Article

Which Credit Cards Use Equifax?

Written by human
Written by Lorien Strydom

- Apr 7, 2025

Edited by Ricardo Laizo

16 min read | Cards

If you're searching for "which credit cards use Equifax," you're just about to find out the answer and more.

The Best Option

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

And there's more! If Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® isn't a good fit for you, we also found four other credit card providers that can be a great alternative.

We'll cover why they're our top pick and all the details right after this introduction.

But before exploring which credit cards use Equifax and everything else, we have to clarify some key information.

Most people think their Equifax score can enhance their chances of getting approved for a credit card. Well, that's not exactly true. Credit card issuers typically don't reveal which credit bureaus they consult and may not exclusively rely on Equifax for credit assessments.

What You Need to Know

  • Credit Bureau Usage is Varied and Unpredictable

    Credit card issuers may primarily use TransUnion, and then Equifax or Experian as a second option. 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 Equifax

Many credit card companies rely on Equifax to check creditworthiness before approving a credit card application.

Some of the major credit card companies that use Equifax include American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover, and Wells Fargo.

These companies may use Equifax to verify your identity, check your credit history, and evaluate your credit score. But again, there is no way of knowing they will only pull from Equifax.

Lesser-known credit card companies that may also use Equifax include Barclaycard, BB&T, and TD Bank.

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 Equifax. 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 Equifax, the Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit 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 a 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

At the end of the first year, you'll also get a dollar-for-dollar cashback 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 per year, 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 Equifax

Don't worry. We like to keep things very easy and visual. So, here's a table to help you understand and compare those 5 cards that use Equifax.

Credit CardKey BenefitsAPR RangeAnnual FeeSpecial Features/Bonuses
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®1.5% Unlimited Cash Back, $200 Welcome Bonus, No Annual/Late FeesNot specifiedNoneCredit Line Options: $500 to $25,000, Fixed-Rate Monthly Payments
Chase Freedom® Flex Card5% Cash Back in Bonus Categories, 1% on Other Purchases, No Annual Fee20.49% to 29.24%NoneBonus Categories Change Quarterly
Discover it® Cash Back Card5% Cash Back on Quarterly Categories, 1% on Other Purchases, Cashback Match17.24% to 28.24% (0% Intro APR for 15 months)NoneDollar-for-Dollar Cashback Match in First Year
Chase Sapphire Reserve®5x Points on Flights, 10x on Hotels and Car Rentals, $300 Travel Credit21.49% to 28.49% Variable$550Up to $300 in Statement Credits Annually, Luxury Travel Benefits
Citi® Double Cash Card2% Cash Back on Purchases, 0% Intro APR for 18 Months on Balance Transfers19.24% - 29.24%NoneCash Back on Purchases, Balance Transfer Offer

If none of those can be a solution for you, we also can help. We have a huge list with the Best Credit Cards in 2025.

Check The Top Rater Credit Cards

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What is Equifax?

Equifax is one of the three major credit bureaus in the United States, along with Experian and TransUnion. That means that when you apply for a credit card, your issuer will likely pull your credit report from Equifax.

Some issuers may pull all three of your reports, while others may just focus on one. And in some cases, an issuer may not pull any of your reports at all.

Benefits of Credit Cards that Use Equifax

There are a few key benefits for using credit cards that use Equifax.

  • Equifax is one of the three major credit bureaus in the US, so by using a card that reports to them, you can help build your credit history.

  • Since Equifax is a major credit bureau, many financial institutions use it as a way to determine your creditworthiness.

  • Using a card that reports to Equifax can help you monitor your credit report for potential fraudulent activity.

How to Choose the Right Card

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right credit card that uses Equifax.

  • Define what type of card you want: a rewards card, a cash-back card, or a balance transfer card.

    Each has different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.

  • Consider what type of rewards you’re looking for:

    • If you travel often, you’ll want a card that offers travel rewards like free flights or hotel stays.
    • If you’re more interested in cash back, look for a card that offers a high percentage back on all of your purchases.
  • Be cautions with the APR (which includes the total cost of borrowing, fees included) rather than interest rate associated with each card for comparison purposes.

Extra Tips

Why Minor Score Differences Don't Matter

  • Similar Scoring Models: While your scores from different bureaus might not be identical, they are usually similar because the bureaus use comparable criteria to evaluate your credit history.
  • Beyond the Score: Credit decisions are based on a range of factors, including your income and debt levels. Therefore, a slight difference in your scores from different bureaus is unlikely to be a deal-breaker.

Addressing Significant Score Discrepancies

  • A Red Flag: Large differences in your scores across bureaus should prompt you to check for inaccuracies or fraudulent activities in your reports.
  • The Importance of Regular Monitoring: Regularly checking your credit reports from all three bureaus is crucial for maintaining your financial health and spotting errors or suspicious activities early.

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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