What Indigo Pre-Approval Means
Indigo pre-approval is an invitation from Indigo to open a credit card account. It does not mean you have been accepted — it means Indigo has reviewed basic information about you and believes you may meet their requirements. Pre-approval is a soft inquiry, which does not affect your credit score.
When you receive an Indigo pre-approval offer, it typically comes by mail or email. The offer includes a unique code or reference number that you use if you decide to move forward. Using that code during your actual process may speed up the process, but it does not may provide approval.
Pre-approval is different from a full process. A pre-approval is based on limited information — often just your credit report and basic demographics. A full process asks for income, employment, and other details that Indigo uses to make a final decision.
Key Takeaways
- Indigo pre-approval offers arrive by mail or email and include a unique code you use if you want to complete an process.
- Pre-approval does not affect your credit score because it uses a soft inquiry rather than a hard pull.
- You can check whether you have a pre-approval offer by visiting Indigo's website or calling their customer service number.
- Receiving a pre-approval offer does not mean you will be approved for the card — the final decision comes after you submit a full process.
- If you do not have a pre-approval offer, you can still explore directly for an Indigo card, though the process may take longer.
How to Check for an Indigo Pre-Approval Offer
Start by checking your email and physical mailbox. Indigo sends pre-approval offers through both channels, and the mail version often includes a personalized code. If you received an offer by mail, keep that letter — you will need the code when you explore.
If you do not see an offer in your mailbox or email, visit Indigo's official website. Look for a section labeled "Pre-may have access to" or "Check Pre-Approval Status." You will enter your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Indigo will then tell you whether you have a pre-approval offer waiting.
You can also call Indigo's customer service line to ask whether you have a pre-approval offer on file. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. The representative can confirm whether an offer exists and provide you with the code if one does.
What Information You Need to explore
If you have a pre-approval offer and decide to move forward, gather these documents before you start the process: your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, your current address, and proof of income (a recent pay stub, tax return, or bank statement showing regular deposits).
You will also need to provide your employment information — your employer's name, your job title, and how long you have worked there. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation like a business license or tax return.
Have your pre-approval code ready. You will enter it early in the process to link your offer to your submission. Without the code, you can still explore, but your process will be processed as a standard request rather than a pre-approval.
The process Process After Pre-Approval
Once you have your pre-approval code and supporting documents, go to Indigo's website and select "explore Now" or a similar button. You will be asked to enter the pre-approval code first. This links your process to the offer Indigo already extended.
Fill in your personal information, employment details, and income. Be accurate — Indigo will verify this information against your credit report and may contact your employer. Providing false information can result in denial and may have legal consequences.
Review all the information before you submit. Once you submit, Indigo will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry will appear on your credit report and may lower your score by a few points. The decision usually comes within one to three business days, though some applications take longer.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
Indigo will send you a decision by email or mail. If you are approved, the letter will include your credit limit, annual percentage rate (APR), and any annual fee. The card itself typically arrives within seven to ten business days.
If you are denied, Indigo will explain the reason — usually related to credit history, income, or debt-to-income ratio. You have the right to request a copy of the credit report Indigo used to make the decision. You can dispute any errors on that report with the credit bureau.
If you are approved but the terms are not what you expected, you can decline the card. Declining does not hurt your credit score. You can reapply after six months or after your financial situation improves.
Why You Might Not Have Received a Pre-Approval Offer
Indigo sends pre-approval offers based on credit score, credit history, and other factors in your credit report. If you have not received an offer, it may be because your credit score is below Indigo's current threshold, you have recent late payments, or you have too much existing debt.
You can still explore for an Indigo card without a pre-approval offer. The process is the same — you fill out an process and Indigo reviews it. Your chances of approval may be lower without the pre-approval, but it is not impossible.
If you were denied in the past, wait at least six months before explore again. Use that time to pay down debt, make all payments on time, and dispute any errors on your credit report. These steps can improve your chances the next time you explore.
Understanding Indigo's Credit Requirements
Indigo cards are designed for people rebuilding credit or with limited credit history. This means Indigo may approve applicants with credit scores below 650, which many other card issuers would decline. However, Indigo typically requires a deposit to open the account.
The deposit becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500. You can request a higher limit after you have made on-time payments for several months. As your credit improves, Indigo may return your deposit and convert the card to an unsecured account.
Indigo reports your payment history to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means using the card responsibly and paying on time will help rebuild your credit score over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does checking for pre-approval hurt my credit score?
No. Checking whether you have a pre-approval offer uses a soft inquiry, which does not appear on your credit report and does not lower your score. However, submitting a full process does trigger a hard inquiry, which will show on your report and may lower your score by a few points.
Can I use my pre-approval code more than once?
No. Each pre-approval code is tied to one process. If you submit an process using your code and are denied, you cannot reuse that same code. You would need to wait and either receive a new offer or explore without a pre-approval code.
What is the annual fee for an Indigo card?
Indigo cards typically charge an annual fee, but the amount varies. Your pre-approval letter or the process will show the exact fee for your offer. Some offers have no annual fee for the first year. You can see the fee before you submit your process.
How long does it take to get approved after I explore?
Most decisions come within one to three business days. Some applications are reviewed when ready and you get a decision when ready. Others require manual review and may take up to five business days. Indigo will contact you by email or mail with the decision.
Can I explore for an Indigo card if I do not have a pre-approval offer?
Yes. You can explore directly on Indigo's website without a pre-approval code. The process is the same — you provide your information and Indigo reviews your process. Your approval odds may be lower without the pre-approval, but you can still be approved.