• Requirements for a credit card include a credit score, income and employment.credit card image by feisty from Fotolia.com
  
  To open an account and receive a credit card, an applicant must complete the application process required by the company. The credit card company requires the name of the applicant, her social security number and employment history when making a decision to extend credit. Although every credit card company has specific regulations, it is important to have a good credit score and proof of the ability to make the required payments.
  
  

Credit Score

• A credit card is issued when an applicant shows he is creditworthy. A piece of information used by the credit card company to make the determination is the credit report of the applicant. The report provides the company with a credit history, the current debts owed and a credit score for the applicant.
  
  Each credit card company has specific requirements when it comes to a minimum acceptable credit score. However, even if an applicant is issued a credit card and has a low-credit score, he may be required to pay a high-interest rate.
  
  

Income

• How much an applicant earns is reviewed before a credit card is issued. Several forms of income are considered, such as working income, child support or alimony. The income amount is used to determine the applicant's income-to-debt ratio. If the ratio is high, the credit card company generally denies the applicant for a credit card. Keeping the ratio low helps increase the likelihood the application is approved.
  
  

Employment

• A strong employment history is a requirement when applying for a credit card. When the applicant shows he has worked for the same employer for over a year, it increases his credit worthiness with the company. Also, if changing jobs, it is important to stay within the same line of work to have a strong employment history. Any gaps in employment, such as a lay-off, must be explained by the applicant and may affect the credit card company's decision to issue a card.