How to stop junk mail in the UK
The short answer
Register with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) for mail addressed to you by name. For leaflets that aren't addressed to you, opt out of Royal Mail Door to Door and the Your Choice scheme. Then opt out of marketing at the three credit reference agencies, which supply many mailing lists.
All are free. The MPS takes 2 to 3 months to take full effect, and the two leaflet opt-outs last 2 years.
Which scheme stops which junk mail
| Scheme | What it covers | How | How long | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mailing Preference Service | Mail addressed to you by name, from companies you don't deal with | mpsonline.org.uk | 2 to 3 months for full effect | Until you cancel; update it when you move |
| Royal Mail Door to Door | Unaddressed leaflets delivered by your postie | Email optout@royalmail.com or call 0345 266 0858 for the form | About 6 weeks | 2 years |
| Your Choice | Unaddressed leaflets from other distributors in the scheme | mpsonline.org.uk/your-choice | Up to 12 weeks | 2 years |
| Credit agency marketing | Lists sold for marketing, not your credit file | Experian form; Equifax and TransUnion by email | Up to one month | Re-check yearly |
| Companies you deal with | Mail from your bank, energy supplier, shops | Tell them to stop, or change your marketing settings | Up to one month | Until you agree again |
Checked 26 October 2026 against each organisation's own website. Times are typical, not promises.
What the Mailing Preference Service does, and doesn't
The MPS takes your name and address off the mailing lists used by members of the Data & Marketing Association. Your registration is added straight away, but because mailings are planned months ahead, it can take 2 to 3 months to take full effect.
It doesn't cover:
- mail addressed to "The Occupier" or "The Homeowner";
- mail from companies you're a customer of, or have asked to hear from;
- bills, statements and letters from friends and family.
Each adult registers in their own name. You can't register other people without their explicit agreement.
Stopping leaflets
Leaflets that aren't addressed to you need two separate opt-outs:
- Royal Mail Door to Door stops leaflets delivered by your postie. Email optout@royalmail.com or call 0345 266 0858 for the form, and post it back. It takes about 6 weeks. Royal Mail must still deliver anything addressed to "The Occupier".
- Your Choice covers leaflets from other distributors in the scheme. Allow up to 12 weeks.
Both expire after 2 years and won't remind you, so put a reminder in your calendar.
Stop the lists at the source
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion run marketing businesses alongside your credit file, and many mailing lists start there. Opting out has no effect on your credit file or score.
- Experian: online opt-out form.
- Equifax: contact details in its information notice.
- TransUnion: email its consumer team. Allow up to 30 days.
Opting out of the open electoral register helps too, because it's sold to mailing companies.
Mail for someone who has died
The Bereavement Register and the Deceased Preference Service are free and reduce marketing mail addressed to someone who has died. Allow a few weeks.
We send your Mailing Preference Service and Experian opt-outs for you
- We send your Telephone Preference Service, Mailing Preference Service and Experian opt-outs in one click
- We write the emails for your council, 192.com, Equifax and TransUnion, so you just press send
- All 10 main steps in one plan, with your progress and every reply in one place
- A check of your email and passwords against known data breaches
- Moving home? Your new address is includedOne move within 12 months of signing up.
You can do everything in this guide yourself for free. We make it quicker and keep track of it for you. Nobody can promise your details are gone for good.
About 10 minutes to get started. Buying for a parent or grandparent? Choose “A family member” when you sign up. Cancel within 14 days for a full refund. We never sell your data.
Questions people ask
Is the Mailing Preference Service free?
Yes, registering with the MPS is free. Be wary of anyone who asks for money to register you.
How long does the MPS take to work?
Your registration is added straight away, but the MPS says it can take 2 to 3 months to take full effect, because mailings are planned months in advance.
Why am I still getting mail addressed to "The Occupier"?
The MPS can't reduce mail addressed to "The Occupier" or "The Homeowner". Royal Mail's Door to Door opt-out covers unaddressed leaflets, but Royal Mail must still deliver anything addressed to "The Occupier".
Will stopping junk mail affect my credit score?
No. Opting out of marketing at Experian, Equifax and TransUnion is separate from your credit file and doesn't change your score.
I still get mail from my bank and energy supplier. Why?
The MPS doesn't cover companies you're a customer of. Change the marketing settings in your account, or tell them to stop. Under UK GDPR they must stop direct marketing when you object.
Sources
- Mailing Preference Service: FAQs
- Royal Mail: Door to Door opt-out form
- Experian: Your opt-out options
- Equifax: Information Notice
- TransUnion: Marketing services information
- GOV.UK: Opt out of the open register
- ICO: The right to object to the use of your information
Last checked: 26 October 2026. Time estimates are our own. General information, not legal advice.
Keep reading
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The UK GDPR request that stops marketing, asks where they got your details, and asks for deletion.
Read the guideOpt out of the open register
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