How to Stop Unwanted Credit Card Applications

By M. Wade

Overview

Many consumers receive considerable amounts of junk mail consisting of pre-approved credit card applications and phone calls from credit card companies offering pre-approved credit. Consumers wishing to minimize or eliminate these types of offers can do so without having to individually request each company to remove their names from the company's database. All consumers have the right to "opt out" of pre-screened credit card offers and can do this through a program offered by the major consumer credit reporting bureaus.

How to Stop Unwanted Credit Card Applications

Step 1

Go to the Opt Out Pre-screen website (see Resources for a link). You can review the homepage for information about the benefits of receiving pre-approved credit card applications and credit offers and to learn more information about the Opt Out program. To begin the process of opting out of these credit card offers, click the "Click Here to Opt In or Opt Out" button at the bottom of the homepage.
Step 2

Choose one of the two opt out options. There are two options for opting out. One option opts you out of receiving pre-screened credit offers for a period of five years. After five years have passed, you will automatically "opt in" again. If, for example, you wish to discontinue receiving credit card applications because of your current financial situation, but you anticipate applying for a new credit card in the next few years, this option may be most suitable. The second option is to permanently opt out. After you select an option, click the "Submit" button.

Step 3

Enter your personal information. The next page requires that you provide your personal information, including your full name, address, Social Security number, date of birth and phone number. You do not have to provide your Social Security number to opt out, but doing so will ensure that your request is processed accurately. Once you have entered your information, click the "Confirm" button at the bottom of the page to indicate that the information you provided is accurate.
Step 4

Print the confirmation page. If you selected the five-year opt out option, your request is complete. If you selected the permanent opt out option, you will automatically be enrolled in the five-year opt out program, but you must take another step in order to permanently opt out.
Step 5

Sign and mail the confirmation form to permanently opt out. If you selected the permanent option, you must print, sign, date and mail the confirmation page that loaded after you provided your personal information. If you do not mail this page to the Opt Out program, you will be enrolled only in the five-year program.

Skill: Easy
Tip: You can also opt out by calling the toll-free number (888) 5-OPTOUT.
Tip: If you have opted out of pre-screened credit card offers and later want to begin receiving these offers again, you can opt back in by visiting the same Opt Out Prescreen website or calling the toll-free number.
Tip: Be sure that your spouse opts out of pre-screened credit offers to ensure that you no longer receive these offers, as you may still receive offers addressed to you and your spouse, who has not opted out.
Warning:
Your request to opt out does not take effect immediately. It can take up to 60 days for your request to become effective.

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