Opt out of prescreened credit cards

Prescreened credit cards are those credit card offers we get in the junk mail. Sometimes we go for days without receiving one, and other days it seems like our mailboxes are filled with them.

1. How do all those companies get my mailing information?

Prescreened credit card offers are a result of your credit score. Your credit score is maintained by the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Basically, the majority of companies you have accounts with report to these bureaus. Examples of companies that report to bureaus are numerous: banks, car loans, student loans, utility companies, cell phones, and credit cards. They report your current balance to the credit bureaus and whether you're making your payments on time. These credit bureaus create a score based on your income, your amount of debt, and your track record of making payments (on time or not on time).

Basically, if you've ever applied for a credit card, a loan, to become a renter of a home, or for any other large financial contract... they contacted one of these four credit bureaus for your credit report.

A company (creditor or insurer) in search of customers will establish a certain set of criteria—the simplest just being a minimum credit score—and will ask a credit bureau or a consumer reporting agency for a list of prospects that match those criteria.

These credit bureaus and consumer reporting agencies rent their customer lists, delivering customers that meet certain criteria to a company that offers prescreened credit card offers (could be prescreened loan or mortgage offers, or what have you).

2. So how do I opt out of them selling my name in the future?

The major credit bureaus allow you to opt out of prescreened credit cards by:

a) Going to https://www.optoutprescreen.com/opt_form.cgi

You'll need your name, address, and social security number.

b) You can also opt out by calling (888) 5OPTOUT. With this single number (888-567-8688) you can call to opt-out of all of the prescreened credit cards. It is available in English and Spanish.

c) Or you can opt out by contacting all of these companies.

• Equifax Options, Marketing Decision Systems

o By phone: ( 888) 567-8688
o By mail:
Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374

• Experian Marketing Solutions

o By phone: (888) 246-2804
o By mail:
Online Privacy Team
Experian
475 Anton Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

• TransUnion

o By phone: (888) 567-8688
o By mail:
TransUnion Name Removal Option
P.O. Box 97328
Jackson, MS 39288

If you mail the information, include the following information with your request: First, middle, and last name (including Jr., Sr., III), current address, previous address (if you've moved in the last six months), Social Security number, date of birth, and signature.

Once you opt-out, your name will be removed from the prescreen database for 5 years. If you would like a lifetime opt out, you can fill out the request on their website, then just print and sign the "permanent opt out" portion.

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