Pre-Approved Credit Card

A credit card can be a convenient financial tool during periods of cash shortage. With banks offering a wide range of credit cards featuring attractive benefits, low interest rates, and even lifetime free membership, it's important to compare your options carefully before choosing the one that best suits your needs. 

Before accepting a pre-approved credit card, it is important to evaluate whether it suits your financial needs and compare its features and charges. While these offers are convenient, responsible usage is essential, as missed payments can negatively affect your CIBIL score. 

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What is a Pre-Approved Credit Card?

Banks and other credit card issuers provide pre-approved credit cards. Even if you have received an email about one, the card will not be issued to you. This is a strategy used by banks and credit card companies to entice customers by instilling a sense of luxury in them.

This psychological marketing ploy is based on the belief that customers frequently apply for credit cards but do not obtain them. If you received an email regarding a pre-approved credit card, it simply indicates that banks and credit card issuers have records of people whose CIBIL score is within the acceptable range.

You must apply for a pre-approved credit card separately regardless of whether or not you receive an email about the same. Your credit history will next be subjected to a second round of checks by the bank or credit card provider. If your credit history is not acceptable, your credit card application will be denied. Furthermore, your CIBIL score will be lowered temporarily.

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Important Facts About Pre-Approved Credit Card

Before applying for a pre-approved credit card, it is important to be aware of the following facts:

  • Offers like lifetime free credit cards or low-interest credit cards have a limited validity. They are simply marketing ploys to entice customers to buy their credit cards.
  • Banks continue to increase their annual percentage rate by 36 to 40%. It makes no difference whether the other rates are low because it is the bank's responsibility to offer competitive rates in order to remain at the top.
  • The rejection of a pre-approved credit card application can cause a significant influence on your CIBIL score
  • Waiving the annual fee for a credit card is simply not what a customer expects from a 'lifetime free credit card.' This is only a temporary reduction, and the credit card will never be free forever. 
  • When the expiration date approaches, you may get trapped in a variety of scams. For instance, the credit card provider may not offer proper contact information or fail to clearly state their terms and conditions. You might also have to pay a huge sum of money to receive a credit card. 

 

Benefits and eligibility for pre-approved credit cards
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Things to Consider Before Opting a Pre-approved Credit Card 

  • Assess Your Need: Apply for a pre-approved credit card only if it aligns with your financial requirements and spending habits. 
  • Review Your Existing Debt: Avoid applying for another credit card if you already have outstanding dues, as it can increase your debt burden. 
  • Check Affordability: Ensure you can comfortably manage annual fees, finance charges, and repayment obligations before accepting the offer. 
  • Compare Card Features: Evaluate the card's interest rates, annual fees, rewards, and benefits to determine whether it offers better value than your existing card. 
  • Read the Terms and Conditions: Go through the card's eligibility criteria, fees, charges, and other terms before applying. 
  • Clear Outstanding Dues: Pay off pending balances on your existing credit cards to maintain a healthy credit profile. 
  • Use the Card Responsibly: Apply only if you intend to use the card regularly and can pay your bills on time, as inactive cards or missed payments can impact your credit score. 
  • Research Before Applying: Review customer feedback, features, charges, and policy documents to make an informed decision. 

FAQs on Pre-Approved Credit Card

1.When should I opt for a pre-approved credit card?

If you are not happy with the current credit card (cashback and rewards) and you are paying the bills on time, a pre-approved credit card will be useful for you.

2.What is a pre-approved credit card?

Pre-approved credit cards are simply credit card offers that are automatically emailed by banks and credit card providers to customers with appropriate CIBIL scores.

3.Can a pre-approved credit card impact my CIBIL score?

Yes. If you have not repaid your loans or have an outstanding amount on your credit card, the bank's second assessment round will have a significant impact on your CIBIL score. Your credit card application will be rejected and your CIBIL score will be lowered temporarily.

4.Should I apply for a pre-approved credit card?

Before you apply for a pre-approved credit card, you should assess your requirements as well as your credit standing. You should also check your CIBIL score, pay off any outstanding debts, and thoroughly understand the card's terms and conditions.

5.How to apply for a pre-approved credit card?

To apply for a pre-approved credit card, all you have to do is fill out an application with the bank. You will be contacted after they have completed the relevant background checks. Upon successful verification, the credit card will be issued to you.

6.Can I be rejected from a pre-approved credit card?

Yes. Even if you were purportedly 'pre-approved,' your application may still be rejected.

7.Can credit card issuers offer low interest cards as a scam?

Yes, issuers and banks can offer low interest rates and lifetime free cards as marketing gimmicks to trap people and these may see, as ‘easy access to money’ and many people tend to apply for them.

8.What are the other scams that we can fall for as customers?

Reluctance to reveal terms and conditions, No contact information and High upfront payments.

About the Author

Prerna Surana

Prerna Surana

Prerna Surana is a Finance Content Writer with over three years of experience at Bank Bazaar. She specialises in creating insightful content on Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Taxes, and other BFSI products. Beyond finance, Prerna also writes about non-financial utility products such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, and Government Certificates.

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