How do I stop companies from checking my credit unless I want them to?

Answer 1

What the previous posters haven't told you is that: Yes, it's true that you can always opt-out which will prevent new companies from performing inquiries and sending pre-approved offers, etc.

-BUT-

It DOESN'T prevent the companies that you already have open lines of credit with from pulling reports. Although you are already a customer, they can pull to see if they want to increase your credit or offer another service, etc.

I still haven't seen a legitimate answer to your question because Im going through the same thing right now with the companies that I am dealing with. I was told to call the companies directly and speak with them.

Answer 2

It depends on what companies you want to stop.

For Hard Inquiries, that is where you have requested credit, no company can do this without your explicit approval. This is the only type of inquiry that other companies see on your credit report and has your score take a hit.

For Soft Inquiries, things like those Pre-Approved applications you can go to http://www.optoutprescreen.com . This is the list that the Credit Reporting Companies put together. If you enter your information here, your name will be taken off of the Pre-Screened list and you will no longer receive them.

Now, if you have an existing relationship with a company, such as a Credit Card. By having the card you gave them permission to check your credit report. They can do this for things like credit reviews or contact information. The only way to stop them from doing this is to close and pay off the account(s).

Answer 3

Depends. If, it a Credit Card Company and they send me some Pre-Approved Crap, I take the Card and use it until it rejected. Soon they stop checking my credit and start sending letters that I owe them money, I write back and tell them they gave me the card! If, they not want to give me the card they should have left me alone. I will ask for a card when I want it and then I assume I have to pay. If, you give me a card, I assume it a gift and you expect nothing in return.
Seems to work. I not had my Credit checked in 5 years now.

Answer 4

This is called Soft-pulls
Creditors are given a list by credit reporting agencies based on the creditor’s criteria
If you meet their criteria you will receive an offer in the mail
Other creditors will not see that “Joe” pulled your credit report…Only Hard Pulls initiated by you are seen

You can opt out at the following address…This prevents the soft pulls from occurring & it would also limit the amount of junk mail received

You cannot prohibit existing creditors from reviewing your credit report IF you have an open acct with them – This is called Account Review.

The only way you can prevent them from doing this – is to cease doing business with them. Account Reviews are only seen by the debtor and they do not decrease your Fico score.


https://www.optoutprescreen.com

Answer 5

The only way you can stop this is by contacting each credit bureau and they will walk you step by step as to what to do. I also haqd this problem and they had me write them and request no more credit checks without authorized signatures. All those pre approved credit cards you get in the mail, well they have touched your credit. I know it doesnt seem right or fair but it does happen!!! Good Luck!! It only took me about 3 months to get it all resolved.

Answer 6

It's easy.

Go to www.dmaconsumers.org and follow the instructions to opt out of the national mailing list. This will remove your name and S.S.N. for 5-years.

This is the list that companies buy from the credit bureaus to send out per-approved offers for credit cards and car loans.

Answer 7

It's illegal for a company to check your credit unless you have given them permission by applying for something

Answer 8

i also opt-out but i get inquiries also, they just put AR and check it anyway. i got one from my hospital they told me they dont pull credit lol somebody did...equifax don't have a clue no address or phone # i also have fraud alerts doesn't stop them from putting new collections on your file whats the point i give up...

Answer 9

this is an easy one. the only way people can pull your credit is with your permission. usually a signed document. Thats the only way i think it is legal!!!!! every time someone pulls your crdit it effects your credit score and in a bad way. if people are checking without permission call them and ask them why.