I received an application in the mail for a credit card which said I was "Preapproved."  However, when I sent in the application, I was rejected.  How could that be?

Buried in the fine print of your credit card application, agreements and correspondence from the card company are provisions that can cost you plenty. Here is one trap to look for in tiny type. Preapproved cards often come with hidden catches, don’t assume you’ll automatically get the card. Under a new law recently passed by congress, card issuers can now reject preapproved applications based on credit criteria. Reasons can include your bill paying record, and how short a period of time you’ve lived at your current address. If you don’t meet the criteria for the promoted lower rate, the issuer may reject your application or send you a card with less attractive terms. Although the fine print warns you that your credit will be reviewed, most people have no idea that additional credit factors will be considered before the card is issued.

Source: Bottom Line Personal - Oct. 15, 1997

Written by:
Sandra McKinnon, Consumer & Family Economics Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia, University Outreach and Extension

Cynthia E. Crawford, Ph.D., Consumer & Family Economics Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia, University Outreach & Extension

Last update: Tuesday, July 05, 2005