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The Daily Insight Hub

How does a pre approved credit card offer affect my credit score?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on January 20, 2026

Inquiries for pre-approved offers do not affect your credit score unless you follow through and apply for the credit. If you read the fine print on the offer, you’ll find it’s not really “pre-approved.” Anyone who receives an offer still must fill out an application before being granted credit.

Can you opt out of a pre approved credit card offer?

If you don’t wish to receive pre-approved credit card offers at all, federal law allows you to opt out for either five years or permanently. There are two types of credit inquiries, known in the business as soft inquiries and hard inquiries. A soft inquiry is what lenders use in deciding whether to pre-approve a consumer for a credit card.

What are the pros and cons of accepting credit?

Pro: Accepting new credit and adding another trade line to your credit report can help build your credit score. As you can see, there are upsides and downsides when it comes to accepting an offer of pre-approved credit. Before making any final decisions, ask your self the following three questions:

How does applying for a credit card affect your credit score?

Credit card companies make these offers after performing soft inquiries on your credit reports — which, unlike hard inquiries, have no effect on your credit scores. That being said, taking the next step and applying for a credit card — whether you’re pre-qualified or not — will trigger a hard inquiry.

What are the requirements for a credit card?

Credit score requirements: Credit Score requirements are based on Money Under 30’s own research of approval rates; meeting the minimum score will give you the best chance to be approved for the credit card of your choice.

What should I look for when applying for a credit card?

Once you know or estimate your credit score, avoid being declined when you shop for a new credit card by choosing a card for which you have an above-average chance of approval. If you walk into a bank for a loan or apply for a credit card online, you have no idea what credit score is required to get approved.

Each time you apply for a credit card, a record of your application goes onto your credit report. Your credit score doesn’t factor in whether you’re approved for the credit card or not, but making the application can have a negative affect on your credit score.