most powerful credit card in the world?
17
Upvotes
Reply
17
Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
The most powerful credit card in the world is the Centurion® Card from American Express, which is famously known as the "black card" and seen as a status symbol for rich and influential people. It's considered powerful thanks to its numerous benefits, which include free access to airport lounges, elite status and other perks at various hotels, a personal concierge and more.
This invite-only card has a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5000 annual fee. It's also reportedly...
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What are the best credit cards for high income individuals?
16
Upvotes
Reply
16
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The best credit card for high income individuals is the Centurion® Card from American Express because it is reportedly available only to people with an annual income of at least $1 million and it requires an invitation. A history of spending more than $100,000 per year on Amex accounts is also believed to be required. Plus, there's an "initiation fee" of $10,000 and an annual fee of $5000.
Also known as "the Amex Black Card," the Centurion® Card from American Express comes...
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1
What is the hardest store credit card to get?
3
Upvotes
Reply
3
Bianca Smith, WalletHub Credit Cards Analyst
@bianca_stoian
The hardest store-affiliated credit card to get is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi because it requires excellent credit for approval, which means a credit score of 750 or higher. On top of that, the Costco Credit Card is only available to Costco members.
On the other hand, store-only credit cards generally require fair credit or better for approval. These cards are a good option for people loyal to a particular brand, since they can usually only be used at...
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3
Is it hard to get a 0% credit card?
1
Upvote
Reply
1
Bianca Smith, WalletHub Credit Cards Analyst
@bianca_stoian
Yes, it is hard to get a 0% APR credit card because 0% cards usually require at least good credit for approval. To qualify for most credit cards with a 0% APR promotion, applicants must have a credit score of 700 or higher and enough income to afford minimum monthly payments. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old.
Best 0% APR Credit Cards by Credit Score Requirement
- Good credit needed:Wells Fargo Reflect® CardWells Fargo Reflect® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Good credit needed:BankAmericard® credit cardBankAmericard® credit cardLearn MoreLearn More
- Good credit needed:U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum CardU.S. Bank Visa® Platinum CardLearn MoreLearn More
- Good credit needed:Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back CardFifth Third 1% Cash/Back CardLearn MoreLearn More
- Good credit needed:Citi® Diamond Preferred® CardCiti® Diamond Preferred® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Fair credit needed:Citi Custom Cash® CardCiti Custom Cash® CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
There are...
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1
Does Chase Bank require a credit check to open a checking account?
1
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Reply
1
Lisa Cahill, Credit Cards Moderator
@lisacahill
Chase bank doesn't require a credit check to open a checking account. However, they will pull your ChexSystems file.
View more answers
What is the most difficult Citi card to get?
Upvotes
Reply
Theresa Chalfant, Writer
@theresa_chalfant
The most difficult Citi card to get is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, since it's their only consumer card that requires excellent credit to qualify. You also need to join Costco if you're not already a member and earn enough income to afford monthly payments on the card. It is a good option for Costco members, though, as it offers 1 - 4% cash back for a $0 annual fee.
Most Citi credit cards are available to people with good credit, and with...
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WalletHub is committed to transparency and editorial independence. The information about the following cards has been independently collected by WalletHub: Centurion® Card from American Express, BankAmericard® credit card, Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card, CoreFirst Bank & Trust Visa Platinum Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students, Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students, Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus, Mastercard® Black Card, J.P. Morgan Reserve Credit Card, X1 Credit Card, Amazon Credit Card, Best Buy® Credit Card, West Elm Credit Card, Williams Sonoma Credit Card, Pottery Barn Credit Card, U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, and Citi Double Cash® Card
About our Editor’s Picks
Our editors' recommendations for the Best Credit Cards are a reflection of their own subjective opinions, and they should not be relied upon as the sole basis for choosing your financial product.
We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.
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