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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

Learn how the CFPB can help you

My children are under 21 years old, but they receive invitations to apply for credit cards. How is this possible?

Answer:

Card issuers may mail “invitations to apply” based on mailing lists purchased from a variety of sources, such as loyalty or rewards programs. 

However, credit reporting agencies are prohibited from knowingly including consumers under 21 years old on lists used to send firm offers of credit or insurance, unless the individual consented to the credit reporting agency to be included on such lists.

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