Cap One acct open but no card to use

[Anonymous]

Hello.

I opened a Cap One CC in 2010.  In 2015, due to my lack of organization, I was behind in payments enough for them to suspend my account but not close it.  After getting caught up quickly, they told me I would have to apply for another card if I wanted to resume using their services.  I never did because I didn't care enough to risk being denied.  Now it's 2018.  The account is still open and I'm in good standing despite still not having a card to use.  

I finally took my husband's last name this week.  All my other CCCs have been notified and my CRs over the next several weeks will reflect the change.  I haven't called Cap One because I'm afraid if I bring this to their attention, they tell me to get a card or they will close the account (which would affect my AAoA of 7+ years).  I want to apply for another CC later this year but I'm not currently interested in any Cap One products. But I don't want two different last names on my CRs either. Do multiple last names matter on CRs?  Will Cap One ever close that account for not using it?  Do they even know?  Is this normal?  What, if anything, should I do?

Tx.

[Anonymous]

So the account is open now long has it been since you last made a purchase? Does the account show on their website as active? If so have you tried the send a replacement card option on the website. If the account is still open and in good standings you should be able to request a replacement via website without having to call I've done it many times to replace worn out EMV chips. If it's been over a year the account could be closed for inactivity at any point the lender decides. You can also update your info on the website such as your name address etc.

[Anonymous]

Last time I looked at the account (2015), it was open but the card was inactive. A CSR told me I had to apply for a brand new card (which didn't make any sense if I'm caught up).

I just tried to login using my user ID (I rotate a small list so it was easy to remember). But I can't get my pswd reset w/o providing my CC card info...which I don't have.

Have you ever heard of having to re-apply for a CC if the account is in good standing and was never closed?

[Anonymous]

Hmmm that's quite the situation now as you cant gain access to your account without your card number. You shouldn't have to apply for another card in order to use that account. I believe the context that was used when you were told you need to apply was telling you need to apply for another card for the open account not apply for a new account and a new card. I suggest opening up a chat line and explain to them you lost your card and havent been able to find it in quite some time and your worried your account may close due to inactivity. They will likely give you the status of your account then verify your information and send you a replacement card if the account is still active.

[Anonymous]

Excellent suggestion. I'll report back this afternoon. Thanks.

[HeavenOhio]

I have numerous names on my credit report. My name appears with and without my middle initial. It appears with both the full and shortened version of my first name. And it appears with a misspelling of my last name. I've had credit under all those names, so I figure the information is accurate. My current open accounts have all the variations except for the misspelling; that was corrected recently.

I definitely see the desire to get your new name on all of your open accounts. But I wouldn't expect your previous name to drop from your reports entirely. People change names due to marriage and divorce all the time. It shouldn't be a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Update: yes, the account is open but because of how the account was suspended and now because of the time lapse, I'd still have to apply for a new card to use it on that account. I've read Cap One is very forgiving but I'm just not interested in burning an HP for something I don't need. Also, the CSR said he has no idea when C1 would ever close the account.

I told him I would think about it (decision is already made).

Thanks again?

[Anonymous]

That is indeed strange I'm sorry to hear that I've never heard of this before. Well if you decide to close the account it will not immediately affect your AAoA it will remain aging on your account for 10 years and then will fall of affecting your AAoA at that time unless you have a card that was opened shortly after that card in which not much of a change will occur. Closure of the account can happen at any day at this point because its sat so long with inactivity.

[Anonymous]

Good points.

I have 2 cards that were active several years before the Cap1 so whatever happens at this point shouldn't matter much.

Again, thanks for the guidance.