Looking for the best way to opt out of junk mail? We created a very easy 6-step guide for you to follow and stop most of the junk mail you receive. Most of the solutions here are free. We included two paid options available out there, but the free ones alone should reduce a significant amount of mail too. Start today and get rid of junk mail.
Step 1: Stop Prescreened Credit and Insurance Offers
Step 2: Register at CatalogChoice
Step 3: Opt-out of mail from larger organizations
Step 4: Opt-out of top 3 coupon mailers
Step 5: Register on National Do Not Mail List (privately owned list)
Step 6: Opt-out from individual companies
Step 1: Stop Prescreened Credit and Insurance Offers
Prescreened, prequalified or preapproved offers mean the same. Credit and insurance companies prescreen consumers who are more likely to accept and get approved. These companies partner with consumer credit reporting institutions such as Experian, TransUnion and Equifax to identify eligible consumers. These consumer credit companies have created an official website for consumers to opt-in or opt-out of receiving prescreen offers. It’s free to use. You can either opt-out for five years from these offers or you can opt-out permanently.
To opt-out for five years, you can either visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).
To opt-out permanently, fill an online form on www.optoutprescreen.com and then mail the Permanent Opt-Out Election Form to the opt-out department. The website will provide you the form and the opt-out department’s address once you start the request. Unfortunately, you cannot opt-out permanently online, via call or other medium. As per the website, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that the consumer submit a signed notice of election (Permanent Opt-Out Election form) for a permanent Opt-Out request.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers can opt-out through their website or by calling 7-1-1 and referring the Relay Operator to 1-800-821-9631.
Note: Opting-out via optoutprescreen.com will opt you from most prescreened solicitations. However, you may continue to receive prescreened mail from companies who other consumer credit reporting companies. But do not worry. We have a few more solutions that should cover for stopping most of the junk mail you receive.
Step 2: Register at CatalogChoice
CatalogChoice, a non-profit organization has been helping consumers opt-out of catalogs and other junk mail since over 8 years. They have a database of about 10k advertisers and mailers you can opt-out from. The website is free to use, but they accept donations.
Step 3: Opt-out of mail from larger organizations
DMAChoice is a nonprofit organization that is helping consumers opt-out from paper mail. The Association of National Advertisers (ANA), an association that brings the marketing community together, created the DMAChoice opt out tool to address consumer concerns over junk mail. The website will opt you out companies who are members of the ANA. DMAChoice is also a recommended opt-out solution by the FTC.
Register online and opt-out: Once you register on their website, you can opt-out from individual companies or entirely from different categories of mails such as credit offers, catalogs, magazines or other mail offers such as bank offers and retail promotions.
Mail-in registration and opt-out: If you cannot register online, you can fill out the DMAChoice Mail In Form, print it and mail it to their address.
Opt-out without internet access:
If you don’t have access to internet, you can register by sending your name and address (with signature), along with a $3 processing fee (check or money order payable to DMA) to their address:
DMAChoice
Consumer Preferences
P.O. Box 900
Cos Cob, CT 06807
Note: You have to pay a $2 fee to opt-out through DMAChoice. DMAChoice opt-outs are valid for 10 years. This solution doesn’t guarantee zero junk mail but will stop mail from a lot of bulk direct mailers and businesses listed here. Opting-out via mail doesn’t let you opt-out by different categories and companies.
Step 4: Opt-out of top 3 coupon mailers
Valpak: You can fill out this form to opt-out
RetailMeNot or RedPlum: You can fill out this form to opt-out
Money Mailer: You can call 714-889-4609, email or mail your opt-out request to:
6261 Katella Ave, Suite 200, Cypress, CA 90630
You can opt-out of Money Mailer via CatalogChoice as well.
Step 5: Register on National Do Not Mail List (privately owned list)
The government owns the national “Do Not Call” list, but a private company (directmail.com) owns the national Do Not Mail list. Many companies honor this opt-out list before mailing. Fill this form to add yourself to the National Do Not Mail list.
Step 6: Opt-out from individual companies
After you go through Step 1-5, it will take about 3 months until you see reduced junk mail. After 3-4 months, if you are still receiving mail from specific companies, you may have to contact these companies individually. We put together a list of the largest direct mailers and how you can request opting-out from each of them.
Comcast or Xfinity: You can fill out this form to opt-out. Comcast customers can also change their communications preferences via Comcast My Account portal. You can also call them at 1-800-Xfinity (800-934-6489).
AT&T, DirectTV or U-verse: Call +1-800-288-2020. AT&T is also a member of ANA (DMAChoice). If you complete Step #3, you should be opted-out from AT&T mailings.
Spectrum: You can fill out this form to opt-out. You can also call them at 1-855-75-SPECTRUM. Spectrum (owned by Charter Communications) is also a member of ANA (DMAChoice). If you complete Step #3, you should be opted-out from Spectrum mailings.
State Farm: You can fill out this form opt-out.
Geico: You can fill out this form to opt-out.
Dish Network: Scroll all the way to the bottom on this page and submit the form under “Do Not Mail Policy” section.
For those not on budget: PaperKarma is a mobile app that helps you opt-out from junk mail. All you have to do is take a picture of the mailer you want to opt-out from and they will do the rest. PaperKarma is a paid service, but they offer a 4-week free trial.
Bulk mailings based on zip codes
The above solutions will reduce your junk mail by over 90% but not a 100%. You may continue to get mails typically addressed as “To resident at” or “To occupant at” or “Neighbors at”. Companies send such bulk mailings based on zip codes and don’t look at specific names or addresses. Hence, these don’t honor any opt-out lists. Grocery flyers also fall in the same category. The good part is that you can easily recycle any remaining mail you receive.
Opt back in when your needs change
Once you successfully opt out of junk mail, here’s something to consider. Opting-out of junk mail completely can block your access to great offers that can save you money. For example, a lot of lenders offers offer preferred interest rates for prescreened customers. If you have opted-out of prescreened offers and are in sudden need to credit, you may not have access to those rates when needed. As your needs change, don’t forget to opt back in to the offers you may interest you.
We are taking an unconventional approach towards tacking junk mail. Instead of opting-out of mail completely, we have another innovative solution for you. We are building an app where you can receive your mail offers digitally and earn cash rewards for saving trees.
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