Prescreened (also called prequalified or preapproved) credit and insurance offers are lists that creditors compile using consumer-reporting data. If you prefer not to receive these unsolicited mailings, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to opt out — either temporarily (five years) or permanently. The official industry service that handles these requests is OptOutPrescreen (operated by the major credit bureaus).
For most people the fastest option is the five-year opt-out (online or by phone). If you want a permanent solution, the system requires a paper Permanent Opt-Out Election form: you must print, sign, and mail the form (or mail a written request with the required identity details) to complete the permanent opt-out. Processing begins quickly, but it can take several weeks for mailings already in the pipeline to stop.
Opt out prescreened offers by mail
To permanently opt out of prescreened credit offers by mail, start at the official opt-out line or website (call 1-888-5-OPTOUT / 1-888-567-8688 or begin at OptOutPrescreen), choose the permanent option, print the Permanent Opt-Out Election form the site provides (or request it by phone), sign it, and mail it back as instructed — or mail a written request containing your name, home telephone number, full address, date of birth and Social Security number to the consumer reporting agencies’ opt-out addresses. Your request will be processed within about five business days, though it may take up to 60 days before you stop receiving offers. Opting out does not affect your credit score or ability to apply for credit.
What are “prescreened” offers and why mail matters
Prescreened offers are firm offers of credit or insurance sent because a company used credit-report criteria to find potential customers. These offers are distinct from marketing mail from local businesses or groups — the opt-out will stop only those offers that rely on the nationwide consumer reporting companies’ lists. If you want to cut down the credit-offer clutter in your mailbox (and reduce one vector for identity-theft exposure), opting out is an effective step.
You have two choices:
- Opt out for five years — the simplest: done online or by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT.
- Permanent opt-out — requires you to print, sign and mail the Permanent Opt-Out Election form (or mail a written request with required ID info) to finalize the permanent removal. (GovInfo, transunion.com)
Step-by-step: How to complete the mail-in (permanent) opt-out form
- Start the request: Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or begin at OptOutPrescreen (the phone/site is run by the major credit bureaus). Select the permanent opt-out option. (GovInfo, transunion.com)
- Get the Permanent Opt-Out Election form: The system will let you download/print the form (or you can request that the form be mailed to you). If you can’t access the web, you can mail a written permanent-opt-out request directly to each consumer reporting company including the required identity details (see addresses below). (GovInfo)
- Fill the form completely: Typical required fields include full name (with suffix), current and previous addresses if requested, date of birth, Social Security number (or last 4 digits), and your home telephone number. Then sign and date the form — signature is required for permanent opt-outs. (GovInfo, transunion.com)
- Mail it back: Use the address shown on the form or mail written request copies to the consumer reporting agencies (addresses below). Keep a copy for your records. Consider using USPS Certified Mail or getting a receipt/tracking number so you have proof of posting. (Certified Mail provides tracking and proof of delivery if you want it.) (GovInfo, postalpro.usps.com)
- Wait for processing: Requests are generally processed within five business days, but offers already mailed or in production may arrive for up to about 60 days. (GovInfo)
Mailing addresses (if you prefer to mail a written permanent opt-out request)
If you don’t use the online flow, the FTC guidance lists the consumer reporting agencies’ mailing addresses you can use for a written permanent opt-out request (include name, address, SSN, DOB and home telephone number):
- Experian Opt Out — P.O. Box 919, Allen, TX 75013.
- TransUnion — Name Removal Option — P.O. Box 505, Woodlyn, PA 19094.
- Equifax, Inc. — Options — P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta, GA 30374-0123.
- Innovis Consumer Assistance — P.O. Box 495, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0495.
Sample wording for the mail piece (copy & paste)
I request permanent removal of my name and identifying information from lists used for prescreened or firm offers of credit and insurance. My details are:
Full name: [Your full name]
Current address: [Street, City, State, ZIP]
Date of birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Social Security number: [XXX-XX-XXXX or last 4 digits if that is the bureau’s instruction]
Home telephone number: [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
Signature: ___________________ Date: __________
Please confirm receipt or provide instructions if additional information is needed.Keep a photocopy of the form and the mailing receipt. Consider Certified Mail + Return Receipt if you want documented proof of delivery.
What to expect after you mail the form
- Processing: The bureaus typically process opt-out requests within about five business days. However, because mailings can be scheduled weeks in advance, it can take up to about 60 days for all prescreened offers to stop.
- Credit impact: Opting out does not affect your credit score or your ability to apply for credit. It only limits the inclusion of your name on marketing lists used for firm offers.
- Still getting some offers: You may still receive offers from companies that don’t use the nationwide bureaus’ prescreen lists (local businesses, merchants, charities, alumni groups). To reduce those, contact those senders directly or use DMAchoice for broader direct-mail opt-outs.
People Also Ask
Will opting out stop all credit card offers forever?
No. Permanent opt-out stops the offers that rely on lists supplied by the major consumer reporting companies. It won’t stop solicitations from companies that get your name from other sources or from businesses you already do business with.
How long does it take to work?
Requests are processed within ~5 business days; expect mail already in production to taper off over up to ~60 days.
Does opting out hurt my credit score?
No — opting out only prevents firms from getting your info for marketing lists; it does not affect credit scores or your ability to apply for credit.
Can I opt out for my child?
A: Credit bureaus typically don’t keep files on minors; if you suspect identity theft or want to request removal, send a written request to each bureau including proof of identity and relationship — the FTC guidance explains required documents.
How do I opt back in later?
Use the same phone number or website (1-888-5-OPTOUT / OptOutPrescreen) to opt back in.
Tips & best practices
- Print and keep a copy of everything you mail.
- Use Certified Mail or at least get a USPS receipt/tracking number for proof of mailing. Certified Mail gives an electronic tracking number and a record of delivery if you want stronger evidence.
- If you are uncomfortable sharing SSN on a printed form, start by calling the opt-out phone line to confirm the exact information needed, then follow the official instructions.
- If you continue getting prescreened offers after 60 days, contact the bureaus directly (or re-submit a request) and keep your mailing proof handy.
If monthly junk mail is driving you crazy or you want to reduce exposure of identifying details, opt out for five years now for a quick fix — or follow the mail-in steps above to permanently remove your name from prescreen lists. Start with the phone 1-888-5-OPTOUT or begin the permanent request online, print the Permanent Opt-Out Election form, sign it, and mail it back. Save a copy and your mail receipt — and you should see the volume of prescreened credit offers drop within a few weeks.
