Tired of your mailbox overflowing with American Express offers you don't need? You're not alone! Many of us experience the deluge of unsolicited mail, from credit card offers to promotional materials. The good news is that you can take steps to significantly reduce or even stop the flow of American Express mail. It might require a little effort, but the peace of mind (and cleaner mailbox!) is well worth it.
Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your mailbox from American Express junk mail.
Step 1: Identify the Culprit and Your Goal
First things first, let's figure out what kind of mail you're receiving from American Express. Is it:
-
Pre-approved credit card offers? These are often generic solicitations sent to a wide audience.
-
Marketing materials for existing products/services you have? Amex might be trying to upsell you or inform you about new features related to your current card.
-
Paper statements and essential account communications? While not "junk mail," you might prefer to go paperless for these.
Your goal will dictate the best approach. Do you want to:
-
Stop all marketing mail, but keep important account statements?
-
Go completely paperless for all communications?
-
Reduce general junk mail from all credit card companies, not just Amex?
Once you've got a clear picture, you're ready to proceed!
 |
| How Do I Get American Express To Stop Sending Me Mail |
Step 2: Opt-Out of Pre-Screened Credit Offers (Industry-Wide)
This is arguably the most effective step for stopping generic credit card offers, not just from American Express, but from all major credit bureaus.
Sub-heading: The Power of OptOutPrescreen.com
The four major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Innovis) sell your information to companies for pre-screened offers. By opting out, you remove your name from these lists.
-
Visit OptOutPrescreen.com: Go to
www.optoutprescreen.com -
Choose Your Opt-Out Duration:
-
5-Year Opt-Out: You'll stop receiving offers for five years. This is a good starting point if you want to test the waters.
-
Permanent Opt-Out: This is the most comprehensive option. You'll need to print and mail a signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which can be found on the website or requested by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).
-
-
Provide Your Information: You'll be asked for some personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. While providing your SSN and DOB is optional, it helps the bureaus ensure your request is processed accurately. Rest assured, this is a legitimate service operated by the credit bureaus themselves.
-
Confirmation: Once you submit your request, you should receive confirmation.
Important Note: It can take up to 5 business days for your request to be processed and for the mail to begin slowing down, and even longer (up to 12 weeks) for it to stop entirely, as some mailings may already be in production.
Step 3: Target American Express Directly (for Marketing Mail)
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
While OptOutPrescreen.com handles generic offers, American Express may also send you marketing mail based on your existing customer relationship. You can directly request that Amex stop sending you these materials.
Sub-heading: Managing Preferences Online
American Express provides online tools to manage your communication preferences.
-
Log In to Your American Express Account: Go to americanexpress.com and log in with your User ID and Password.
-
Navigate to Account Management/Preferences: The exact path may vary slightly based on your region and account type, but generally look for sections like:
-
"Account Management"
-
"Alerts, Communications & Privacy"
-
"Communication Preferences"
-
"Marketing Preferences"
-
-
Adjust Marketing Preferences: Within these sections, you should find options to opt out of marketing communications via postal mail. Be sure to specifically look for options related to physical mailings. You might also be able to opt out of email and phone marketing at this stage.
-
Confirm Your Choices: Make sure to save or confirm any changes you make.
Sub-heading: Calling American Express Customer Service
If you can't find the option online or prefer a direct approach, calling them is a viable solution.
-
Locate Your Customer Service Number: This is usually on the back of your American Express card or on their official website under the "Contact Us" section. The general privacy line for American Express in the US is 1-855-AXP-PRIV (297-7748).
-
Speak to a Representative: Explain that you wish to opt out of all marketing mail from American Express. Be clear that you want to stop receiving promotional offers, catalogs, and other unsolicited postal mail.
-
Be Specific: If you have multiple Amex accounts, be sure to mention that you want this preference applied to all of your accounts.
-
Request Confirmation: Ask the representative for confirmation that your request has been processed and for any reference numbers for your call.
Pro Tip: Be polite but firm. Customer service representatives are there to help, and a clear request will lead to a better outcome.
Step 4: Go Paperless for Statements and Essential Documents
While not "junk mail," receiving paper statements and other account documents can still contribute to mailbox clutter. Most financial institutions, including American Express, offer paperless options.
Sub-heading: Enrolling in Paperless Statements Online
-
Log In to Your Account: As in Step 3, log in to your American Express online account.
