Looking to open a new credit card but not sure if you'll get approved? There's a simple feature that many card issuers offer for free: pre-qualification. You can submit a prequalification form online to see whether you may qualify for a card. Show
In fact, you can submit multiple pre-qualification requests without any damage to your credit score, since it involves a soft inquiry of your credit. A soft inquiry (also called a "soft pull") isn't connected to a specific application for new credit (a mortgage or a credit card, for example) and doesn't require your permission, so it doesn't show up on your credit report. Once you submit an actual application though, you give the card issuer permission to check your credit, which is called a hard inquiry (or "hard pull"). This can sometimes result in a slight ding to your credit score, which is why it's recommended you only apply for a credit card every six months. Applying for many cards at once is a red flag to issuers and can have a bigger impact on your credit score. How to pre-qualify for a credit cardUsing a pre-screened offerYou may receive targeted offers in the mail or via email saying you've been "pre-screened" or "pre-selected to apply" for a credit card. These offers typically provide an invitation code that you enter on the card issuer's site and a date when the offer expires. These offers can help you kick-start the credit card search process, but you should still compare other cards to find the best fit for your needs. A pre-screened offer may seem tempting because it's personalized, highlights the main perks of the card and is time-sensitive. That doesn't necessarily make it the best choice of credit card for your lifestyle, however. As with any financial product, you should do your research and make sure the card is a good fit for you before submitting an application. Using the card issuer's websiteMany card issuers provide pre-qualification links where you can check if you may qualify for a credit card. When you click on the link, there's a statement that says checking your qualification chances does not affect your credit score. These online forms typically ask for your name, address and the last four digits of your social security number. At the end of the form, there is also a disclaimer that you need to acknowledge that expresses this is not an official application and if you submit an application, your credit will be pulled. Here are some card issuers that provide pre-qualification forms:
Does pre-qualification mean approval?Pre-qualification is not a guarantee of approval. There's a chance you'll pre-qualify for a card and still be denied during the official application process. A pre-qualification form only provides the lender with partial information. If you decide to submit an actual application, lenders will receive a more holistic picture of your finances. Multiple factors, such as your monthly housing payment and employment status, are taken into consideration. What to do if you pre-qualifyWhen you submit a pre-qualification form, you'll typically receive several credit card offers that you have good approval odds for. Once you choose an offer, you still need to submit an official application. Here are two steps to take after you pre-qualify for a card:
What to do if you don't pre-qualifyIf you were denied, it's not the end of the world — you still have options. After all, pre-qualification only looks at part of your finances. An official credit card application provides the lender with more information on your financial situation. Here are some actions you can take if you didn't pre-qualify for a card:
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here. Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party. Can you get preHere's the good news: Preapproved credit card offers do not impact your credit score in any way. That's because creditors only place a “soft pull” on your credit report to determine your eligibility. You'll only see an impact if you move forward with the application.
How do I get preGet pre-qualified for a home loan
Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage means you're receiving an estimate of how much money you might be able to borrow to buy your home. The lender will usually run a soft inquiry on your credit report and your credit score will not be impacted.
Which credit card does not affect credit score?The easiest credit cards to get approved for with no credit or bad credit are secured credit cards. These cards have annual fees as low as $0 and report monthly to the 3 major credit bureaus.
Do pre approvals hurt credit score?Inquiries for pre-approved offers do not affect your credit score unless you follow through and apply for the credit. If you read the fine print on the offer, you'll find it's not really "pre-approved." Anyone who receives an offer still must fill out an application before being granted credit.
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