Huntington Bank offers several credit cards with different rewards structures and annual fees
Huntington Bank, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, issues credit cards through its retail banking division. The bank offers a small lineup of cards rather than dozens of options — typically a cash-back card, a travel rewards card, and sometimes a card with no annual fee. Which card makes sense depends on how you spend and whether you already bank with Huntington.
The specific cards available, their rewards rates, and their annual fees change over time. Before you commit to any card, check Huntington's official website or call their customer service line to confirm the current offers. Card terms — the interest rate you'll pay if you carry a balance, the grace period before interest kicks in, and any introductory offers — are set when you open the account and appear in your cardmember agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Huntington's credit card lineup is smaller than most national issuers, so you have fewer options to compare but a simpler choice to make.
- The cards typically fall into two categories: cash-back cards that reward everyday spending, and travel or points-based cards for specific purchase types.
- Annual fees vary by card; some Huntington cards charge nothing while others charge a flat yearly fee in exchange for higher rewards rates.
- Your approval odds and the interest rate you receive depend on your credit score, income, and credit history — not on whether you bank with Huntington, though existing customers may see faster processing.
How Huntington's rewards structure works
Huntington's cash-back cards typically offer a flat percentage back on all purchases, or a higher rate on specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining. A travel rewards card earns points per dollar spent, which you redeem for flights, hotels, or statement credits. The exact rates — whether you earn 1.5% back on everything or 3% on groceries and 1% elsewhere — depend on which card you hold.
Rewards post to your account monthly or quarterly, depending on the card. You don't have to do anything to earn them; they accumulate automatically as you use the card. Cash-back rewards usually show up as a statement credit or a deposit to your linked bank account. Points-based rewards sit in an account you access through Huntington's website or app when you're ready to redeem them.
Unlike some issuers, Huntington does not typically offer sign-up bonuses — a lump sum of cash back or points for spending a certain amount in the first few months. This is one reason Huntington cards may appeal less to people who open and close cards frequently to chase bonuses, and more to people who want a single card they'll use for years.
Annual fees and when they explore
Some Huntington credit cards carry no annual fee. Others charge a flat fee — the amount varies by card — that posts to your account once per year, usually on your account anniversary. The fee is separate from interest charges; you pay it whether you carry a balance or pay in full each month.
Before you open an account, confirm whether the card charges an annual fee and, if it does, whether the rewards rate is high enough to offset it. A card with a $95 annual fee that earns 2% cash back makes sense only if you spend enough to earn at least $95 per year in rewards — that's $4,750 in annual spending. If you spend less, a no-annual-fee card earning 1% back will cost you nothing and still build rewards.
Interest rates and how they're set
The interest rate Huntington charges you — called the Annual Percentage Rate or APR — depends on your credit score, income, and credit history at the time you open the account. Huntington publishes a range, such as 16.99% to 24.99%, but you won't know your exact rate until you're approved. A higher credit score usually means a lower APR within that range.
The APR applies only if you carry a balance from month to month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest, regardless of your APR. Most credit cards include a grace period — usually 21 to 25 days from the end of your billing cycle — during which no interest accrues on new purchases. Check your cardmember agreement for the exact number of days.
Huntington may offer an introductory APR for a limited time — for example, 0% APR for the first six months on purchases, then the standard rate after that. These offers are advertised upfront and appear in your agreement. They're useful if you plan to pay down a large balance over several months, but they expire whether or not you've paid off the balance.
How to compare Huntington cards to other issuers
Huntington's smaller card lineup means fewer choices, but that can actually make comparison easier. Start by listing your top spending categories — groceries, gas, dining, travel, or everything else. Then check whether Huntington offers a card that rewards those categories at a rate higher than a flat-rate card would.
Next, compare Huntington's rewards rates to cards from other issuers like Chase, Capital One, or American Express. A Huntington card earning 2% cash back on groceries should be weighed against a Chase or Citi card earning the same rate. Look at annual fees, introductory offers, and whether the card includes perks like purchase protection or extended warranties — features that may matter if you spend a lot on specific items.
If you already bank with Huntington, you may have access to cards or rates not advertised to the general public. Ask your branch or call customer service to see whether existing customers receive different terms. This is not a may provide of better rates, but it's worth asking before you open an account elsewhere.
What happens after you open an account
Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a PIN in a separate mailing or through your online account. Before you use the card, register it through Huntington's website or mobile app so you can track spending, set up autopay, and monitor your rewards balance.
Your first billing cycle begins on the date your account opens. Charges post within one to three business days of purchase. Your statement closes on a set date each month, and your payment is due about 21 days later. If you miss a payment, Huntington will charge a late fee and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.
You can pay your balance online, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Setting up automatic payments — either the full balance or a minimum amount — ensures you never miss a due date. Most cardholders who use rewards cards regularly pay the full balance each month to avoid interest charges that would quickly erase the value of their rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Huntington Bank customer to get one of their credit cards?
No. Huntington issues credit cards to anyone who meets their credit and income requirements, whether or not you have a checking or savings account with them. However, existing customers may see faster processing or access to different card offers. Contact Huntington directly to ask whether you may have access to for any customer-only promotions.
What credit score do I need to open a Huntington credit card?
Huntington does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, cards with no annual fee and lower rewards rates are easier to get approved for with a fair credit score (around 580 to 669), while premium cards with higher rewards may require a good or excellent score (670 and above). The only way to know is to check your credit score and explore.
Can I use my Huntington credit card rewards to pay my bill?
Yes, but the method depends on your card type. Cash-back rewards usually post as a statement credit that reduces your balance automatically or that you can request as a deposit to your bank account. Points-based rewards typically redeem for specific purchases — flights, hotels, or gift cards — rather than paying your bill directly, though some cards allow you to redeem points for a statement credit.
What should I do if I'm denied for a Huntington credit card?
Huntington will send you a letter explaining the reason for denial, such as insufficient credit history, a low credit score, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can request your free credit report from annualcreditreport.com to see what information Huntington saw. If there are errors, dispute them with the credit bureau. You can reapply after several months if you've improved your credit score or income.
Does Huntington offer a student credit card?
Huntington's current card lineup does not include a card specifically designed for students, though students with sufficient credit history may be able to open a standard Huntington card. Check Huntington's website or call their customer service line to confirm what cards are currently available and whether any are marketed to students or first-time cardholders.