Pre-approved credit cards

Pre-approved credit cards just aren't what they used to be, folks. Used to be, if credit card issuers pre-screened in your name through a credit bureau, they had to give you a firm offer of credit. That meant that unless something drastic changed by the time you responded to the offer -- you filed for bankruptcy perhaps -- they had to give you a card.

Now, with a new law in place, issuers can create additional qualifications that you'll have to meet before you can have the card. In other words, they'll run a second screening after you say "yes" to the offer.

So "pre-approved" doesn't mean you're already approved, it just means you've passed the first test. If the idea of having your file reviewed for these kinds of offers doesn't sit well with you, call one called the major credit bureaus to block it. Since they have to share your request with each other, calling any one of the following agencies will work. Trans Union at 1-800-680-7293, Experian at 1-800-353-0809; or Equifax at 1-800-556-4711.

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