How to Get Removed From Lists of Pre-Approved Offers for Credit Cards

Protect the privacy of your information by opting out of marketing lists.

Pre-approved credit offers are a common form of junk mail. To obtain lists of consumers eligible to receive pre-approved credit offers, a credit card company submits its eligibility criteria to the credit bureaus which then generate lists of consumers that meet the criteria. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you can request that the credit bureaus not include your name and contact information when generating marketing lists for credit card companies.

Instructions

Opt Out By Phone

1. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT. When prompted, choose your language by selecting "1" for English or "2" for Spanish.

2. Press "1" to remove your name from marketing lists for five years or "3" to remove your name permanently.

3. Enter your personal information when prompted. The automated system compares the telephone number you call from to a nationwide address database. If it finds a match, it will ask you to verify the address. If the address in incorrect or the system does not locate a matching address, it will request that you input the information along with your name and Social Security number. You can use your telephone keypad or provide the information verbally.

4. Fill out the opt-out form when you receive it in the mail and mail it back to the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry Opt Out Service. Unless you fill out and return the written form, the credit bureaus will continue to provide your contact information to credit card companies for marketing purposes.

Opt Out Online

1. Go to OptOutPresceen.com and click the blue link at the bottom that reads: "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out." A selection page will then appear on your screen.

2. Choose the selection that best fits your needs via the selection page. You may opt out permanently, opt out for five years or even opt back in if you previously opted out and have since changed your mind. Click "submit" after making a selection. If you choose the option to opt out permanently, the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry Opt Out Service will mail an additional form to your home requesting that you verify your personal information and provide a signature.

3. Fill out the electronic form by providing your full name, address, telephone number and Social Security number. Type the verification code into the box provided at the bottom of the screen. Click "Confirm" when you are finished.

Opt Out By Mail

1. Write a letter to each of the three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Request that your name be removed from all pre-approved credit marketing lists. Include your name, address, Social Security number and telephone number.

2. Send your request to:

   Experian
   901 West Bond
   Lincoln, NE 68521
   Attn: Customer Service Department

   Equifax, Inc.
   Options
   P.O. Box 740123
   Atlanta, Ga 30374-0123

   TransUnion
   Name Removal Option
   P.O. Box 505
   Woodlyn, PA 19094

3. Call the credit bureaus if you do not receive a written confirmation of your request within two weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• If you opt to permanently remove your name and change your mind later, you can call back and request that the credit bureaus once again include you in marketing lists.

• You may continue to receive pre-approved credit card offers for several weeks while your request is being processed.

• Opting out does not remove your name from the marketing lists of credit card companies who already have your contact information. It only prevents the credit bureaus from including your name in future lists.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Prescreened Offers of Credit and Insurance
• OptOutPrescreen.com
• Federal Trade Commission: Unsolicited Mail, Telemarketing and Email--Where To Go To Just Say "No"

Resources

• Direct Marketing Association: Mail Preference Service
• National Do Not Call Registry: Register Your Home or Mobile Phone Number