Halifax cancelled my credit card

manic_cow

I've had a credit card with halifax for about 5 years (possibly more) and used to use it regularly but paid it off in full last january and haven't used it since. I did plan to start using it again soon though (for u2 tickets among other things - not very moneysaving I know but you have to have a treat every now and then!). I received a letter yesterday saying that because I hadn't used my card for a year they were closing my account and I wouldn't be able to re-open it! I phoned them to check it wasn't a mistake and they confirmed that even if I used it now they wouldn't keep my account open.

Is this normal? It does say in their terms and conditions that they can cancel the agreement whenever they like so I know there's probably nothing I can do, I just feel it's unfair as I was always a good customer and probably gave them a fair bit in interest payments over the years. I'm now concerned that I won't actually be able to get another credit card if I needed one (you never know when it may come in handy with the way things are at the mo), I applied to Egg in August and got rejected so wasn't sure if I should try again with someone else yet or not.

Hopefully this post will give some of you a heads up at least to use your credit cards before they decide to take them from you!

97trophy

You are not alone, I have heard a few similar stories recently.

never-in-doubt

manic_cow wrote: »

I've had a credit card with halifax for about 5 years (possibly more) and used to use it regularly but paid it off in full last january and haven't used it since. I did plan to start using it again soon though (for u2 tickets among other things - not very moneysaving I know but you have to have a treat every now and then!). I received a letter yesterday saying that because I hadn't used my card for a year they were closing my account and I wouldn't be able to re-open it! I phoned them to check it wasn't a mistake and they confirmed that even if I used it now they wouldn't keep my account open.

Is this normal? It does say in their terms and conditions that they can cancel the agreement whenever they like so I know there's probably nothing I can do, I just feel it's unfair as I was always a good customer and probably gave them a fair bit in interest payments over the years. I'm now concerned that I won't actually be able to get another credit card if I needed one (you never know when it may come in handy with the way things are at the mo), I applied to Egg in August and got rejected so wasn't sure if I should try again with someone else yet or not.

Hopefully this post will give some of you a heads up at least to use your credit cards before they decide to take them from you!

Wait til it is closed and reapply for new better card with them, they use internal scores so you should get offered again straight away. You can have more than one Hbos card at any one time, so look to apply for an afinity card or something - even a bank of scotland one.....

i'm assuming your credit file is ok.

Out of interest, what was your limit? If you dont mind sharing with us, this will help people assertain whether you're sub-prime or normal (also limit helps people recommend a product)

never-in-doubt

97trophy wrote: »

You are not alone, I have heard a few similar stories recently.

Alwight m8......

manic_cow

Thanks, my credit file is fine, it may be a little on the quiet side if anything because I've only ever had one credit card and don't have any mortgages or loans etc.

My limit was £2500 which I reached a couple of times but never went over and always made all my payments on time etc.

never-in-doubt

manic_cow wrote: »

Thanks, my credit file is fine, it may be a little on the quiet side if anything because I've only ever had one credit card and don't have any mortgages or loans etc.

My limit was £2500 which I reached a couple of times but never went over and always made all my payments on time etc.

Personally, i'd try a better card such as Virgin (good rates) or something like CitiGold....

They seem to be a couple of good cards that are available to normal people (not sub-prime)......

You'll be fine doing a couple of searches. Who do you bank with and why dont you have a CC with your bank? Please dont say you bank with Hbos.... if so threaten to leave unless they reinstate your card. Or just reapply online for an affinity card and you'll prob get immediately accepted. If you bank with Barclays or HSBC likewise - you got a high chance of instant approval.

manic_cow

never-in-doubt wrote: »

Personally, i'd try a better card such as Virgin (good rates) or something like CitiGold....

They seem to be a couple of good cards that are available to normal people (not sub-prime)......

You'll be fine doing a couple of searches. Who do you bank with and why dont you have a CC with your bank? Please dont say you bank with Hbos.... if so threaten to leave unless they reinstate your card. Or just reapply online for an affinity card and you'll prob get immediately accepted. If you bank with Barclays or HSBC likewise - you got a high chance of instant approval.

I used to bank solely with Halifax, I still have a current account with them which I now use as a bill paying account (ie the 3 of us who live in our flat transfer money into it and all the bills come out of there) and my personal current account is now with Alliance & Leicester (thanks to this site telling me about the free £100 deal). I'll have a look for a deal, I'm in the process of switching my ISA from halifax at the mo as well as it's paying a pathetic 0.1% interest! I'm kind of new to this money saving business Thanks for your help

never-in-doubt

manic_cow wrote: »

I used to bank solely with Halifax, I still have a current account with them which I now use as a bill paying account (ie the 3 of us who live in our flat transfer money into it and all the bills come out of there) and my personal current account is now with Alliance & Leicester (thanks to this site telling me about the free £100 deal). I'll have a look for a deal, I'm in the process of switching my ISA from halifax at the mo as well as it's paying a pathetic 0.1% interest! I'm kind of new to this money saving business Thanks for your help

I'd be looking to apply for a halifax affinity card now - they will say yes! Upto you after all, but that wouls shut them up!

Please click the thanks button if you're happy with a user reply.

Kavanne

Halifax essentially tried to threaten me when I called to shut down my card saying I may not get credit elsewhere!!

never-in-doubt

Kavanne wrote: »

Halifax essentially tried to threaten me when I called to shut down my card saying I may not get credit elsewhere!!

and we both know they are talking utter garbage.......

They really think us consumers are thick - yea right!

Kavanne

never-in-doubt wrote: »

and we both know they are talking utter garbage.......

They really think us consumers are thick - yea right!

I know I told them where to stick it as I have way more credit than I need already! Then they tried I may not be accepted for another card with them and I said I don't want another card with you I have a john lewis card that gives me points, you give me nothing lol.