I keep getting "pre-selected" offers for credit cards. Does it hurt my credit score if I am turned down for a pre-selected offer? — Name withheld

There's a common misconception that pre-selection means automatic approval. Not so, says Beverly Blair Harzog, credit card expert with Credit.com. You've received the offer because your credit score and other demographics fit within the credit card's target market.
If you respond to the offer, though, you're basically going to be treated like anyone who applies for the card. It is certainly possible, for instance, that if you go ahead and respond to the card offer, you may be rejected. Perhaps your credit score dropped since the card company first contacted you.

But if you're turned down for the card, it's not necessarily cause for grave concern. Harzog says the eventual impact on your credit score will likely be minimal. Just how much effect it will have will vary depending on the person and their specific credit history. For instance, if you have a short credit history and don't have many accounts, it might impact you more than someone with a longer history. But for most people, the negative effect of one credit inquiry will be modest.

-- Jeff Wuorio

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