Some pre-qual sites will only present options if you are actually pre-qualified. Others will still show cards, even if you're not pre-qualified. As with anything, a pre-qual doesn't guarantee approval, and lack of an actual pre-qual doesn't mean you'll be denied.
Capital One, Chase and Citi are very good about presenting only pre-qualified offers, and tell you they couldn't match you to anything if you don't. Discover and BoA are notorious for pushing their cards even if you don't pre-qualify. BoA will show you every card in their lineup on their pre-qual, regardless if you meet their basic criteria.
Still, there are things to look out for on those pre-qual sites that will give you something no matter what to determine if it's a legit pre-qual or not:
- Look for language that states "you qualify for...". Not "we recommend..." or "we invite you to apply..."
- Look for the opt-out notice (the blurb that states "this is a pre-screened offer, blah blah blah...")
- Look for a specific APR, or a small range of APRs within the large range that they normally advertise on the bank's website.
The above will point to a more legitimate pre-qual. If you get one, use it wisely. Consider your profile in full (score, baddies, and time since any baddies, inquiries, AAoA) to determine if, in conjunction with a more legitimate pre-qual, you're likely to actually get the card. BoA trends to be conservative, so search the forums for other BoA approvals to get a sense of things they dislike. Good luck!
