Offers and Approval Codes

[Skye12329]

So i noticed when i recieve an offer there is that code you can enter on the website or what not from your offer. Does this improve your chances for approval in any way or no?

[TheGardner]

No hard and fast rule.. Some have reported being denied when applying directly only to be approved moments later using the invitation code. YMMV

I wouldn't count on anything personally.

[TheGardner]

Will say pre-approvals are usually good to go if your report hasn't changed from last SP from the lender. But if it has all gloves are off.

Data point : Amex soft pulled me and pre-qual me for BCP. The next month I let a card show a $5k balance (wasn't planning any apps..)

I applied and was swiftly denied.

So yea, there is that lol

[takeshi74]

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@Skye12329 wrote:

So i noticed when i recieve an offer there is that code you can enter on the website or what not from your offer. Does this improve your chances for approval in any way or no?

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Nope.  Your credit is your credit no matter what and that's what determines your odds of approval.  The code is just a marketing tool like the offer.  It may link you to the specific offer you received (especially if targeted or not the standard offer) and/or it may indicate the source of your application.

[AzaleaB]

I think it depends on who sends the offer. As an example, I read somewhere that you are more likely to get approved for a Discover card if there is code in the letter. I checked my pre-qualified letter, saw the code, apped and was approved. I am running at 100% with these pre-qual letters - not so with cold online apps., e.g. BCP -nein, nyet, not now :-(.

[yudeology101]

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@takeshi74 wrote:

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@Skye12329 wrote:

So i noticed when i recieve an offer there is that code you can enter on the website or what not from your offer. Does this improve your chances for approval in any way or no?

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Nope.  Your credit is your credit no matter what and that's what determines your odds of approval.  The code is just a marketing tool like the offer.  It may link you to the specific offer you received (especially if targeted or not the standard offer) and/or it may indicate the source of your application.

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+1.

It is a very fortunate that all the mail offers (with invitation codes) I've received in the past were all approved. They were Citi AAdvantage Gold & AMEX Green.  Both cards were my very first cards with them, but i definitely agree w/ takeshi that it's still a marketing tool and it does not give you the better odds of approval.