Differences between mail offer vs. website

[WJL]

Is there an actual difference between applying for CCs using the offers that I receive in the mail vs. going directly to the CC website? Thanks!

[vpae]

some times the offer you get in the mail has a specific promo code. this usually means you've been preapproved via SP.

if you just went to any website to try to apply, you may or may not have been preapproved by them. YMMV either way thou.

also, the mail offers may be targeted so you may have a greater signup bonus vs going directly to the site

[chnceit]

I find it funny that I get targeted mail offers from CITI everyday then when I go online to find my offers there is none lol.

To me the mailed offer has a res code or offer code so it's easier to apply online and the online is just searching data base.

[scenery_guy]

The only difference is you are receiving targeted offers in the mail (as opposed to regular offers online). Consider it direct marketing to you based on some hidden criteria. Sometimes they have much better terms or bonuses but you need to do some searching to see it it's really a good deal. 

An example is Mrs. scnerey_guy received an offer from Citi for the AA card today. Normally we throw that stuff away unopened (shred first) but I opened this one. She signed up for a AA frequent flyer account a few months ago but has no miles yet. The offer was 40K point for $1,500 spend in 3 months then another 10K points for a total yearly spend of $5K. I looked online and the best public website or affiliate link I found was 40K points for $3K spend in 3 months - so if we ignore the additional 10K points it's a better offer by $1,500 less in spend for points. Winner. She's applying this weekend as it was time for a new card that has a good bonus. 

[Ron1]

You usually get better offers than the website. YMMV.

Ron.

[daybreakgonesXe]

I can confirm that mailed offers will often (though not always) offer you better sign up offers and terms than "cold apping". I received a Blue Sky offer I will be redeeming soon with 30,000 bonus points ($400 worth of travel), 17.XX% APR (best APR on the card), and 15 month 0% intro financing. All these terms are MUCH better than what you can find online!

[cashnocredit]

All of my declines were from preapprovals in the mail.

All of my online apps, without any preapproval, have been approved.

I doubt I'm very representative though.