Credit Lists

Mailing to a credit list is not like mailing to any other list form.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates the purchasing of, distribution to, and content of, mailers that are sent to a credit list.  Violation of their guidelines can result in costly fines and possible legal action concerning ALL PARTIES INVOLVED! 

In light of this, Hill Marketing Group assures you that each step and detail along the way when compiling a credit list begins and remains fully compliant with FCRA regulations. 

Each sales event that we create and mail for uses a freshly-generated credit list that comes directly from the credit bureau.  After consulting with the dealership that signs up, we order a credit list through one of our partnering lenders.  The partnering lender functions as our liaison to the credit bureau, which provides us with tremendous benefits that we are able to pass along to you, the dealership. 

These benefits allow you to receive a fresh credit list, pulled specifically for your event, targeting exactly who you want to sell to.  When we pull a count for your event, we consolidate the detailed filtered results into one easy-to-read matrix.  From one matrix, you can see how many qualified records are in your area, which zip code they’re in, how many miles away they are, which direction they are (11.4 miles NW), and how many in each zip code.  This allows you to know who, what, when and where your offer goes.   

Additional filters help to “fine-tune” your list.  You can request a minimum score (i.e. no lower than 550) and a maximum score (i.e. nothing above 650) to provide an ideal general credit score range.   

Then you can eliminate all automatic “deal breakers” (i.e. BK in the last 12, Repo in the last 12 etc.) from the list to increase the integrity of your list.   

Income filters are available (i.e. minimum $24,000 p/yr to $100,000 p/yr) but have recently been determined to be less accurate than before.  We recommend no income filters, but you are free to do so if you wish. 

Standard filters cannot be reduced. 

These are: 2 years minimum history, 500 minimum score, $1500 trade high rated positive last 12 months, minimum credit indicator (for sub 550 lists only).  You may increase these filter parameters (i.e. 3 years on file instead of 2, $2500 trade high instead of $1500 etc.) but you cannot reduce them because to remain FCRA compliant, lists must meet the minimum buying guidelines of the lender. 

For a free consultation regarding the availability of pre-screened records in your PMA, contact us by phone or click on the “Buy our stuff” page link above. 

Furthermore, to protect all parties involved, other specific conditions regulated by FCRA must be met to remain compliant.

Compliance Rules For Opt-Out All of the following conditions must be met to remain compliant.

Firm Offer of Credit

• The mail piece must offer a minimum AND maximum amount to finance!

• The minimum amount must be determined to be a reasonable loan amount with which to purchase a vehicle (i.e. you must have at least $4000)! 

• The maximum amount must correspond to the lending guidelines for the targeted consumer to be approved for (WSAC does not allow above $39,000)! 

• You must fully disclose the approval criteria that the consumer could reasonably be expected to meet! (Must meet GBAC Terms and Conditions approval!)

Opt Out -Short Notice

• Short Notice must be on the front page of the offer / mailer!

• Short Notice must direct the reader to the Long Notice!

• Short Notice type size must be larger than the size of the principal text on the same page!

• Short Notice type size must be at least 12 pt!

• Short Notice type must be in a different font style than the principal text on the same page (i.e., bold, italics, different color, etc.)!

• It must be inside of a paragraph border in a format that distinguishes it from other text on the page!

 Example: 

You can choose to stop receiving “pre-screened” offers of credit from this and other companies by calling toll-free 888-567-8688. See the PRESCREEN & OPT OUT NOTICE below for more information about prescreened offers.

Opt Out – Long Notice

• The type size can be no smaller than the type size of the principal text on the page!

• The type size has to be at least 8 pt. (preferably 10pt. and recommended 12 pt. if on the reverse side)!

• It must begin with the following heading in capital letters AND underlined: “PRESCREEN & OPT OUT NOTICE” (see example below) 

• The type style must be distinct from the type style of the principal text of the page (i.e. bold, italics, or different color)! 

• It must be set apart from other text on the page, such as indenting margins and a blank line above and below it!

• ONLY language regarding the Opt Out message and nothing else that could possibly confuse the consumer is allowed in the Opt Out – Long Notice section! 

• It MUST be in clear, concise, and simple terms that the average consumer will easily understand!

 Example: 

“PRESCREEN & OPT-OUT NOTICE: This “prescreened” offer of credit is based on information in your credit report indicating that you meet certain criteria.  This offer is not guaranteed if you do not meet our criteria including providing acceptable collateral.  If you do not want to receive prescreened offers of credit from this or any other companies, call the consumer reporting agencies toll-free, 1-888-567-8688 or visit the website at www.optoutprescreen.com; or write TransUnion Opt-Out Request PO Box 505, Woodlyn, PA 19094-0505, Equifax Options, P.O. Box 740123 Atlanta, GA 30374, Experian Information Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 919, Allen, TX 75013.”

The Long Notice cannot contain any information other than what you see here that might confuse the FCRA message.  Any additional specific lending criteria that we now have in our disclaimer or any other terms and conditions such as debt to income ratios, etc., will also have to be disclosed. This notice is for Opt-Out compliance guidelines only and is to be used for a checklist ONLY!  TERMS AND CONDITIONS credit requirement for final approval include minimum gross monthly income of $1800.00, monthly payment not to exceed 20% of gross monthly income and 45% total monthly debt. 3-year job/ residence history in the area. You must be 18 years of age or older and all information provided to be true and correct. Lender assumes no responsibility for incorrect information provided by the various reporting credit agencies. A large equity investment may be required. Any bankruptcy must be discharged before funding. If compliance is met on all above provisions GBAC will provide financing to all qualified customers and a guaranteed approval for a minimum amount of $4,000.00 to $39,000 depending on vehicle chosen, at a simple interest rate of 18.99 APR. and/or max state usury rate (whichever is higher); Example for every $1000.00 financed @ 18.99% for a period of 60 months your payment will be $25.94 therefore if you finance $12,500.00 @ 60 months, your payment will be $324.19 on a new or pre-owned  2002 or newer vehicle  with maximum 65,000 miles and a minimum book/invoice value of $7500.00. Minimum contract term of 24 months. See dealer for additional details.

If you have any unanswered questions, call us or contact us on the “Buy our stuff” tab at the top of this page.

P.S. You’re one step closer to making it happen!