You can stop most credit card offers by contacting the credit reporting agencies and opting out of prescreened offers

Credit card companies buy lists of people who meet their lending criteria from the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These lists are called prescreened offers. You can tell the agencies to remove your name from these lists, which stops most unsolicited credit card mail and some online offers. The process takes about five minutes and is free.

There are two ways to opt out: online through a single website, or by phone. The online method is faster and takes effect when ready for online offers; mail offers stop within about one week. The phone method takes longer but works if you prefer to speak with someone.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit OptOutPrescreen.com to opt out of prescreened credit card offers online in minutes, or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT to do it by phone.
  • Opting out stops offers from credit card companies that use the three major credit reporting agencies' lists, but not offers from companies you already do business with.
  • You can choose to opt out for five years or permanently; permanent opt-out requires a signed form mailed to the agencies.
  • To stop offers from specific companies, contact them directly by phone or through their website's preference center.
  • Opting out does not affect your credit score or your ability to open accounts with companies you contact yourself.

Opt out online through OptOutPrescreen.com

OptOutPrescreen.com is the official website run by the three credit reporting agencies specifically for this purpose. Go to the site, enter your name, address, phone number, and date of birth, then choose whether you want to opt out for five years or permanently. The site will ask you to confirm your information and then show you a confirmation page. Online opt-outs take effect when ready for digital offers and within one week for mail.

If you choose the five-year opt-out, you will need to repeat the process after five years if you want to stay off the lists. A permanent opt-out requires you to print a form, sign it, and mail it to the agencies — the website will give you the mailing address and the form itself. Many people choose the five-year option because it is faster and you can always change your mind sooner by opting back in.

Opt out by phone if you prefer not to use the website

Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) to opt out by phone. A representative will ask for your name, address, phone number, and date of birth, then confirm whether you want a five-year or permanent opt-out. The call takes about three minutes. Phone opt-outs are processed within one to three weeks for mail and may take longer for online offers.

Keep the confirmation number the representative gives you. Write it down or take a photo of it so you have proof you made the request if you need to follow up later.

Stop offers from companies you already have accounts with

Opting out of prescreened offers does not stop credit card companies you already do business with from sending you new offers. Banks and credit card issuers can market to their own customers separately from prescreened lists. To stop these offers, contact the company directly.

Most credit card companies have an online preference center where you can manage your marketing communications. Log into your account on the card issuer's website, look for settings or preferences, and find the option to opt out of marketing mail or email. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask to be removed from their marketing lists. Some companies will ask you to confirm your request in writing, so be prepared to provide your account number and signature.

Reduce offers from other sources

Credit card offers also come from companies that are not credit card issuers — retailers, banks offering checking accounts, insurance companies, and others. These companies buy contact information from data brokers, not from the credit reporting agencies. Opting out of prescreened offers will not stop these.

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) runs a service called DMAChoice that lets you opt out of mail from many direct marketers. Visit DMAchoice.com, create an account, and add your name and address to their do-not-mail list. This covers some but not all companies, and it is not as comprehensive as the prescreened opt-out. You can also call individual companies directly and ask to be removed from their mailing lists — most will do this over the phone if you have an account number or can verify your address.

What opting out does and does not do

Opting out of prescreened offers removes your name from the lists that credit card companies buy. It does not stop companies from sending you offers if you have already done business with them, and it does not prevent companies from contacting you about accounts you already own. It also does not affect your credit score in any way — the credit reporting agencies do not penalize you for opting out.

You can still open credit cards and other accounts whenever you want. Opting out only stops unsolicited offers; it does not prevent you from explore for credit yourself. If you change your mind and want to receive prescreened offers again, you can opt back in at any time through OptOutPrescreen.com or by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT.

Keep your information current to stay opted out

If you move, change your phone number, or get married and change your name, your opt-out status may not follow you automatically. The credit reporting agencies match names and addresses, so if your information changes, companies may start sending offers to your new address under your new name. You can opt out again at your new address, or you can update your information with the agencies if you want to maintain continuous opt-out status.

If you start receiving offers again after opting out, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC enforces the rules that require companies to honor opt-out requests. Include the date you opted out, the method you used, and the dates you received unwanted offers after opting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will opting out hurt my credit score?

No. Opting out of prescreened offers does not affect your credit score or your credit report in any way. The credit reporting agencies do not track or report opt-outs, and credit card companies cannot see that you have opted out. Your score is based only on your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit inquiries.

Can I opt out for just one company instead of all of them?

OptOutPrescreen.com only lets you opt out of all prescreened offers at once. To stop offers from a specific credit card company, contact that company directly through their website or customer service line. You can opt out of prescreened offers and still receive offers from companies you choose to contact yourself.

How long does it take for the offers to stop after I opt out?

Online opt-outs take effect when ready for digital offers and within one week for mail. Phone opt-outs take one to three weeks for mail and may take longer for online offers. You may receive a few more offers after opting out because they were already in the mail when you made your request.

What if I want to receive prescreened offers again later?

You can opt back in at any time by visiting OptOutPrescreen.com or calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT. If you chose a five-year opt-out, you can also straightforward wait for it to expire. There is no penalty for opting back in, and it takes effect when ready.

Do I need to opt out separately with each credit reporting agency?

No. OptOutPrescreen.com and the phone line handle all three agencies at once. When you opt out through either method, your request goes to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion simultaneously. You do not need to contact them separately.