How do prequalified or targeted offers work? was this one?

[Anonymous]

Today I cold app'd(and was approved!) for a Citi DC. I noticed that the direct application from Citi was nothing special. It didn't offer a sign-up bonus. It didn't offer an intro APR. It did offer a 18mos BT offer that I likely wouldn't use.

I've been stalking this card for about a month and a half now. I knew I had seen offers for a $150/500 sign-up bonus, so I Googled it. DoC had a link(likely affiliate related) to the $150/500 + 15mos intro APR. I followed the link and sure enough it was live. It let me app for the card. The bonus and terms were spelled out in the agreement.

Do sites like DoC, CK and the like get special offers like this or is it joe schmoe posting their targeted offer?

[xaximus]

Some lenders will have the SUBs listed on their own sites while others won't. They may target specific locations like DoC or CK or if you have a relationship with the bank already (ex. Chase, BoA, Citi, etc.) then they may send you a direct offer.

Congrats on the approval btw! What SL did they start you off at?