Credit Karma: Credit Cards & Credit Score Improvement - What You Need to Know

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Credit Karma specializes in helping consumers improve their credit scores. Not only can you view your credit report and set up credit monitoring, but the platform also makes credit recommendations based on your credit history and goals. Although Credit Karma doesn't offer a credit card, you can view offers from credit card issuers and even get a debit card through a Credit Karma Money account.

Credit Karma Credit Card Recommendations

One of the most useful features for Credit Karma members is its lender recommendation sections. But you don't have to even sign up to enjoy that benefit. Simply go to CreditKarma.com/Credit-Cards and start browsing.

But Credit Karma doesn't just recommend products. The credit card section also lets you sort for cards by your credit rating, as well as rewards and cashback. If you're still building credit, you can view secured credit cards, which require cardholders to make a security deposit.

Personalized Credit Card Recommendations

Whether you have good credit or not, Credit Karma can help you get a card. As you use the service, Credit Karma learns more about you and can help recommend the best credit cards. You might not qualify for a Capital One or Citi card until your score reaches ​640​, but there are plenty of other cards that accept those who have good or fair credit scores.

Although Credit Karma doesn't offer a credit card, you can view offers from credit card issuers and even get a debit card through a Credit Karma Money account.

But the best thing about using Credit Karma to find a new card is its Approval Odds feature. When you're shown a card, you can see your odds of approval listed alongside it. This will keep you from wasting time and risking a hard inquiry for a card that won't approve you.

Credit Karma’s Credit Line

Credit Karma may not offer cards of its own, but it does have a credit line option. Credit Karma Credit Builder is more of a savings account option, though. It's specifically designed to help you boost your credit health by having you make on-time payments every month.

Here's how Credit Builder works. You start with a savings goal of $500 and each billing cycle, you put money into that account. The account itself is through SeedFi, but Credit Builder holds the funds for you and reports your monthly payments to credit bureaus to help strengthen your credit history.

Credit Karma Debit Card

Credit Karma isn't just a personal finance app. You can also do some or all of your banking through the platform. You'll get a Credit Karma Visa Debit Card upon account opening and, if you set up direct deposit, access to your paycheck up to two days early.

But what's really great about Credit Karma's debit card is the rewards program that comes with it. You'll get money back with qualifying debit card purchases and a statement credit when you deposit funds into your Credit Karma Money Save account. This is in addition to the higher-than-average interest rates on your savings account there.

Credit Score Improvement

The biggest benefit Credit Karma brings to members is the ability to qualify for great rates on the best credit cards. With Credit Karma's free credit information, you can keep an eye on your score and watch your fair or bad credit go to good or excellent. Credit Karma's VantageScore lets you see information from two of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, so you'll have a good idea of where you stand with lenders.

Credit Karma can help you get a better credit score with tips like how to improve your credit utilization rate or how to avoid missing your payment due dates. The Relief Roadmap can even help you identify debt relief programs that can serve as an alternative to late payments during tough times.

No matter your credit score, you can find a credit card that meets your needs. Whether you're looking for a balance transfer for debt consolidation or a card with ​zero-percent​ interest for the first year, you can look through the recommendations on Credit Karma and find a card that meets your needs.