-
Find Statement Delivery Options: Look for sections related to:
-
"Statements"
-
"Paperless Statements"
-
"Document Delivery Preferences"
-
"Manage Statement Delivery Options"
-
-
Switch to Electronic Statements: Select the option to receive electronic statements instead of paper ones. You'll typically be able to view your statements online and receive email notifications when a new one is available.
-
Verify Email Address: Ensure the email address on file is correct, as this is where notifications for new statements will be sent.
Benefit of Going Paperless: Not only does it reduce mail, but it's also more environmentally friendly and often provides quicker access to your statements.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
 |
Step 5: Consider Third-Party Opt-Out Services
If you're feeling overwhelmed or want to tackle junk mail from many sources at once, several third-party services can help.
Sub-heading: Services like DMAchoice and PaperKarma
-
DMAchoice (Data & Marketing Association): This organization maintains a "do not mail" list for consumers.
-
Visit www.dmachoice.org.
-
You can register online to opt out of various categories of mail, including credit offers, catalogs, and magazine offers.
-
There is typically a small processing fee (around $2).
-
Note: It can take up to 90 days for the mail to stop entirely.
-
-
PaperKarma: This is a mobile app (available on iOS and Android) designed to help you stop junk mail.
-
Download the app.
-
Snap a picture of the unwanted mail.
-
The app identifies the sender and submits an opt-out request on your behalf.
-
While convenient, some of these services may have subscription fees or limitations.
-
Step 6: The "Return to Sender" Method (for Unsolicited Mail)
For truly unsolicited mail that doesn't have an opt-out mechanism or if you're still receiving mail after trying the above steps, you can try marking it "Return to Sender."
-
Do NOT Open: The key to this method is not opening the mail.
-
Write "Refused, Return to Sender": Clearly write "Refused, Return to Sender" on the unopened envelope.
-
Drop in Mailbox: Put it back in your mailbox or a post office collection box.
Caveat: This method is most effective for mail sent with "return service requested," "forwarding service requested," or "address service requested" endorsements. It may not work for all junk mail, especially if it's addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant."
Step 7: Maintain and Monitor
Stopping junk mail isn't always a one-time fix. Companies get new mailing lists, and your information might reappear over time.
Sub-heading: Regular Check-ins
-
Periodically Review Your Preferences: Every year or so, it's a good idea to log back into your American Express account and review your communication preferences to ensure they are still set as you desire.
-
Re-Opt-Out if Necessary: If you opted for a 5-year opt-out with OptOutPrescreen.com, remember to renew it when the five years are up.
-
Be Vigilant: If you notice a new influx of junk mail, retrace these steps to identify the source and take action.
By diligently following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail from American Express and other companies, leading to a much tidier mailbox and less wasted paper!
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to stop credit card pre-screened offers from all companies?
You can stop pre-screened credit card offers from all major credit bureaus by visiting
How to go paperless with American Express statements?
Log in to your American Express online account, navigate to "Statements" or "Account Management," and select the option to receive electronic statements.
How to stop specific marketing emails from American Express?
Open an American Express marketing email and click the "Unsubscribe" link, usually found at the bottom. Alternatively, log into your Amex online account and adjust your email marketing preferences under "Communication Preferences."
How to opt out of ALL American Express marketing communications?
The most comprehensive way is to call American Express customer service (the number on the back of your card or 1-855-AXP-PRIV) and explicitly state you wish to opt out of all marketing communications, including postal mail, email, and phone calls.
How to stop unwanted catalogs from American Express?
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
If Amex sends you product catalogs, follow Step 3 to adjust your marketing preferences online or via phone to opt out of postal mail. For general catalogs, you can also use www.catalogchoice.org.
How to deal with junk mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant"?
Unfortunately, mail addressed generically is harder to stop. You can write "Refused, Return to Sender" on unopened envelopes, but it's not always effective.
How to ensure American Express stops selling my information to third parties for marketing?
When you opt out of marketing communications directly with American Express, you are also instructing them not to share your information with third parties for direct marketing purposes. Review their privacy policy for details.
How long does it take for American Express mail to stop after opting out?
It can take up to 5 business days for opt-out requests to start taking effect, and up to 12 weeks for mail to stop entirely, as some mailings may already be in production.
How to manage communication preferences if I have multiple American Express cards/accounts?
When contacting customer service, clearly state that you wish your opt-out preference to apply to all of your American Express accounts. When managing online, check each account individually if the preferences aren't synchronized.
How to reduce junk mail from other companies after stopping American Express mail?
For generic credit card offers from other companies, use
 |
