Amex Pre-Approved...maybe

[n777ua]

So maybe I'm confused, but when you are pre-approved for a CC doesn't that mean there is NO hard inq on your CR? I was pre-approved for both Amex Plum and Business Plat when I logged into my account, and decided to take advantage of the Plat for the 50k bonus.  When I completed the quick app, I got an "in progress" notice.  I waited a couple of days and still got the notice so I called.  Amex wants me to unlock my Experian so they can do a HP.  Huh? In any event, I told them  no thanks...too many inq's / new tradelines anyway

[Anonymous]

No, when companies send you pre-approvals or you check for them online they haven't done a hard pull, but if you follow up on the offer and apply, there will be a hard pull.  

[Anonymous]

A pre-approval just gives you a higher probability that you won't be denied and end up wasting the hard INQ. But it is NOT a guaranteed approval.