You can stop most credit card offers by contacting the credit reporting agencies or opting out through individual card issuers
Credit card companies buy your name from credit reporting agencies based on your credit profile. To stop these offers, you have two main routes: a one-time opt-out that lasts five years, or a permanent opt-out that requires you to renew it every few years. You can also contact individual card issuers directly to remove yourself from their marketing lists, and you can reduce online offers by adjusting privacy settings on your own accounts.
The process is straightforward and costs nothing. Most people use a combination of methods — the national opt-out for volume reduction, plus direct requests to issuers they've dealt with before. This guide walks you through each option and what to expect afterward.
Key Takeaways
- The national opt-out system, run by the credit reporting agencies, stops most unsolicited credit card offers for either five years or permanently depending on which option you choose.
- You can opt out online at OptOutPrescreen.com, by phone at 1-888-567-8688, or by mail using a form from that same website.
- Opting out does not affect your credit score or your ability to open accounts — it only removes you from pre-screened marketing lists.
- You can also contact individual card issuers directly to ask them to stop sending you offers, which works for companies you've already done business with.
- Online offers come from your own account settings and privacy choices, so check your email preferences and account privacy controls separately.
The National Opt-Out System: Five Years or Permanent
The credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — sell lists of consumers to credit card companies and other lenders. These lists are based on your credit score and payment history. The national opt-out system lets you remove yourself from these pre-screened lists without contacting each agency separately.
You have two choices. A five-year opt-out stops offers for five years, after which you can renew if you want to. A permanent opt-out lasts indefinitely, but you have to submit it in writing by mail — it cannot be done online or by phone. Most people choose the five-year option because it is faster and you can always opt back in if your situation changes.
The five-year opt-out takes effect within about one week. The permanent opt-out takes longer because it requires a mailed form and your signature. Neither option affects your credit score or your ability to open accounts in the future — it only removes you from marketing lists that credit card companies buy.
How to Opt Out Online or by Phone
For the five-year opt-out, visit OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688. Both routes are run by the credit reporting agencies themselves, so you are dealing with the official system. Online is faster — you answer a few questions to verify your identity, select five-year opt-out, and you are done. The phone line works the same way and takes about five minutes.
You will need your Social Security number and current address. Have a phone number and email address ready as well, though these are optional. After you submit, you should receive a confirmation email within a few hours. Offers typically drop off within one to two weeks, though some may arrive for another month or so because companies have already printed and mailed them.
If you want the permanent opt-out instead, you can start the process online or by phone, but you will be asked to print a form, sign it, and mail it to the address provided. This takes longer — usually four to six weeks total — but it lasts indefinitely and you do not have to renew it.
Opting Out Directly With Card Issuers
If you have received offers from a specific card company repeatedly, or if you have an account with them, you can contact that issuer directly and ask to be removed from their marketing list. This works for companies like Chase, American Express, Capital One, Discover, and others. You do not need to use the national opt-out system to do this — it is a separate request.
Call the customer service number on the back of your card, or find the issuer's main customer service line online. Tell them you want to be removed from their marketing and pre-screened offer lists. They will ask for your name, address, and sometimes your Social Security number to locate your record. The request usually takes effect within two to four weeks.
This method is useful if you have already done business with a company and want to stop hearing from them specifically. It does not stop offers from other issuers, so combine it with the national opt-out if you want broader reduction.
Stopping Online Credit Card Offers
Credit card offers that arrive in your email inbox usually come from two sources: companies you have accounts with, or companies that bought your email address from a data broker. You can control both.
For accounts you already have, log into your account settings and look for email preferences or communication settings. Most card issuers let you choose which types of emails you receive — you can usually uncheck "promotional offers" or "marketing emails" while keeping account alerts and statements. This is often under Account Settings or Preferences.
For unsolicited emails from companies you do not have accounts with, look for an unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email. Clicking it removes you from that sender's list. If there is no unsubscribe link, the email may be spam or from a data broker, and you can report it to your email provider.
What Happens After You Opt Out
After you opt out, you will receive far fewer credit card offers — most people see a drop of 80 to 90 percent within a month. You may still receive some offers because not all companies use the pre-screened lists, and some offers come from companies you have already done business with or who have your information from other sources.
Opting out does not prevent you from opening new credit accounts. If you explore for a credit card directly, the issuer will still review your process normally. You can also still receive offers from companies you have an existing relationship with — they can market to their own customers. The opt-out only removes you from the pre-screened lists that companies buy from the credit reporting agencies.
Your credit score is not affected by opting out. The credit reporting agencies still maintain your credit file and score — you are only removing yourself from their marketing lists. If you change your mind later, you can opt back in by going through the same process again.
If You Receive Offers After Opting Out
If you continue to receive a high volume of offers after opting out, check a few things. First, make sure your five-year opt-out has actually taken effect — it can take up to two weeks. Second, some offers come from companies you have done business with, which are not covered by the national opt-out. Contact those companies directly using the method described above.
Third, some offers come from non-credit sources — insurance companies, mortgage lenders, and others also buy pre-screened lists. The national opt-out covers credit and insurance offers, but not all marketing mail. If you are still receiving a lot of mail, you can also register with DMAChoice.com, which is run by the Direct Marketing Association and removes you from many direct mail lists, though it is not as comprehensive as the credit opt-out.
If you receive offers after opting out and you believe they are credit card offers, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at ConsumerFinance.gov. Include copies of the offers and the date you opted out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does opting out hurt my credit score?
No. Opting out only removes you from marketing lists. Your credit file and score remain unchanged, and you can still open new accounts if you explore directly. The credit reporting agencies still maintain your information — you are just not on their lists to sell to marketers.
Can I opt out permanently without mailing anything?
No. The permanent opt-out requires a signed form mailed to the credit reporting agencies. You can start the process online or by phone, but you must print, sign, and mail the form. The five-year opt-out can be done entirely online or by phone and takes effect faster.
Will opting out stop all credit card offers?
No. The national opt-out stops pre-screened offers from the credit reporting agencies' lists, which is most of them. You may still receive offers from companies you have accounts with, companies you have applied to before, or companies that obtained your information from other sources. Contact those companies directly to stop their offers.
How long does it take to see results after opting out?
Most people see a significant drop in offers within one to two weeks. Some offers may arrive for another month because they were already printed and mailed before your opt-out took effect. The five-year opt-out works fastest; the permanent opt-out takes four to six weeks because it requires a mailed form.
Can I opt back in if I change my mind?
Yes. You can opt back into pre-screened offers at any time by visiting OptOutPrescreen.com or calling 1-888-567-8688. You can also choose to opt in for a specific period — for example, if you are shopping for a new card and want to see offers, you can opt in temporarily and then opt out again later.