How do you protect your credit score when it comes to promotional inquiries?

Answer 1

I agree with the posters that recommended opting out.

Promotional inq's only pull soft's. The inquiries that do matter are the ones that you actually apply for credit.

So, if you are tired of the junk mail, have bad credit etc., I would suggest opting out. If you don't mind the junk mail and have no bad accounts, then don't opt out.

I mention opting out if you have bad credit because that keeps the credit bureaus from selling your info to collection agency's.
Collection agency's treat the credit bureaus as their own personal shopping malls.

Answer 2

There's a big disillusion that a few inquiries hurt your score. The way they hurt is if 5-6 places pull in a short period of time. What this shows bureaus and lenders is that you applied for a lot of credit, but if new accounts haven't shown up, you were probably turned-down (denied). A few inquiries here and there aren't bad. Also the iniquiries done to preappove you for offers aren't done on the same consumer reporting bureau that lenders see.

Answer 3

You don't get 'dinged' for inquiries, only when a creditor uses your SSN. Good news is, you can opt out of the unsolicited inquiries by calling this number; 1.888.5OPTOUT (1.888.567.8688).
Your name is put on a list excluding you from being unwanted-ly solicited.
Also another good idea, since you sound like you want to protect your credit, is to enroll in a credit monitoring service.
I use myfico, it's great cause I can have it call my cell, my home or leave me an e-mail if it sees something suspicious.
Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Nothing is required. Promotional inquiries show up on your personal credit report, but they do not show up on the one lenders pull.

Also, these have no impact on your credit score. If you want to stop getting the offers, then you can call 800-5OPT-OUT to remove your name from the credit bureaus promotional lists.

Answer 5

Requests from creditors for your info only hurt if YOU are asking for a loan and then, only if you keep applying over several weeks. Several hits in one or two weeks won't hurt if you're looking for a home loan - it just shows you are shopping around. The CRA's separate actions you took (in applying) and actions taken by others (pre-approved offers).

In the US, you can opt out by going to the FTC website below and calling the number listed. It will greatly reduce the amount of mail in your mailbox.

Modified: if you want to keep an eye on your credit, DON'T pay for one of those worthless watchdog services. Contact each of the three major reporting agencies and tell them you suspect your info was compromised and you want to be notified if anyone applies for credit in your name. They'll put a note in your file. Then, get your FREE credit report from ONE agency every four months (i.e. Experian in July, TransUnion in November, and Equifax in March) through the second site below. This allows you to monitor your report all year for FREE!

Answer 6

don't give your ssn to anybody. if you give your ssn and sign something, then chances are they are checking your credit. you should be able to obtain price and product information without revealing personal data. inquires that show up on your credit report that you did not authorize do not affect your credit score

Answer 7

you mean debt score ,don't you? a fico score is based on debt. they call it a credit score but it's just a debt score. you have to be in debt to keep one.

Answer 8

Don't give out your social security number.