Why no prequals; and only subprime offers in mail?

[CreditDunce]

You aren't alone.  I used to be able to go to just about any pre-qual site and get offers.  Since my big app around last Xmas/New Years, I haven't been able to go to most websites (apart from Cap1) and get pre-approvals.  I did another mini-spree last month for 5 cards.  I was approved for everything, but Cap1 was the only CCC that pre-approved me.  I take that back, US Bank did pre-approve me for the Cash+ when I signed up for their Checking/savings account ($225 sign up bonus).  However, US Bank's website only offered me their pre-paid debit card when I used their pre-qual site.

You can also try joining some CU's (be careful about the HP's).  Often they will send members without CC's pre-qual offers.  I have received pre-qual offers from Andrews, Alliant, DCU and PenFed this year, even with all of my new accounts.

If you want a pre-approval site that doesn't feel bad to be denied, try CreditOne.  I always get a chuckle when I try them and get denied. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reassurance guys, it is appreciated!

The oddest part of this is I know my wifes credit is worse than mine, she has multiple lates I'm sure (my lates are from back when our finances were together and she paid the bills) and hers will be newer than mine for sure and she just got out of collection on a medical payment.  She also will have the paid tax lein as that was a state tax payment we were joint filers on. (Big mistake there, check was on the paperwork and was never mailed, again before I started doing my own bills lol; no notice at all til the lein showed up in the mail) Yet Citi and Cap give her good prequals.  She did get the Quicksilver when she applied, she did not try the DC she got a week or two ago.

At least on here I'm not alone in waiting I guess!

[JamP]

I too get all the crappy offers in the mail. I haven't had a prequal since I started getting credit cards. 

It doesn't stop me from trying for prequals. 

Someday we will get them.

[Anonymous]

---

@taxi818 wrote:

As stated. your scores are good enough. But they decide as well based on inquiries and new accounts. Once you have some age behind the new accounts you just got. Don't worry. you will get plenty of mail offers. even when your scores are very good. The subprime will still send you mail. Just in the off chance you jump on that. 6 months from your last card tops. and your mail box will be flooded.

---

I can back this up. Usually i'm on to the next bonus collection period around the 7 month mark and catch an offer or two before they stop.

[Anonymous]

Do you specifically need to opt-in to get pre-screens in the mail? I have never opted in or out, and I can't remember the last time I recieved an offer in the mail.

[ddemari]

I felt that way a while back lol. Google opt into credit, u will immediately find the link to opt yourself in or in in.

[Anonymous]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Do you specifically need to opt-in to get pre-screens in the mail? I have never opted in or out, and I can't remember the last time I recieved an offer in the mail.

---

or what if you're on a do not mail list?

because some offers seem to squeeze through (amex delta just did at 35k versus the email of 50k lol)

'but i'm on a do not solict list..

could that be it and the subprimes just dont care?

because i used to get freedom, slate, etc..but that was before the do not solict fully cycled through--now im preapproved on the site but no mailers (which im a fan of b/c it wastes paper)

[CreditDunce]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Do you specifically need to opt-in to get pre-screens in the mail? I have never opted in or out, and I can't remember the last time I recieved an offer in the mail.

---

You have to opt out if you don't want the offers.  To get your self added to various banks radar, you can go to their pre-qual sites.  See if you are pre-qualified.  Even if you aren't they will add your name to their marketing lists.  It may take time once your name is on their list, but eventually they will send you stuff.

The other way they get names is by buying it list of people from the CRA's that mach their criteria.  That is much more hit or miss.

[Anonymous]

---

@CreditDunce wrote:

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Do you specifically need to opt-in to get pre-screens in the mail? I have never opted in or out, and I can't remember the last time I recieved an offer in the mail.

---

You have to opt out if you don't want the offers.  To get your self added to various banks radar, you can go to their pre-qual sites.  See if you are pre-qualified.  Even if you aren't they will add your name to their marketing lists.  It may take time once your name is on their list, but eventually they will send you stuff.

The other way they get names is by buying it list of people from the CRA's that mach their criteria.  That is much more hit or miss.

---

That makes sense then. Until this month I had never gone to any of the pre-qual sites, so I wasn't on any of the lists I guess. I have all the cards I need now, and will likely be closing one next year when my BT offer expires. I won't bother opting in, but if a really good offer does show up in my mailbox, and i is a btter deal than a card I already have, then I might take a look.

When I saw this thready it made me kinda curious though.

[Anonymous]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

---

@CreditDunce wrote:

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Do you specifically need to opt-in to get pre-screens in the mail? I have never opted in or out, and I can't remember the last time I recieved an offer in the mail.

---

You have to opt out if you don't want the offers.  To get your self added to various banks radar, you can go to their pre-qual sites.  See if you are pre-qualified.  Even if you aren't they will add your name to their marketing lists.  It may take time once your name is on their list, but eventually they will send you stuff.

The other way they get names is by buying it list of people from the CRA's that mach their criteria.  That is much more hit or miss.

---

That makes sense then. Until this month I had never gone to any of the pre-qual sites, so I wasn't on any of the lists I guess. I have all the cards I need now, and will likely be closing one next year when my BT offer expires. I won't bother opting in, but if a really good offer does show up in my mailbox, and i is a btter deal than a card I already have, then I might take a look.

When I saw this thready it made me kinda curious though.

---

UPDATE: I guess someone was spying on me when I posted this. I just got an offer from AMEX for the Blue Clash Everyday card.