Those “You’re pre-approved!” credit card and insurance offers in your mailbox aren’t random. Lenders buy lists from the credit bureaus of people who meet certain criteria. That means more junk mail, and more paper with your name and financial details that a thief could pull from your trash. The good news: one free request stops them, and it takes about five minutes.
Quick answer
- Go to OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).
- It’s the official site run by the major credit bureaus, and it’s free.
- Choose 5 years (online or phone) or permanent (start online, then mail a signed form).
- Offers usually stop within a few weeks.
📱 Short on time? Swipe through the 1-minute Web Story version.
How to opt out, step by step
- Type OptOutPrescreen.com into your browser yourself (don’t click links in emails).
- Choose “Click here to Opt-In or Opt-Out.”
- Pick Electronic Opt-Out for Five Years, or Permanent Opt-Out by Mail.
- Enter your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. The FTC says this information is confidential and used only to process your request.
- For the permanent option, print, sign and mail the Permanent Opt-Out Election form.
- Prefer the phone? Call 1-888-567-8688 for the five-year option.
5-year vs. permanent opt-out
| Option | How | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| 5-year opt-out | Online or by phone | 5 years, then you can renew |
| Permanent opt-out | Start online, then mail a signed form | Until you opt back in |
What it stops, and what it doesn’t
- Stops: prescreened credit card and insurance offers based on lists from the major credit bureaus.
- Doesn’t stop: offers from banks you already do business with, local merchants, charities or other mailing lists.
- Your credit score: opting out has no effect on it.
- Changed your mind? You can opt back in on the same site or by phone.
⚠️ Opting out is a good habit, but it isn’t identity-theft protection on its own. For the strongest free protection, freeze your credit at all three bureaus, and shred any offers that still arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Is OptOutPrescreen.com legit?
Yes. It’s the official website operated by the major credit bureaus, and the FTC points consumers to it.
How long does it take to stop pre-approved offers?
Requests are processed within about five days, but offers can keep arriving for several weeks.
Does opting out hurt my credit score?
No. It has no effect on your credit score.
Can I opt back in later?
Yes, online at OptOutPrescreen.com or by calling 1-888-567-8688.
Last reviewed: October 15, 2026.
