How to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers

Pre-approved credit card offers are an easy way for identity theives to obtain credit in your name. Credit card companies will send a consumer a pre-approved application along with an access code. Unscrupulous individuals can easily go on to the Internet and complete this application simply changing your address to one of their choice. By opting out of credit card offers, you are not only reducing the amount of unwanted mail that you get, you are also protecting yourself from identity theft. Read on to learn how to opt out of credit card offers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Social Security number
• Printer

1. Launch your Internet browser and go to the Opt Out Prescreen website. This website is a service provided to consumers by the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

2. Read the benefits of receiving offers section as well as the information contained in the “What is the purpose of this website?” text box. Once you have read the information, click on “Click Here to Opt-in or Opt-out.”

3. Choose the option to either opt-out for five years by registering online or permanently opt-out. In order to permanently opt-out of preapproved credit card offers, you will need to print the opt-out form and mail it in. To opt-out electronically, click on the five year opt-out option and then click on “Submit."

4. Complete the form including your name, address, social security number, date of birth and telephone number. Verify that all of the information that you have entered in this screen is correct and then enter the verification text in the security box. Click on “Confirm.”

5. Print out a copy of your confirmation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to receive offers of credit, it may be worth the additional time needed to print out the permanent opt-out form and mail that on. This will ensure that you will not be sent any future pre-approved offers should you forget to renew after the five-year time period has ended.
• The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) receives their data for preapproved credit card offers directly from the credit reporting agencies. You do not need to opt-out at the DMA website as the Opt Out Prescreen website will affect the data that the DMA receives regarding your consumer file.
• Read all of the FAQs included on the Opt Out Prescreen website. Some valuable offers do come via a pre-approved mailer.

Resources

• OptOutPrescreen
• FTC’s prescreened offers consumer FAQs