Does Opting Out of Credit Card Offers Improve Credit Scores?

Pre-approved credit card offers mean your credit report is being pulled. Too many credit inquiries can lower a credit score. Opt out of credit card offers to stop unnecessary credit inquiries.

Effects

Pre-approved credit card offers potentially lower a credit score. Credit inquiries account for 10 percent of a credit score. Each time you receive a pre-approved credit card offer, your credit report has been pulled.

Benefits

When you opt out of credit card offers, you are denying creditors the right to pull your credit report without your permission. Opt out of credit card offers and avoid applying for credit cards to see a rise in your credit score. Deciding to opt out of credit card offers also relieves the temptation that goes along with a pre-approved credit card offer.

Procedure

To opt out of credit card offers, send a written request to Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Notify the bureaus that you want to opt out of all credit card offers. The bureaus will notate your credit file, and you will no longer receive unauthorized credit card offers or unwanted inquiries on your report.

References

• Credit Source: Opt Out of Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers
• Index Credit Cards: How to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers
• My FICO: Credit Inquiries

Resources

• Experian: Opting Out of Credit Offers