{"id":203,"date":"2025-09-03T01:03:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T01:03:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lawyer2.mythemecloud.io\/?p=203"},"modified":"2025-11-05T06:50:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T06:50:58","slug":"credit-myth-busting-the-truth-about-the-opt-out-myth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.buytradelines.net\/?p=203","title":{"rendered":"Credit Myth Busting: The Truth About the Opt-Out Myth"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s no shortage of credit myths online, but one of the most common\u2014and misleading\u2014is the \u201copt-out myth.\u201d<\/strong> It suggests that if you opt out of pre-screened credit card offers, your credit score will rise. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not true.<\/p>\n

Credit expert John Ulzheimer<\/strong> broke down this misconception in a recent Credit Countdown<\/em> video. Below, we summarize his insights and explain why opting out won\u2019t help your credit score (though it can still reduce unwanted mail).<\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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What Are Pre-Screened Credit Offers?<\/h2>\n

Pre-screened credit offers are preliminary credit invitations<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever received \u201cYou\u2019re Pre-Approved!\u201d mail, that\u2019s a pre-screened offer in action.<\/p>\n

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Are These Lists Legal?<\/h2>\n

Yes \u2014 under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)<\/strong>, credit bureaus are permitted to sell pre-screened lists. It\u2019s a standard and lawful practice that helps lenders find qualified borrowers efficiently.<\/p>\n

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Do Pre-Screened Offers Affect Your Credit Report?<\/h2>\n

When your credit report is accessed for pre-screening, it results in a soft inquiry<\/strong>\u2014not a hard one.
Soft inquiries appear on your report but don\u2019t impact your credit score<\/strong>. You might notice them from companies you\u2019ve never applied with, but they simply show that you were considered for an offer.<\/p>\n

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How to Opt Out of Pre-Screened Offers<\/h2>\n

You can remove your name from these lists at www.optoutprescreen.com<\/a><\/strong>.
It\u2019s free and takes about a minute. You can choose to:<\/p>\n