If you’re tired of seeing your mailbox stuffed with pre-screened credit offers, you can opt out from those mailings for five years, or even permanently. All it takes is filling out a form.
Why am I receiving credit offers in the mail?
You receive prescreened offers—sometimes called “pre-approved” offers—because you appeared on a credit reporting agency’s list of qualified borrowers based on criteria established by the lending company. Pre-screening works like a background check on your credit, looking at your credit score, age, location, and owned assets. The better your credit, the more mailed offers you’ll get.
Do these offers affect your credit score?
No, these inquiries have no impact on your credit report or credit score, but you will see “inquiries” listed on your credit report showing which companies obtained your information for these offers.
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Are there any benefits to these offers?
If you’re in the market for credit, pre-screened offers might provide better rates or terms than other offers available in the market. Prescreened offers can also help you learn what’s available, and compare costs, at rates more favorable than those available to the general public. Of course, none of this matters if you’re not interested—it’s just a bunch of wasted paper in your mailbox.
How do I opt out?
You can opt out from receiving prescreened offers either for five years, or permanently. There’s also an option to opt-in later if you change your mind.
To opt out for five years
Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. You will be asked to provide certain personal information, including your phone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Federal law ensures that the information you provide is confidential and may only be used to process your request.
To opt out permanently
Initiate the permanent opt-out process on www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete the request, you will have to mail a signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you complete the initial online request form.
Opt-out requests should be processed within five business days, although it may take up to 60 days before you stop receiving prescreened offers.
