Equifax Opt-Out

What Does Equifax Do?

Equifax is one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States. It collects and maintains consumer credit information and provides related services to businesses, including credit monitoring, fraud prevention, and eligibility screening. Through this data, Equifax helps connect consumers to pre-qualified or prescreened offers from financial institutions, auto lenders, and insurance providers. These offers are commonly referred to as firm offers and are often tailored to the consumer, sometimes with more competitive terms than those available publicly.

Firm offers allow consumers to compare products and increase purchasing power, and the use of this data is permitted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The same law also gives consumers the right to opt out of receiving firm offers. When a consumer opts out through Equifax, the effects may not be immediate. It can take several months for the change to fully register, and during that time, offers may continue to arrive due to preexisting mailing lists managed by third-party marketers.

Requirements to Remove Myself/My Name From Equifax

Many opt-out processes require access to verification methods such as email or phone numbers, but Equifax does not rely on email or phone verification to process an opt-out request. Instead, its process requests a combination of basic and personal information. While providing sensitive details such as a Social Security Number and full date of birth is optional, including them increases the likelihood that the opt-out request will be processed successfully, as they help Equifax accurately identify the correct consumer record.

It's important to understand that opting out does not stop creditors or lenders from reporting information to Equifax or other credit bureaus. An opt-out only limits how Equifax uses consumer data for prescreened or marketing-related purposes. Even after suppression, Equifax will continue to collect and share credit information with authorized parties as required under applicable law.

Where to Start

When opting out of Equifax, consumers should understand that there are two distinct types of opt-out actions. The first involves opting out of firm offers, while the second relates to limiting company-specific marketing materials. All three major credit bureaus use a centralized service called OptOutPrescreen.com to manage firm offer opt-outs. Through this system, consumers can choose between two options:

• A temporary opt-out that stops firm offers for five years and is completed entirely online

• A permanent opt-out that stops firm offers indefinitely and requires both an online submission and a mailed confirmation form

The permanent option is a two-step process that includes completing an online form, printing a confirmation document, and mailing it to finalize the request. Detailed instructions for each opt-out method are outlined below, along with screenshots and step-by-step guidance.

How to Opt-Out of Equifax: A Detailed Guide

Use Opt Out Prescreen to Stop Offers for Five Years

Rather than starting directly on Equifax's website, the simplest way to opt out of firm offers is through OptOutPrescreen.com. This centralized platform is used by all major credit bureaus and allows consumers to stop prescreened offers with a single request. Open the site in a separate browser tab and follow the steps below, or skip ahead to the permanent opt out section for a longer-lasting solution.

Step One

After visiting OptOutPrescreen.com, scroll to the bottom of the homepage. Click the blue button labeled "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out". The page will refresh and load an internal form. Note that opting out here applies to firm offers from all major credit bureaus for a five-year period, not just Equifax.

Step Two

The next page is titled "Opt-In or Opt-Out" and serves as an introduction to the request form. The form session lasts approximately 15 minutes, but the system will prompt you to continue if additional time is needed. While providing personal information is optional, including it can increase the likelihood of successful processing. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view the available opt-out options.

Step Three

Select "Electronic Opt-Out for 5 Years" from the list of options, then click "Continue". This choice initiates the temporary opt-out process.

Step Four

You will be taken to the Electronic Opt-Out for Five Years form. Complete only the fields you are comfortable sharing. Sensitive information is not required, though it may help ensure accurate identification.

Step Five

Continue scrolling until you reach the security CAPTCHA and the "Confirm" button. Complete the CAPTCHA and click Confirm. You will then be redirected to the Five Year Opt Out Confirmation page. This page explains that processing typically takes about five days, though it may take longer for the effects to become noticeable. It also provides a summary of the information entered during the request.

Step Six

At the bottom of the confirmation page, locate the End Session section. Use the button provided to securely log out of the site, or simply close your browser to complete the process.

Use Opt Out Prescreen to Stop Offers Permanently; Mail-in Required

Consumers who want a permanent opt-out can complete the process through OptOutPrescreen.com, though this option requires two steps. The first step is completed online, and the second requires printing and mailing a confirmation form. This permanent opt-out applies to firm offers associated with Equifax and the other major credit bureaus. The mailing address for Equifax is provided at the end of this procedure.

Step One

Navigate to the main page of OptOutPrescreen.com.

Step Two

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the blue button labeled "Click Here to Opt-In or Opt-Out".

Step Three

You will be redirected to the Opt-In or Opt-Out page. Review the information if needed, then scroll to the bottom. Select "Permanent Opt-Out by Mail" and click Continue.

Step Four

This selection opens the Electronic Permanent Opt-Out form, which closely resembles the five year opt-out form. Complete the form, entering only the information you are comfortable providing.

Step Five

After completing the address section, proceed to the security verification area. Complete the CAPTCHA and click Confirm. Pay close attention to the on-screen instructions, as the next step is required to finalize the process.

Step Six

You will be redirected to the Permanent Opt-Out Confirmation page. Do not stop here. Locate the blue "Click here" link within the second section of the page, which provides access to the printable confirmation form.

Step Seven

Scroll down the confirmation page and review the information you submitted. Verify that all details are accurate before proceeding.

Step Eight

Below the information summary, the system will generate a Permanent Opt-Out Election Form. This document includes the submission date, reference number, QR code, and your entered information. At the bottom of the form, sign and date the designated sections. These signatures authorize Equifax to complete the permanent opt-out. Once signed, print and mail the form to the address listed for Equifax to finalize the request.

Users can Opt Out of Equifax's Sharing and Selling of Data

Consumers who want to limit how their information is shared or sold can submit a request directly through Equifax's online opt-out form. This in-browser process is quick and typically takes only a few minutes to complete. Follow the steps below to submit your request.

Step One

After opening the Equifax Opt-Out Form, scroll to the Personal Information section. Enter your first and last name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. No additional information is required at this stage.

Step Two

Once the mailing information is completed, scroll to the bottom of the page. You may see optional fields requesting sensitive information such as a Social Security Number or date of birth. These fields can be skipped if preferred. Before proceeding, check the box confirming that you have reviewed the privacy policy, complete the CAPTCHA, and click the red "Go To Next Step" button. You will then be redirected to a page outlining the actions available to manage your data.

Step Three

Scroll down to view the available options and select "Right to Opt Out". Click Continue to submit the request. A confirmation page will appear, indicating that the request has been received and noting an estimated processing time of up to 15 days.

Processing Will Take Time

After submitting an opt-out request, consumers may continue to receive credit card or prescreened offers for several months. This delay is common and usually occurs because offers are sent using preexisting mailing lists. In addition, any offers you signed up for directly will continue until you contact those companies individually to remove yourself from their mailing lists.

Removing information from Equifax is generally straightforward, especially since email verification is not required. However, this also means there is no immediate way to confirm the request unless Equifax responds. Keep track of when your opt-out should take effect and check back if offers are still arriving after six months. This guide reflects the opt-out procedures outlined in Equifax's prescreen opt-out policy and OptOutPrescreen.com as of 2023.