5 credit cards that use Equifax credit reports

Need to improve your credit score?
Acquiring a credit card is a strategic financial move that can bolster your credit profile, especially when you consistently make timely repayments.
And what could be better than obtaining a card affiliated with Equifax, one of the leading credit bureaus in the U.S.?
Below are five Equifax credit cards that could significantly strengthen your financial standing, making it easier to qualify for loans and other lines of credit.
The “credit cards that only check Equifax” fallacy
Although it’s widely recognized that banks such as Chase, Citi, Capital One, Discover, HSBC, PenFed, and Wells Fargo utilize Equifax, it’s a misconception to think there are “Equifax-only credit cards.”
This is because credit card companies often pull information from multiple credit bureaus to form a more accurate overview of your creditworthiness. And they do not typically disclose which credit bureaus they draw from.
So bear in mind that the credit cards on this list reportedly frequently use Equifax credit reports for approval, but an application for one does not automatically guarantee an Equifax credit inquiry.
Citi® Double Cash Credit Card - 18 Month BT
Issued by Mastercard, the Citi® Double Cash Credit Card is a valuable workhorse offering a flat rate of 2% cashback on every purchase — 1% when you buy something and another 1% when you pay it off.
No annual fee and a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months make this card a top choice if you wish to pay off debt fast and don’t want to track multiple spending categories to collect rewards.
Quickly redeem rewards as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check. ThankYou points can also be used for gift cards and shop points on Amazon or PayPal.
Additional perks
- No annual fee
- Flat rate for cashback, with no cap on the cashback earned.
- Variable APR between 18.99%-28.99% based on creditworthiness.
Credit requirements
You should have a FICO® Score of 580 or higher to qualify for this low-maintenance credit card. While initially intended for those with good or excellent credit, it may be possible to meet the requirements with fair credit.
Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cashback on everyday purchases up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in spending. Plus, an automatic, unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases.
New cardholders get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, which is beneficial if you want to pay for large purchases over time without interest, or consolidate debt from high-interest credit cards.
The card is also a good option to maximize cashback rewards because Discover’s Cashback Match welcome bonus will double the rewards you earn in the first year.
Additional perks
- No annual fee
- Cashback rewards don't expire
- Variable APR between 17.24% and 28.24%.
Credit requirements
This credit card is typically for applicants with good or better credit, meaning your score should be 670 or higher.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Earn five points per dollar spent at gas pumps and electric vehicle charging stations, three points per dollar on supermarket purchases, and one point per dollar on all other transactions with a PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card.
This card doesn't offer cash back, but you can redeem points for travel, gift cards, or merchandise. And if groceries and gas make up a large portion of your budget, this card is a good choice.
PenFed historically restricted its membership to military service members and their families, but that's no longer true. Anyone can join by completing a membership application and opening an account with a $5 minimum deposit.
Additional perks
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months, then 17.99% APR after that.
- 15,000 point welcome bonus if you spend $1500 in the first three months
Credit requirements
To meet the PenFed credit card approval criteria, you must have a credit score of 700 or higher, indicating good credit, and a regular income.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
With no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card presents an enticing package featuring valuable rewards, versatile redemption choices, and a sign-up bonus surpassing what most cashback cards provide.
This card earns 3% cashback on dining and drugstore purchases, 5% back on travel booked through Chase, and 1.5% on all other transactions making it a good choice if you dine out often or have significant prescription expenses.
A credit card that offers 1.5% cashback on everything you buy can save a lot of money, especially if you don't keep track of multiple cards.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card also doesn't limit how much you can earn; your rewards never expire.
Additional perks
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on payments and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%
- Welcome offer of an extra 1.5% cashback on all transactions (for up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
Credit requirements
To be approved for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you typically need a credit score of 670 or higher. People with good credit (670-739) are most likely to be approved — most have credit scores in the 700s.
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard is a premium credit card for high-net-worth HSBC customers, willing to pay an annual fee of $395 and a high variable APR of 21.24% to 25.24%.
This card doles out impressive rewards, such as $400 in travel credits per year for all airfare, hotels, and car rentals booked through HSBC Travel, and up to $3,000 to spend on tourist and recreational attractions.
Like other credit cards, it also has a reward point system, offering three points for every dollar spent on travel, two points for dining, and one point for all other purchases.
Additional perks
- Complimentary membership at as many as 850 airport lounges.
- $100 annual credit for Uber and Lyft rides (up to $20 per ride).
- Spend $4,000 on your new HSBC Premier Elite Mastercard in the first three months and you'll earn 50,000 Reward Bonus Points worth $750 in airfare when redeemed from HSBC Travel from Rewards.
Credit requirements
Besides having a good credit rating, getting this card requires either keeping an HSBC account balance of $75,000 or more, consistently making substantial monthly direct deposits, or possessing an HSBC mortgage.
The best Equifax credit cards
In summary, it’s a good idea to consider all credit cards that pull from Equifax rather than determining a universal “best” option because everyone’s requirements vary.
Equifax undoubtedly presents an effective avenue for credit access, debt management, and credit score enhancement. Whether you aim to rack up rewards or secure exclusive perks, many choices are at your disposal.