How can I get pre-approved for the Fingerhut Credit Account?
You can only get pre-approved for the Fingerhut Credit Card if you've received an offer in the mail. The issuer does not have an online tool that interested consumers can use to check their Fingerhut Credit Card pre-approval status.
Things to Know Before Getting the Fingerhut Credit Card
- What it means if you get pre-approved: Getting a Fingerhut Credit Card pre-approved credit offer means you have a roughly 80-90% chance of being approved for the Fingerhut Credit Account if you decide to apply.
- Credit score impact: You will only receive such an offer after the account's issuer has done a harmless soft check of your credit and determined that you meet the basic eligibility criteria.
- Why to get the card: Even if you have no interest in shopping at Fingerhut, which sells goods online and through a catalog, you should still consider applying. The Fingerhut Credit Card is just like any other store credit card in the sense that it reports account information to the major credit bureaus each month.
That means whether you make purchases and pay your bill on time every month or never actually buy anything, the Fingerhut Credit Card will help you improve your credit score.
You don't need to get Fingerhut Credit Card pre-approval before applying, though. Also, even if you have bad credit, your odds of success are still pretty good. Fingerhut Credit Card is one of the easiest credit cards to get that doesn't require you to put down a refundable security deposit.
So, pre-approval isn't a prerequisite. But it's definitely nothing to worry about, either. Pretty much all credit card companies send out pre-approval offers. Plus, getting one from Fingerhut Credit Card's issuer could be your ticket to a higher credit score.
How the Fingerhut Credit Card Pre-approval Works
- You have to be invited.
You can't just go and check whether you pre-qualify. The only way to know you're pre-approved for Fingerhut Credit Card is to receive a letter from them. - You can apply by mail or online.
Either complete the paper application included in your pre-approval letter or enter your “Pre Approved Customer Number” at the top of Fingerhut Credit Card's online application. - There's a consolation prize.
If you don't end up getting approved, Fingerhut might offer you a place in their FreshStart program, where you get an installment loan for a Fingerhut purchase. If you pay it back on time, you graduate to a credit account.
In conclusion, the Fingerhut Credit Card is already pretty easy to get. But receiving a pre-approved offer means your odds are even higher than usual. Plus, getting approved is the first step towards rebuilding your credit. The account will help even if you don't make any purchases.
If you don't know where you stand, you can check your credit score for free, right here on WalletHub.