If you’ve ever wondered why your mailbox fills up with “pre-approved” credit card or loan offers, you’re not alone. Those offers aren’t random — they’re the result of something called pre-screening. Here’s what it means, why it matters, and how you can take control.

What Pre-Screening Really Is

Pre-screening happens when the big credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and Innovis — share some of your credit profile information with lenders. The lender sets certain criteria (like credit score range or payment history). If your profile fits, the bureau sells your name and address so the lender can send you those “You’re pre-approved!” letters.

Important note: you haven’t applied for credit when you get these offers — they’re just marketing based on your eligibility.

Pros and Cons of Pre-Screen Offers

• Potential benefits: You could discover credit cards or loans you qualify for without hard credit pulls until you apply.

• Drawbacks: Mail clutter, exposure of personal info if offers are stolen, and an increased risk of identity theft if someone grabs your mail.

How to Stop Pre-Screened Offers

If you’d like to reduce junk mail or add an extra layer of privacy, you can opt out. The credit bureaus created a single, official site: www.OptOutPrescreen.com.

You have two options:

• 5-year opt out: Submit online and confirm by email.

• Permanent opt out: Print and mail a signed form to confirm your choice.

You can opt back in anytime if you decide you want to receive these offers again.

Why Many Consumers Opt Out

• Less paper clutter

• Lower chance of someone stealing your pre-approved offers

• More control over personal data sharing

Taking two minutes to complete the opt-out can help protect your privacy and bring peace of mind — and it’s completely free.

Sources:

• www.optoutprescreen.com

• www.consumer.ftc.gov