Tired of junk mail filling your mailbox with credit card and insurance offers? You’re not alone. Most of these come from companies that buy your information from credit bureaus. Luckily, you can take steps to stop them.
This guide explains how to opt out of prescreened credit offers and reduce the amount of unwanted mail in just a few business days.
When you apply for credit, your information may end up on lists supplied by nationwide credit bureaus. These lists go to credit card companies, credit company marketers, insurance providers, and others. They use the data to send firm offers of credit or insurance; even if you never asked for them.
These offers are legal, but you have the right to say no by submitting an opt out request.
To stop receiving prescreened offers, go to OptOutPrescreen.com, managed by the nationwide credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Innovis. You can choose to:
You can also call the toll free number: 1-888-567-8688. For a permanent opt out election, you must send a written request with your signature.
It may take a few business days for the changes to go into effect, but the reduction in junk mail is worth the wait.
Many credit card offers appear to be preapproved offers, but they are based only on basic credit info. Approval is not guaranteed. If you’re trying to protect your identity or reduce clutter, opting out is a smart move.
You may also receive offers of credit through joint ventures or partnerships between banks and retailers. If you want to learn more, check out our guide on how to opt out of credit card offers.
Too many offers in the mail can increase your risk of fraud. Some thieves even steal mail to open new accounts using your name. Cutting down on offers in the mail reduces your risk of mail fraud and protects your personal information.
Credit card offers are only one kind of offers in the mail. Some junk mail may not come directly from credit bureaus. For example, professional and alumni associations may share your info with third parties. You can contact them directly to stop these mailings.
Avoid signing up for sweepstakes or promotional sites that offer “free trials”; these often result in more unsolicited offers.
Learn more about keeping your inbox safe by reading our guide on how to stop getting spam and scam emails. And for help with unwanted phone calls, visit our article on using the Do Not Call Registry.
Taking control of junk mail is a smart way to protect your credit reports and reduce your exposure to identity theft. For more tips on how to stay safe, sign up for our Free Identity Theft Prevention Course.
If you fell prey to excessive credit card offers and need help with the resulting debt, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to talk to a credit counselor for free, expert advice tailored to your unique financial situation.
