Opting out of mailed and emailed credit card offers is simple and free, and it can be good for the environment. You can choose to opt out of electronic credit offers for five years at a time, and you can opt out of mailed offers permanently.
There are plenty of reasons to opt out of pre-screened credit card offers, such as the potential temptation of getting a new credit card when you don’t need one. But there are also a handful of things to consider before you opt out permanently. And if you’re wondering why you’re getting these offers in the first place, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
How to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers Sent by Email
- Go to the Opt Out Prescreen website.
- Select the “Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out” button at the bottom of the page.
- Choose “Electronic Opt-Out for 5 years,” then click “Continue.”
- Fill out the form on the next page. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.
- Complete the captcha and click “Confirm.”
Once you’ve confirmed your request, you’re free from most emailed credit card offers for the next five years. You can also opt out by calling 1-888-567-8688.
How to Opt Out of Mailed Credit Card Offers
- Go to the Opt Out Prescreen website.
- Select the “Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out” button at the bottom of the page.
- Choose “Permanent Opt-Out by Mail,” then click “Continue.”
- Fill out the form on the next page. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.
- Complete the captcha and click “Confirm.”
- Print the Permanent Opt-Out Election form on the next page, sign and date it, and mail it to:
Opt-Out Department
P.O. Box 530200
Atlanta, GA 30353
When your signed confirmation form is received, your opt-out request will be made permanent, and it will take effect with the major credit bureaus within five business days.
Alternatively, you can call 1-888-567-8688 and select the option to opt out of mailed credit offers, though you’ll still have to send back your confirmation form when you receive it via mail.
Reasons to Opt Out of Credit Card Offers
Better for the environment
Opting out of mailed credit offers will save you from tossing (or recycling) a portion of your estimated 848 pieces of junk mail per year. More than 4 million tons of junk mail are produced annually, and about 48% of it ends up in landfills, unopened.
Decreases your risk of identity theft
The more your personal information is circulated in the world, the more your odds of identity theft increase. Each company that gets your info, along with every mailed or emailed credit card offer, is another opportunity for data thieves to skip off with your details and perhaps steal your identity.
Less temptation
If you’re taking a break from credit cards to avoid the temptation of overspending, the last thing you need is a pile of pre-screened offers for credit in your inbox and mailbox. Opting out could be an easy solution.
Clears out the clutter
Everyone has an unnecessary stack of junk mail in their home or apartment. The same goes for email inboxes. Opting out can clear those spaces from future clutter without much effort, and you’re not likely to miss it when it’s gone.
Compare credit card offers that suit you instead
If you want to find the best credit card, it’s far more straightforward to seek out credit card offers you like and compare them, rather than going through a stack of random offers that may not fit your credit needs anyway. WalletHub’s CardAdvisor can help you find the best card for you.
Reasons NOT to Opt Out
Pre-screened credit card offers give you an idea of what you qualify for.
Allowing credit card offers to be sent to you can essentially provide you with a buffet of offers you’re somewhat likely to qualify for, without you lifting a finger. But those offers aren’t the only ones you should consider. Paying attention to pre-screened card offers can give you a sense of your approval odds for different types of credit cards, and can hint at the types of offers you should be looking for.
Pre-screened credit offers may have better terms than offers you seek out yourself.
Not only is it convenient to have options delivered to your door or inbox, but it can really benefit your wallet, too. For example, card issuers can potentially offer bigger initial bonuses through pre-screened offers than the ones available to the general public.
Believe it or not, there are some upsides to staying on the pre-screened credit offers list.
Why Am I Getting Credit Card Offers in the Mail?
Essentially, people get pre-approved credit offers in the mail and via email because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA allows consumer credit reporting agencies to add your name to lists given to credit card companies and insurance agencies. Thus, credit bureaus, including Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, maintain lists of consumers based on information in their credit reports, as well as their credit score ranges and geographic areas.
If you’re getting mailed credit offers, your information is likely on one of those lists. Ultimately, the lists end up in the hands of credit card companies, who then mail you preapproved offers of credit based on what they think you will qualify for.
When you opt out, credit bureaus must remove your name from these lists. But don’t be surprised if you still get some offers after opting out – your name could have been given to credit card companies before you opted out, and not all card issuers get their lists from consumer credit reporting agencies.
Bottom Line
Opting out of pre-screened credit offers can be a great thing if you have no use for them and you aren’t looking for a good deal on a credit card. But if you’re keeping your eyes open for a good offer, you’re probably better off staying in the loop.
Keep in mind that opting out isn’t exactly permanent, even if you choose the permanent option. You can always call 888-567-8688 or visit the opt-out website to opt in if you change your mind.
