Article

What Credit Cards Use TransUnion?

Written by human
Written by Joe Chappius

- Apr 7, 2025

Edited by Ricardo Laizo

16 min read | Cards

If you're looking at "which credit cards use TransUnion," you've come to the right place.

The Best Option

After thorough research, our team found that the best credit card that uses TransUnion is the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®.

But that’s not all — we also uncovered four other credit card providers that might be a great fit for you.

See why these made our list right after this introduction.

Before exploring what credit cards use TransUnion, it's important to establish some context.

Most people think their TransUnion score could enhance their chances of getting approved for a credit card. However, it's crucial to be aware that credit card issuers typically don't reveal which credit bureaus they consult and may not exclusively rely on TransUnion for credit assessments.

What You Need to Know:

  • Credit Bureau Usage is Varied and Unpredictable

    Credit card issuers may primarily use TransUnion, but Equifax and Experian are also commonly used. The choice of bureau can depend on various factors, including the specific card, application details, or the applicant's location.

  • Impact of Minor Score Differences

    Small discrepancies in credit scores from different bureaus generally don't have a significant impact on credit decisions. Lenders consider a wider array of criteria beyond just a single credit score.

  • Addressing Major Score Discrepancies:

    Substantial differences in credit scores across bureaus could indicate potential errors or fraud on your credit report. Such discrepancies warrant immediate investigation and resolution.

  • Emphasizing Overall Credit Health:

    Focus should be on maintaining overall credit health rather than on which bureau's report will be used. Key practices include making timely payments, keeping credit utilization low, and having a diverse credit portfolio.

Credit Cards That Use TransUnion

Numerous credit card issuers rely on TransUnion to assess creditworthiness before issuing a credit card.

Major credit card companies such as American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover, and Wells Fargo often utilize TransUnion in their evaluation process.

These corporations may use TransUnion for purposes like verifying identities, examining credit histories, and assessing credit scores. Nonetheless, it's not guaranteed that they will depend solely on TransUnion.

Our team dedicated over 20 hours researching credit cards and has reached a verdict on the top five cards that use TransUnion. Check out the list below and see which one best fits your needs.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card is our best pick. Here's why:

  • 1.5% Unlimited Cash Back: Earn on every purchase.

  • $200 Welcome Bonus: For opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions.

  • No Annual or Late Fees: Cost-effective for users.

  • Credit Line Options: Ranges from $500 to $25,000.

  • Fixed-Rate Monthly Payments: Combines credit card flexibility with personal loan predictability.

  • Extra Cash Back: Up to 10% through Upgrade Shopping powered by Dosh® on eligible purchases.

  • Visa Network Access: Accepted widely with contactless payment technology.

This card is ideal for those seeking consistent cash back and additional savings without annual fees.

Apply Now

Chase Freedom® Flex Card

The Chase Freedom® Flex Card is a great option if you're looking for a cash-back card that uses TransUnion. With this card, you'll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.

Plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. There's no annual fee for this card, making it a great option for budget-minded consumers.

If you're looking for a travel rewards card that uses TransUnion, the Chase Freedom® Flex Card is worth considering.

Apply Now

Discover it® Cash Back Card

With the Discover it® Cash Back Card, you earn 5% cash back every quarter on all purchases from grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

At the end of the first year, you'll also get a dollar-for-dollar cash back match on all the cash back you've earned automatically.

The Discover it® Cash Back Card has a variable APR starting at 16.49% with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months.

Apply Now

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can travel worldwide and earn 5x points on flights. You earn 10x points on hotels and car rentals after your first $300 spent annually by purchasing travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

You'll also automatically receive up to $300 in statement credits every year.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a variable APR of 21.49% - 28.49%, and the annual fee is $550, with $75 for each additional cardholder.

Apply Now

Citi® Double Cash Card

The Citi® Double Cash Card is a rewards card that earns you 2% cash back on purchases. New account holders can also benefit from a 0% intro APR offer for 18 months on balance transfers.

The card has no annual fee and you get all the usual perks: $0 liability on unauthorized changes, 24-hour fraud protection, and ID theft protection.

Apply Now

Comparing Credit Cards That Use TransUnion

To make things even easier, we've compiled all the information into a single, easy-to-read table.

