Cancelling a credit card

Absinthe_Fairy

A quick question...

If I want to cancel a credit card, is it ok just to write to the provider, enclosing the account number and the cut-up card, and ask for my account to be closed? Or do I have to telephone first?

The balance is zero and has been for a month (I haven't spent anything on it for a while).

I just don't want to spend money on a phone call or waste time listening to someone trying to persuade me to keep the card (which I definitely don't want to do).

Thanks for your help!

cifpower

I would phone them as you may get an offer! If you are of strong will just give them a call and ask them to send written confirmation that the account will be closed.

lisyloo

I always phone them.
They will try to persuade you to stay, but if you say you definitely aren't interested then they aren't too bad.

Absinthe_Fairy

cifpower wrote: »

I would phone them as you may get an offer! If you are of strong will just give them a call and ask them to send written confirmation that the account will be closed.

I definitely don't want an offer - I have three other credit cards that suit my needs. This is the Halifax card that used to be Amazon - as I'm not getting Amazon points any more I don't want to keep the card.

I have a strong will... I just have an aversion to talking on the phone! Would rather deal with things in writing whenever possible.

Thanks for your reply!

cifpower

if you are averse to paying for a phone call have a look on https://www.saynoto0870.com for a free number

lisyloo

If you really don't want to talk on the phone then send in a letter, but I would ask for an acknowledgement otherwise you don't know whether it's been received.
This could take up to 1 month (which is why I prefer to call).
If you don't get an acknowledgement then you may have to send a letter recorded delivery (75p) to prove they have recived it and it's not lost in the post.

Another alternative is to try emailing.
Some companies have secure messaging if you have an on-line account.
This shouldbe quicker than post.

Absinthe_Fairy

Thanks cifpower - that site looks really handy!

lisyloo, I would have sent a recorded-delivery letter anyway even if I did phone so that I would have evidence if there was a problem. I don't mind if cancellation takes a while - I just thought I should do it now rather than put it in a drawer and forget about it!

Thanks for the tip about secure messaging - I'll look into that.