Credit card offers arriving in your mailbox might feel like junk to some, and like opportunity to others. Whether you’re trying to get more of them or make them stop completely, you’re not powerless. Here’s how the system works—and how to either plug in or opt out.
If You Want to Get More Credit Card Offers
Getting more credit card offers can be a good way to explore new perks, balance transfer options, or premium cards you might not know about. Credit card companies use pre-screening methods based on your credit report to determine who gets offers.
Here’s how to get noticed:
1. Opt In to Pre-Screened Offers
Lenders use data from consumer credit bureaus to pre-select candidates. If you’ve opted out in the past or never opted in, you won’t receive these offers.
- Go to OptOutPrescreen.com
- Select the “opt-in” option (valid for five years, or permanently)
- Fill out the form to allow credit bureaus to share your data with issuers
2. Improve or Maintain Your Credit Profile
The better your credit, the more—and better—offers you’ll get. Issuers target individuals with:
- Credit scores above 670 (good or better)
- Low credit utilization
- Steady income and clean payment history
3. Use Credit Responsibly
The more active and responsible you are with credit—paying on time, using cards regularly without maxing them out—the more likely you’ll be flagged for premium offers.
4. Allow Soft Pulls From Lenders
Some credit monitoring services and apps allow you to enable marketing offers. This gives lenders permission to access soft pull data and send you targeted offers.
If You Want to Stop Credit Card Offers
If you’re sick of mailers piling up or just want to reduce temptation, you’ve got solid options. Here’s how to cut off the flow:
1. Opt Out of Pre-Screened Offers
This is the fastest and most direct method. You can choose a 5-year or permanent opt-out:
- Visit OptOutPrescreen.com
- Select “opt-out” (5 years) or “permanent opt-out”
- You can also call 1-888-567-8688
For permanent opt-out, you’ll need to mail in a physical form.
2. Go Paperless With Existing Creditors
Even your current banks may be sending you “pre-approved” offers or balance transfer checks. Log into your account, go to Privacy or Communications Preferences, and opt out of marketing mail.
3. Register With DMAchoice
The Data & Marketing Association (DMA) maintains a national suppression list used by many marketers.
- Visit dmachoice.org
- Pay a $4 fee to be removed for 10 years from junk mail lists
4. Shred and Report Suspicious Offers
While most mailers are legitimate, some can be phishing or identity theft scams. Shred anything with personal info and report fraudulent credit offers to the FTC or USPS.
If You Want to Learn About Credit Card Offers
It can be a chore to filter through the offers. Use our credit card database to conduct research. For specific offers, Credit Invitation can be a good resource to help understand the perks and application steps to take advantage of the offer.
Bottom Line
You’re in control. If you want better credit card offers, make yourself visible to issuers and show them a solid credit profile. If you want out, opt out formally and stop the flow at the source.
Whether you’re building your credit toolkit or cleaning house, it’s all about knowing how the system works—and making it work for you.
