What Huntington Credit Cards Offer
Huntington Bank issues credit cards through its own program, not through a major network partner. The bank offers a small lineup of cards aimed at different financial situations — some designed for people building or rebuilding credit, others for everyday spending with cash back rewards. Huntington cards are available only to customers who have a checking or savings account with the bank, so you'll need to open an account first if you don't already have one.
The specific cards available and their terms vary by your credit history and current relationship with Huntington. The bank does not publish a full public list of every card it offers, which means the options you see may differ from what another person sees. This is common among regional banks that tailor offers to individual customers.
Key Takeaways
- Huntington credit cards require you to be a Huntington Bank customer with an active checking or savings account before you can open a card.
- The bank offers cards for different credit situations, including options for people with limited credit history or past credit problems.
- Specific card terms, rewards, and interest rates are not published publicly and may vary based on your credit profile and banking history.
- You can contact Huntington directly or visit a branch to learn which cards you may be offered based on your financial situation.
How to Find Out What Cards You Can Get
Start by calling Huntington's customer service line or visiting a local branch if you're already a customer. The bank can tell you which cards are currently available to you based on your credit score, account history, and other factors. If you're not yet a Huntington customer, you'll need to open a checking or savings account first — this typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or online.
When you contact the bank, ask specifically about the cards they offer, the annual percentage rate (APR) range for each, any annual fees, and what rewards or benefits come with each card. Write down the answers so you can compare them to other banks' offerings before you decide. Huntington's website may show some card options, but the full picture of what you personally may have access to for usually requires a direct conversation.
Credit Cards for People Building Credit
If your credit score is low or you have little credit history, Huntington may offer a card designed to help you build a stronger credit record. These cards typically come with a higher interest rate than cards for people with excellent credit, and some may require a cash deposit that serves as your credit limit. For example, a secured card might ask you to deposit $500, which then becomes your available credit.
The main benefit of these cards is that Huntington reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means on-time payments help your credit score grow over time. After you've made payments consistently for a period of months, the bank may offer to convert your card to an unsecured card (one without a deposit requirement) or increase your credit limit.
Rewards and Cash Back Cards
Huntington also offers cards with cash back rewards for customers with good to excellent credit. These cards typically give you a percentage of your spending back as cash or statement credits. The exact percentage varies by card and sometimes by category — for instance, one card might offer higher cash back on groceries and gas, and a lower rate on everything else.
Before choosing a rewards card, calculate whether the rewards you'll earn actually outweigh any annual fee. If a card charges $95 per year but gives you 1% cash back, you'd need to spend $9,500 annually just to break even. If you spend less than that, or if you won't use the card regularly, a card with no annual fee and no rewards might save you money instead.
Interest Rates and Fees to Compare
Huntington credit cards carry an APR that depends on your creditworthiness. The bank publishes a range — for instance, "15.99% to 24.99%" — but your actual rate depends on your credit score and history. You won't know your exact rate until after you've been approved. Always ask what the APR range is before you explore, so you understand the worst-case scenario.
Beyond the APR, look for other fees: annual fees, late payment fees, over-limit fees, and balance transfer fees. Some Huntington cards have no annual fee at all, while others charge $25 to $95 per year. Late fees typically range from $25 to $35 depending on how late your payment is. These fees add up quickly if you miss payments, so understanding them upfront helps you decide whether the card is worth the cost.
How Huntington Cards Compare to National Banks
Huntington is a regional bank with branches mainly in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, so its card offerings are smaller than what you'd find from Visa or Mastercard issuers like Chase, Capital One, or Bank of America. This means fewer card options overall, but it also means Huntington may be more willing to work with customers who have lower credit scores or shorter credit histories.
The trade-off is that rewards rates on Huntington cards are often lower than what national banks offer. A national bank might offer 2% cash back on all purchases, while Huntington might offer 1% or 1.5%. If rewards are important to you, compare the actual cash back you'd earn on your typical spending across several cards before deciding. If you value the relationship with a local bank and don't spend heavily, the difference may not matter.
What Happens After You Open a Card
Once approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You'll set up it by calling the number on the back or using Huntington's mobile app or website. Your credit limit and APR will be stated in your approval letter. From that point forward, you can use the card for purchases, and Huntington will send you a monthly statement showing your balance, minimum payment due, and payment important date.
Pay at least the minimum by the due date each month to avoid late fees and damage to your credit score. If you can pay the full balance, do so — this avoids interest charges entirely. Huntington allows you to set up automatic payments through your checking account, which can help you avoid missing a due date. You can also log into your account online or through the app to make a payment anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Huntington customer to get a Huntington credit card?
Yes. You must have an active checking or savings account with Huntington Bank before you can open a credit card. If you don't have an account, you'll need to open one first, which you can do online or at a branch.
What credit score do I need for a Huntington credit card?
Huntington does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. The bank reviews your credit history, score, and current relationship with them to decide which cards to offer. If you're unsure whether you may have access to, contact the bank directly — they can give you a sense of your options without a hard inquiry that would lower your score.
Can I use a Huntington credit card anywhere?
Huntington credit cards are Visa or Mastercard branded, so you can use them anywhere those networks are accepted — which is nearly everywhere in the United States and internationally. The card itself is issued by Huntington, but the payment network (Visa or Mastercard) is what determines where you can swipe or tap it.
What should I do if I can't pay my Huntington credit card bill?
Contact Huntington as soon as you know you'll miss a payment. The bank may be able to work out a payment plan or temporarily lower your minimum payment. Waiting until after you miss a payment makes it harder to negotiate and damages your credit score. Call the number on the back of your card to speak with a representative.
How do I know if a Huntington card is better than a card from another bank?
Compare the APR range, annual fee, rewards rate, and any other benefits side by side. Write down what you'd actually spend on each card over a year, calculate the rewards you'd earn and fees you'd pay, and see which one costs you less or earns you more. Don't choose based on the bank's name or location — choose based on the numbers that affect your wallet.