How to Stop Credit Card Offers in the Mail

By Anton Behr

Overview

Credit card offers are perhaps the most annoying types of junk mail that adult Americans deal with on a regular basis. After the Free Credit Reporting Act passed in 1970, it became legal for credit bureaus to sell credit histories to lending companies that mail out credit card offers. Fortunately, there are multiple ways -- both legal and permanent -- to never receive another credit card offer again.

Step 1

Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT. Follow the instructions provided to you to permanently opt out of the credit card offers. Be sure not to choose the option that only provides two years of protection from credit card offers.
Step 2

Send letters to each of the four credit bureaus (addresses are on the websites of each credit bureau, links to which are provided below), clearly stating your intent to opt out of the credit offer process. Include your name, Social Security Number, phone number and address. Send a copy to each credit bureau.

Step 3

Mark every offer that makes it through your spam filter as "spam." Unfortunately, since most offers that come by email are not officially sponsored by the credit bureaus, there is no official way to get rid of them. However, labeling these offers as "spam" greatly reduces the influx of spam emails.
Step 4

Wait the specified amount of time (this should be given to you once you finish whichever process you choose) for a confirmation email, letter or phone call to reach you. After that, you should be rid of those annoying offers forever; however, if you continue to receive offers after your letter/phone call, you should take measures to lodge a complaint.

Skill: Moderately Easy
Warning:
Use only the processes listed above as they have been verified as legitimate. Giving out your Social Security Number (especially in conjunction with your address, name, and phone number) can result in legal and financial troubles.

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