SAN DIEGO -- Chances are you can’t open up your mailbox without finding a few credit card offers.

It can be annoying, but there is a way to stop those offers for good.

During his college years, Dan Sanderson racked up a hefty credit card bill, and he’s working hard to pay it off.

"So, I try to not use credit cards, ever, except for emergencies. I'd rather just spend the money I have," said Sanderson.

But at least four times a week, Sanderson said he opens his mailbox to find a very tempting, unsolicited credit card offer that promises things like preapproval, 0 percent interest and a sky-high credit limit.

Americans receive 5 billion prescreened credit card applications from banks every year. Some consider them a deal, but others consider them junk mail.

"Federal law says you have the right to say, 'No,' or opt out of receiving unsolicited credit card solicitations based on a credit report," said Ed Mierzwinksi of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.

By calling 888-5-OPT-OUT or heading to OptOutPreScreen.com, you can put an end to those envelopes permanently.

Four major credit card bureaus run the service, but many wonder why. They are the ones that provide the information banks need to screen you.

Stuart Pratt with the Consumer Data Industry Association said by law the information on how to opt out must be included on every offer received.

"Anytime you order your credit report that too will include information on how you can opt out," said Pratt.

If you decide to opt out, you will be asked to provide your name, address and Social Security number.

Pratt added, "When you have over 2 million consumers with the same last name of Smith and probably another 2 million consumers with the last name of Jones, the Social Security number is the key to identifying your record."

Experts said while in this case it is safe to provide that information, many consumers are still very wary.

The U.S. PIRG asked the federal government to request that credit bureaus stop using it as an identifier, but no action was ever taken.

"I think that the credit bureaus count on the fact that some consumers don't want to give out their Social Security number. And that lowers the number of people who take advantage of their privacy rights,” said Mierzwinksi.

Mierzwinski said people do not realize that opting out will actually reduce the risk of having your identity stolen through mail theft and can cut credit card debt.

"People apply for cards they don't need and they don't want just because they get the offers," said Mierzwinski.

Pratt said there are pluses.

"What could be better than having banks compete for my business and help me save money?” said Pratt.

Sanderson said the best way for him to save money is to stay away from credit cards, so he chose to opt out.

"I think it's definitely important for people to know that that option is out there," said Sanderson.

If you decide to opt out, it could take several months for credit card offers to stop arriving.

Also, offers generated from business relationships with your current bank or the stores where you shop will not stop. To opt out of those offers, you will need to contact each of those places.

Visit www.optoutprescreen.com for information on how to stop receiving credit card offers in the mail. Those interested can also call 888-5-OPT-OUT for more information.