I've been trying to get both my Orchard cards AF removed last week. Called twice and they declined.
Third time, told them I would cancel if they don't credit the $79 AF on both cards. To my surprise, the CSR said "I can certainly do that for you, sir."
I thought to myself, these cards have my oldest trade lines and I don't want to do that... I was just playing the game.
The CSR had to transfer me to another department to finalize the cancellation. Right after the transfer, I complained about the high AF to the next CSR. The rep then said, she can halve it for me. Told her, "If you can do half, then I am certain you can take the entire AF off. If you can't do it, I want to speak to someone that can." Also told her that I can feed my family for 2 weeks on the AF they charge me. She put me on a 5 minute hold, came back and told me that she will credit the AF back to both my accounts.
Moral of the story:
If you are having a hard time getting AF removed, be persistent. And due to current economic conditions, creditors are willing to close account if requested so I wouldn't recommend using the "threaten to close" tactic nowadays. Be truthful and tell them about how you are trying to cope with current economic crisis.
