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Anonymous
Not applicable

closing a card

im new to this site...sorry for the repeat posts.

 

i have a card in the mail but not sure if i want to use the card at all... do i need to close a card that i have not activated or used once...or can i just rip it up and not even think about it again?  i told them to send me the card in the mail but im reluctant to use the company that apprpved me...

Message 1 of 9
8 REPLIES 8
Tazman81
Established Contributor

Re: closing a card

In order to give you an informed opinion, we would need a little more information.  What was the reason you opened this card?  Why do you not like the company?  Did you open the card so that you can start building credit and/or reestablishing credit?  Does it have an annual fee?  Interest rate?  Do you have other major credit cards that you do use and pay regularly?


Current Score: Eq: 823 Tu: 830
Goal Score: Eq: 850 Tu: 850

Wallet: PenFed Power Cash 50k | AMEX Blue Cash (AU) 49.5k | Cap One QSMC 26.5k | AMEX Platinum NPSL | USAA Signature Visa 25k
Message 2 of 9
Wolf3
Senior Contributor

Re: closing a card

Activating a card is not opening or closing an account.   You need to call and close it.  

 

Whats the card?

Message 3 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: closing a card

i have never been a cc guy.  always cash.  i always thought personal credit cards hurt the economy.  maybe bad logic but i think banks should lend to business and not to girls who want to shop and stretch out a 300 dollar dress over 6 months...that being said im a little older.  i got a bmw on my own with out a cosigner and credit served it purpose.  pretty soon i will be in the market for a mortgage.  i dont really need the card but in order to increase future purchasing power i think its in my best interest to get trade lines with a visa through wells fargo or my CU.  since ive never ever missed a payment with my car or student loan or my bull****best buy card (issued through HSBC bank) i have been receiving numerous pre approved offers...citi, discover....almost 2 a week for gthe past 8 months!  i just deposited some cash i had in my wachovia account (owned by wells fargo) and two days later i got a pre approved offer from wells fargo...i figured my chances to get a card will probably be best with wells considering i bank with wachovia for personal and business...so i gave in...and got approved....now my card is in the mail...no annual fee....the rate for wells fargo is an intro 0% then jumps to like 18%.....my credit union has an intro rate of 2.9 for 6 months then jumps to only 8 or 10%....id rather trade a 0% intro that jumps to 18 for a 2.9% that jumps to only 10%

 

i know there are horror stories about everything online...im well versed on internet research on certain products and service...but the reviews have been overrwhelmingly negative for wells fargo and incredibly positive for CU....

Message 4 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: closing a card

@wolf...the card is a wells fargo platinum visa....i just told the lady to send it to me after i found out i was approved.  but ifffffff i decide to not use wells fargos card i was wondering if i need to officially close it by calling them or act  like i never got it  just throw it into the shredder?!  if i decided to shred the card would that have some consequence?!  dumb questions i know...and i apoligize...

Message 5 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: closing a card

I see you mentioned your HSBC Best Buy card... I have the mastercard which I use for my primary card currently. Do you have the store card?  I'm curious as to what complaint you have with it?

 

I do agree with you though that cash is gold... or vice versa.  I stopped paying credit card interest quite some time ago.  I pay in full twice a month.  My primary reason behind using a credit card is both the rewards (even though it hurts retailers) and knowing that it's easier to steal a waad of cash in my pocket than a CC.  The only time I have loads of cash on hand would be at the casino.

Message 6 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: closing a card

@cyan....no complaints at all...it is a store card tho...i dont want to limit my credit to just best buy lol...  i was under the impression that store cards are 3rd tier cards and not really the best tohave on your report...they did offer interest free 18 months which was cool...i have a limit of 2600 and a balance of 300..l....it built my credit to enable me to get an unsecured visa....

 

 

Message 7 of 9
Tazman81
Established Contributor

Re: closing a card

@330xi:  Most people do have credit cards in order to establish future purchasing power.  The worse thing is to need credit, but not have any.  I would recommend that you go ahead and activate the card and start using it.  You can put a monthly reoccuring bill on it and then make the payment at the end of the month so that you are not charged interest.

 

The reason that I try to pay in full each month is because I do not want to be spending more on my credit card than I can actually afford every month.  That is a good habit to get into and will keep you out of trouble in the future.

 

If you are looking for a mortgage, most mortgage companies like to see 3 tradelines open to show that you know how to handle credit responsibly.  You may want to talk with whichever company you are planning to use for your mortgage to see what they suggest.


Current Score: Eq: 823 Tu: 830
Goal Score: Eq: 850 Tu: 850

Wallet: PenFed Power Cash 50k | AMEX Blue Cash (AU) 49.5k | Cap One QSMC 26.5k | AMEX Platinum NPSL | USAA Signature Visa 25k
Message 8 of 9
Wolf3
Senior Contributor

Re: closing a card

You have 2 threads going on the same topic.

 

Welcome to the world of credit.   If you want a mortgage, the lenders want to see you have a history of using credit.   Three credit cards seem to be the minimum to prove this to most lenders. 

 

One of the easier ways to make transistion to credit from cash is to put some of your monthly bills on your card and make 1 monthly payment per month.  Simplifies your bill paying and builds great credit history.    Having 1 card just for gasoline and paying once a month is another.  Plan your budget so you use these like charge cards, pay in full once a month, just like any other monthly bill.

 

I think having banking and credit relationship with a major bank and a credit union is the best option in general.    It gives you more options for the future.  

 

I still suggest you pursue them both.

Message 9 of 9
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