If you get credit card offers in the mail, this is because the consumer reporting agencies who keep a record of your credit history pass your name and address to credit card issuers, who in turn use this information to send you unsolicited credit card applications. These "exciting offers" only add to your stack of junk mail if you're not interested in giving these companies your business. You can remove your name from credit card offers for a period of five years, but you can also have it removed permanently.
Step 1
Call the national toll-free number maintained by all national credit reporting agencies at 1-888-567-8688 (1-888-5OPTOUT). You won't speak with a live agent; rather, this process relies on a combination of spoken cues and information entered through your phone's key pad. You'll need to provide your name, home phone number, date of birth and Social Security number. You'll be given the option to opt out of prescreened credit offers for five years or permanently. If you choose the latter, proceed to Step 3.
Step 2
Access OptOutPrescreen.com, which is also maintained by the national consumer reporting agencies. Again, you'll need to have your personal information on hand, which is entered after you click on "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out." You'll be directed to another page, where you can choose to opt out for five years or permanently. If you choose to opt out for five years, entering your information online is sufficient.
Step 3
Opt out of credit card offers permanently by filling out the Permanent Opt-Out Election form and mailing it in. If using the automated toll-free number in Step 1, you can choose the permanent opt-out option, and a form will be mailed to you for you to complete and send back. However, if you access OptOutPrescreen.com to opt out, after you fill out your information electronically, you will receive a confirmation that includes the Permanent Opt-Out Election Form that can be printed out, filled out and mailed in.
Tips and Warnings
- Consumer reporting agencies also sell your information to various insurance companies. By taking the above measures, you also reduce the number of insurance applications you receive as well. The Federal Trade Commission states that once your request is received, it can take as long as 60 days (around two months) before you stop receiving credit card offers. If you want to receive credit card offers again, you can use the same toll-free number and website, choosing the "opt in" feature.
- If you have joint credit with a spouse or partner, you might still get some prescreened credit card offers until both of you opt out, warns the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
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