Prescreened offer (“pre-approved”)
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It means you matched a list the card company bought from the credit bureaus. Pre-approved is not approved: they check again when you apply.
United States: stop prescreened offers at optoutprescreen.com or 1-888-5-OPT-OUT, for 5 years online or permanently by mailing a signed form.
Canada: there’s no single opt-out site, but banks need your express consent before issuing a card or raising your limit.
From FILE 004: how to stop the envelopes.
Sources
Official and government data first. Every quote is word for word; follow the link to check it yourself.
Experian · “What Is a Preapproved Credit Card Offer?”
“No, preapproval doesn’t guarantee approval for a credit card.”
experian.com (opens in a new tab)Federal Trade Commission · “What To Know About Prescreened Offers for Credit and Insurance”
“Go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). The major credit bureaus operate the phone number and website.”
consumer.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab)Financial Consumer Agency of Canada · “Consumer Alert: Banks must obtain consent before issuing credit cards”
“Banks are required by law to obtain your express consent before issuing you a credit card.”
canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Experian · “What Is a Preapproved Credit Card Offer?”
“No, preapproval doesn’t guarantee approval for a credit card.”
experian.com (opens in a new tab)Federal Trade Commission · “What To Know About Prescreened Offers for Credit and Insurance”
“Go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). The major credit bureaus operate the phone number and website.”
consumer.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab)Financial Consumer Agency of Canada · “Consumer Alert: Banks must obtain consent before issuing credit cards”
“Banks are required by law to obtain your express consent before issuing you a credit card.”
canada.ca (opens in a new tab)