How to Opt-Out of Credit Card Balance Transfer Checks
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Are unwanted blank checks from your credit card issuer pilling up in the mail? If you’re not interested in the promotion, these balance transfer checks can really become an annoyance, taking up unnecessary space in your mailbox.
Fortunately, stopping the mailing of credit card balance transfer checks is an easy process that not only reduces stress but also limits the chance that the checks can be stolen and used by thieves.
Balance transfer checks look like regular checks, promising quick cash at a low interest rate. Of course, it’s more complicated than that. Instead of being tied to a checking account, the checks are tied to your credit card account. And if you borrow money from your account, you’ll likely face high fees for doing so, which usually includes a 3% to 5% balance transfer fee.
Some banks send balance transfer credit card offers in the mail at least once a month. But you can opt out of getting these marketing materials by asking the credit card issuer to stop mailing them. Contact the company by phone, e-mail and regular mail, online or in person.
The customer service department of the credit card issuer should be listed on the back of your credit card. Call the number and tell them you are not interested in the offer and ask that the materials be no longer sent to your home.
You may also be able to do this at your online bank account if you have one. Most online banking websites will give you the option of sending the company a secured online message. Once on the site, ask that you no longer be sent the promotional materials.
You can also send the credit card issuer or bank an email with the same message, or even visit the bank in person.
Your last option is sending a letter by regular mail to the card member services department, whose address can likely be found on the company’s website. However, this method will probably take the longest time to get a positive result.
If you’re interested in doing a credit card balance transfer, it’s best to compare all of your options — including interest rates, terms and fees — before signing off on a deal. It’s possible there’s another offer out there that is far better than the one you keep getting in the mail.
If you keep receiving these checks in the mail but have no plans to use them, always shred or tear up the checks immediately. This will prevent thieves from getting their hands on the unused checks and committing credit card fraud.
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