Credit CardKey Benefits and Special Features/BonusesAPR RangeAnnual Fee
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®1.5% Unlimited Cash Back, $200 Welcome Bonus, Credit Line Options: $500 to $25,000, Fixed-Rate Monthly Payments, No Annual/Late FeesNot specifiedNone
Chase Freedom® Flex Card5% Cash Back in Bonus Categories (Changes Quarterly), 1% on Other Purchases, No Annual Fee20.49% to 29.24%None
Discover it® Cash Back Card5% Cash Back on Quarterly Categories, 1% on Other Purchases, Cashback Match, Dollar-for-Dollar Cashback Match in First Year, 0% Intro APR for 15 months17.24% to 28.24%None
Chase Sapphire Reserve®5x Points on Flights, 10x on Hotels and Car Rentals, $300 Travel Credit, Up to $300 in Statement Credits Annually, Luxury Travel Benefits21.49% to 28.49% Variable$550
Citi® Double Cash Card2% Cash Back on Purchases, 0% Intro APR for 18 Months on Balance Transfers, Cash Back on Purchases, Balance Transfer Offer19.24% – 29.24%None

If you're looking for a credit card, no matter what credit bureaus it uses, explore the Best Credit Cards of 2025.

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What is TransUnion?

We're discussing what credit cards use TransUnion, but do you know how this company actually operates?

TransUnion stands as one of the three principal credit reporting agencies in the United States, sharing the space with Equifax and Experian.

When you apply for a credit card, there's a significant chance that the issuer might request your credit report from TransUnion.

Certain issuers might review all three of your credit reports, whereas some may concentrate on just a single report. Additionally, there are instances where an issuer might not request any of your credit reports.

Advantages of TransUnion Reporting Cards

Opting for credit cards that report to TransUnion offers several key advantages.

  • Credit History Development: As TransUnion is one of the top three credit bureaus in the United States, using a credit card that reports to this bureau contributes to building your credit history.

  • Enhanced Creditworthiness Assessment: Many lenders rely on TransUnion for evaluating creditworthiness. Therefore, if your TransUnion score is favorable, it could increase your chances of obtaining approvals for various loans and credit lines.

  • Credit Report Monitoring: Regularly using a credit card that reports to TransUnion allows you to keep a closer eye on your credit report, aiding in the early detection of any suspicious or fraudulent activities.

Picking the Best Transunion Credit Card - What to Look For

When deciding on the most suitable credit card associated with TransUnion, several factors come into play.

  • Card Type Determination: Decide on the type of credit card you need: rewards, cash-back, or balance transfer. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so choose one that aligns with your financial habits and goals.

  • Rewards Preference: Think about the rewards that best match your lifestyle. If you travel often, consider a credit card that offers travel rewards like free flights or hotel stays. If you prefer cash back, look for a card that gives you a high percentage back on your purchases.

  • APR Consideration: Lastly, pay attention to the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which encompasses the overall borrowing cost, including any fees. This is often a more comprehensive indicator of a card's cost than just the interest rate. The APR should be considered in light of your ability to pay off balances and your expected usage of the card.

By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can choose a credit card that not only leverages TransUnion’s reporting but also fits well with your financial needs and objectives.

Extra Tips

Don't Worry About Minor Score Differences

Consistent Scoring Frameworks: Although your credit scores from various bureaus might differ slightly, they generally align closely. This similarity stems from the fact that credit bureaus employ similar methodologies to analyze your credit history.

Holistic Credit Evaluation: Credit approval processes consider numerous elements beyond just your credit score. These include factors like your income and debt-to-income ratio. As a result, minor variances in your scores from different bureaus typically don’t significantly influence lending decisions.

Review Major Credit Score Differences

Indicators of Potential Issues: When there’s a considerable discrepancy in your scores from different bureaus, it’s a signal to review your credit reports for potential errors or fraudulent activities.

The Value of Consistent Monitoring: Regularly checking your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion is crucial for maintaining financial health and spotting inaccuracies or suspicious activities.

Our Commitment to Transparency

At Financer.com, we're committed to helping you with your finances. All our content abides by our Editorial Guidelines. We are open about how we review products and services in our Review Process and how we make money in our Advertiser Disclosure.

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