Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

Opt out of credit and insurance offers

If you decide that you don’t want to receive prescreened offers of credit and insurance, you have two choices, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can opt out for five years or forever.

To opt out for five years: Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies.

To opt out permanently: You may begin the permanent Opt-Out process online at www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request.

When you call or visit the website, you’ll be asked to provide some personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out. Here are 13 more things credit card companies know about you.