There’s no shortage of credit myths online, but one of the most common—and misleading—is the “opt-out myth.” It suggests that if you opt out of pre-screened credit card offers, your credit score will rise. Unfortunately, that’s not true.
Credit expert John Ulzheimer broke down this misconception in a recent Credit Countdown video. Below, we summarize his insights and explain why opting out won’t help your credit score (though it can still reduce unwanted mail).
Disclaimer: The views expressed by John Ulzheimer are his own and do not represent the official stance of Tradeline Supply Company, LLC. Tradeline Supply Company, LLC does not sell tradelines for guaranteed score increases and cannot ensure credit score improvement.
What Are Pre-Screened Credit Offers?
Pre-screened credit offers are preliminary credit invitations sent by lenders to consumers who meet certain criteria.
For example, a bank might request a list from credit bureaus of individuals with scores between 650 and 725, no bankruptcies, and no new credit cards in the past six months. The credit bureaus legally compile and sell these lists to lenders.
If you’ve ever received “You’re Pre-Approved!” mail, that’s a pre-screened offer in action.
Are These Lists Legal?
Yes — under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), credit bureaus are permitted to sell pre-screened lists. It’s a standard and lawful practice that helps lenders find qualified borrowers efficiently.
Do Pre-Screened Offers Affect Your Credit Report?
When your credit report is accessed for pre-screening, it results in a soft inquiry—not a hard one.
Soft inquiries appear on your report but don’t impact your credit score. You might notice them from companies you’ve never applied with, but they simply show that you were considered for an offer.
How to Opt Out of Pre-Screened Offers
You can remove your name from these lists at www.optoutprescreen.com.
It’s free and takes about a minute. You can choose to:
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Opt out for five years, or
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Opt out permanently.
This will stop those credit card mailers from arriving — but it won’t change your credit score.
The Opt-Out Myth Explained
The opt-out myth is the false belief that stopping pre-screened offers improves your credit.
This myth stems from confusion between soft and hard inquiries.
Hard Inquiries
These happen when you apply for credit (e.g., a credit card or car loan). Each hard pull can lower your score slightly and stays on your report for up to two years.
Soft Inquiries
These occur when a business checks your credit for non-lending purposes — including pre-screening for offers, landlord checks, or personal credit monitoring.
Soft inquiries do not impact your score. Credit scoring models ignore them entirely.
Why Opting Out Doesn’t Help Your Score
Credit scores don’t factor in pre-screened inquiries or whether you’re opted in or out. Therefore, opting out cannot increase your score.
If your goal is to strengthen your credit, you’ll have far better results by focusing on proven strategies like:
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Paying bills on time
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Lowering credit utilization
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Reducing high-interest balances (see Balance Transfers: How to Decide if They’re Right for You)
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Building responsible habits (see How to Improve Your Credit Score in 2025)
Avoid “Opt-Out” Scams
Be cautious of websites or services that claim they can “help” you opt out or boost your score for a fee. The legitimate opt-out process is:
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Free
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DIY-friendly
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Fast (under two minutes)
If a site asks for payment, it’s a red flag.
Final Thoughts on the Opt-Out Myth
Opting out of pre-screened offers can declutter your mailbox — but it won’t raise your credit score.
If you’re serious about improving your credit health, focus on practical strategies like debt reduction, budgeting, and smart financial planning. For example:
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Learn to manage windfalls wisely with How to Improve Your Financial Situation With Extra Money.
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Prepare for financial challenges like How to Manage and Eliminate Holiday Debt.
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Get better loan terms by following 2025 Car-Shopping Secrets: Get the Best Deal Now.
Knowledge — not myths — is the real key to better credit.