How to Opt Out of All Credit Reporting

The four major credit reporting agencies sell your information to different companies that offer pre-approved offers for credit and insurance. Once your name is sold, these companies will mail you different offers, for a variety of products and services. This can be overwhelming. If you have no intention of applying for these products, then it's probably a waste of time, paper and resources. Fortunately, the amount of mail from these sources can be controlled using several methods.

Things You'll Need

• Opt out phone number
• Credit reporting agencies address
• Opt out website

Instructions

1. Choose the method which will be the most efficient and effective. Complete the necessary steps needed to stop the pre-screened offers. Decide if you will opt out for 5 years or permanently.

2. Call the opt out number at [phone] or (888) 5-OPT-OUT. Calling allows you to opt out from all credit reporting agencies. Follow the prompts to complete the process step by step.

3. Write the four major credit reporting agencies and have your information removed. They can be contacted at the following addresses:
   Experian
   P.O. Box 9595
   Allen, Texas 75013

   Equifax
   P.O. box 740241
   Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

   TransUnion
   P.O. Box 1000
   Chester, PA 19022

   Innovis
   Attention: Consumer Assistance
   P.O. Box 1358
   Columbus, Ohio 43216-1358

4. Go to the Optoutprescreen.com website and fill out the required form and your name will be removed from their pre-screened mailing list. This website allows you to choose to opt out for 5 years or permanently. To opt out permanently you will need to send in a signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form.

5. Wait 30 days to see if the pre-screened offers stop. Call the phone number above if there is no change in your situation.

Resources

• All About Opting Out
• Opt Out Pre-Screen Website