About a year ago, I was receiving credit card offers in the mail on a daily basis. I was both annoyed by all of this wasteful mail as well as frequently tempted to open up new accounts. I have several cards already, including a couple of nice year-long 0% cards, so I really didn’t need any more. I also was tired of having to shred this mail constantly and worried that one of the applications might get in the hands of the wrong people. I finally had enough of this and took steps to stop receiving credit card offers.
There are a few different methods you can take to get these credit card offers to stop. First of all, and the easiest method is to call the opt-out number, 1-888-567-8688 (888-5-OPTOUT). This one call supposedly takes care of all of the credit bureaus at once. When you submit your name to this opt out list, you’re telling the credit bureaus not to release your information for pre-screened offers. You can choose to suspend you name for 5 years or permanently. If you ever decide you miss all of those offers you can call the number again and opt back in for your name to be released.
Another option is to go to the website, www.optoutprescreen.com, and opt-out from the credit bureaus releasing you information for pre-screened credit card offers. This site is similar to the phone number and it will allow you to opt-out for 5 years or permanently.
Another alternative to calling the opt-out number is to write the three major agencies a letter. Include the following information:
First, middle and last names (including Jr., Sr., III)
Current address
Previous address (if you’ve moved in the last six months)
Social Security number
Date of birth
Signature
Equifax Options
P.O. Box 740123
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
TransUnion Name Removal Option
P.O. Box 505
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Experian
901 West Bond
Lincoln, NE 68521
Attn: Consumer Services Department
