What is prescreening in the context of credit card lending?

Prescreening in the context of credit card lending refers to a procedure designed to identify individuals who are likely to be creditworthy before offering them credit. This process typically entails using specific data such as credit scores or other financial information to evaluate potential borrowers. By targeting those who meet certain criteria, lenders can improve their chances of extending credit to individuals who are more likely to repay their debts, thereby reducing the risk of default.

This approach serves not only to streamline the lending process by focusing on a qualified pool of applicants but also enhances the overall efficiency of credit offerings. It allows credit card companies to market to consumers who meet their determined threshold for creditworthiness, making it a strategic approach in customer acquisition.