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Cash back cards are a quick, easy way to save more money. And you could save quite a bit with the best cash back cards. Many of them earn anywhere from 2% to as high as 6% back and have sign-up bonuses of $200 or more.

The cards with the highest cash back rates also tend to have the strictest approval requirements. But that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach, even if you’re still working on your credit. Here’s a helpful guideline for the credit score you need when applying for one of these cards.

The credit score you need for the best cash back cards

A FICO® Score of 670 or higher is recommended for most of the top cash back cards. Card issuers usually look for good to excellent credit. Under the FICO® Score system, which is the one most widely used by lenders, good credit ranges from 670 to 739.

Guidelines vary from card to card. There are some great cash back cards that you could get with a score of 600 or less. There are also cash back cards that are hard to get with a score below 700. But as a general rule, a score of at least 670 is a good target.

If you’re at or above the good credit range, don’t settle for a mediocre cash back card. Check out our list of the top cash back cards to make sure you’re earning as much back as possible.

Other factors that affect your credit card application

When you apply for a credit card, your credit score is one of the most important factors — but it’s not the only factor. A high credit score doesn’t guarantee you’ll get approved, even if it’s above the recommendation for that card. A low credit score also doesn’t guarantee you’ll get denied, although you may want to hold off on applying until you’re closer to the recommended range.

The card issuer reviews your credit history and your financial profile during the application process. Here are more factors that could come into play:

• Household income
• Number of credit cards you have
• Number of recent credit applications
• Any delinquencies on your credit file
• Your history with that specific card issuer

For example, I have an excellent credit score. I’ve occasionally been denied for credit cards because of the number of cards I already have and because of how frequently I apply for new ones.

How to improve your credit before applying for a cash back card

Although a high credit score isn’t a guaranteed approval, it helps when applying for the most popular credit cards. It can also impact other parts of your life. You’ll be more likely to pass a credit check when renting a home. You’ll get lower rates on loans, including mortgages. In most states, a high credit score can even get you cheaper car insurance.

It’s easier than many people realize to get a better credit score. Here are a few simple tips that you can follow to reach excellent credit:

• Use a free credit score tool online. Not only can you monitor your score this way, you can also see the factors affecting it. For the most accurate results, look for a tool that provides your FICO® Score, such as Experian CreditWorks Basic.
• Never miss a payment. The most heavily weighted factor in your credit score is your payment history. Credit card and loan payments are particularly important, because the creditors report these payments and they end up on your credit history.
• Reduce your credit card balances. This will lower your credit utilization, another key factor in your credit score.
• Check your credit report. You’re entitled to a free credit report as often as every week, and you can request it online at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see any errors, dispute them with the credit bureau that filed the report.

If you’ve always wanted a great cash back card, the credit score to aim for is 670. Not there yet? Follow these habits, and you’ll be well on your way.

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