As consumers assess their budgets for the holiday shopping season, they can utilize credit cards even more strategically this year. Experian offers a credit card marketplace with No Ding Decline offers, so consumers can apply for credit cards without hurting their FICO® Scorei if they aren’t initially approvedii.

A stress-free way to apply for credit cards

With holiday shopping in full swing, a recent national survey by Experian reveals that:

• 59% of respondents prefer using credit cards for holiday shopping
• 25% are reviewing their current credit cards to select the best ones for shopping
• 15% plan to open a new credit card for holiday shopping, up from 11% in 2023 and 13% in 2022

No Ding Decline allows consumers to explore credit card options without the worry of a hard inquiry affecting their credit scores if their application isn’t initially approved. Additionally, the Experian Marketplace is the only destination that makes it quick and easy for consumers to find multiple No Ding Decline offers from a variety of issuers, all in one place.

“Typically, applying for credit involves a hard inquiry and your credit scores may dip,” said Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian. “This could make it more difficult for those who are seeking to strengthen their credit profile and would like to leverage a credit card to do so. Now consumers can apply with confidence knowing that if their application is declined they won’t hurt their credit scores.”

According to the survey, consumers are looking to open new credit cards for the following reasons:

• Access cash back rewards (41%)
• Receive a retail store discount (27%)
• Earn travel rewards (26%)

Nearly 70 percent of consumers see a No Ding Decline offer among a variety of credit card issuers in the program. All offers from the Experian Marketplace are tailored based on consumers’ financial profile including those designated as No Ding Decline.