Are airline card offers targeted?

[Anonymous]

Hey! Does anyone have a good idea as to whether the airline-specific cards - United Mileage Plus, Citi AAdvantage - are targeted, or do they just send offers to program members regardless of the credit profile available on a soft pull? I have received one from United and Citi, not applying for either, just curious.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hey! Does anyone have a good idea as to whether the airline-specific cards - United Mileage Plus, Citi AAdvantage - are targeted, or do they just send offers to program members regardless of the credit profile available on a soft pull? I have received one from United and Citi, not applying for either, just curious.

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Vast majority are just marketing sent to the members of their frequent flyer programs but arent any kind of pre approval.

[Anonymous]

I agree marketing, but with a twist.  The sweeter the credit report, the better the offering.

Seen recently:  

American Airlines.  

Lower Scorer offered 50k sign on.

Higher Scorer offered 50k sign on with 0% APR deal.

Delta Airlines.

Lower Scorer offered 40k sign on.

Higher Scorer offered 60k sign on.

[crrredit]

Look for that notice on the mailer that says  something like "If you don't want to receive these offers, you can opt out..." It's usually inside an outlined box. That's a good indication that you were targeted based on certain credit parameters. No guarantee of an approval, but certainly not a random mailer either.

[Anonymous]

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@crrredit wrote:

Look for that notice on the mailer that says  something like "If you don't want to receive these offers, you can opt out..." It's usually inside an outlined box. That's a good indication that you were targeted based on certain credit parameters. No guarantee of an approval, but certainly not a random mailer either.

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Good to know. I already tore up and threw away my Citi mailer. I'll pay closer attention before I rip up the next one.