Partner was given a credit card she didn't want

Everynamestaken

My Gf went into Lloyds bank around 6/7 months ago to sort out her online banking. She has only just told me today though that the lady kept banging on about an extra card.

My gf first language is not English, but she is without doubt capable of holding a conversation (usually more than me), but her downside seems to be saying no sometimes, and feeling pressured, and trying to leave as quick as possible.

I am no credit card expert as I have never had one so I thought I would post on here, although I wasn't sure if to post this on the banking forum or not.

I can only go on what she has told me but she kept saying no, and the advisor told her "you can't use this in the shops, it's only to use online, it's free, just log on now" etc etc". She tried to get away and never did log on/register in branch, but I've quizzed her about it today and although she kept saying she didn't need this and it's a "special online card", it is indeed a credit card with balance transfers 0% for 6 months.

Does she just ring them up to cancel it as she has no intention to use it, as she doesn't want to incur charges or have a bad credit rating etc.

She says she will go into branch to cancel it but she seems worried now that every time she goes into the bank, they will sell her something. I have said to her "say NO, and sign nothing apart from a deposit or a withdrawal slip".

grumbler

Everynamestaken wrote: »

Does she just ring them up to cancel it

Yes.

as she has no intention to use it, as she doesn't want to incur charges or have a bad credit rating etc.

If you use it correctly, i.e. for purchases only and pay the balance in full every month, there are no any charges. In fact you benefit from up to 50-55 days interest-free period on purchases, extra protection and build your credit history at the same time, not damage your credit rating.

You can use it for all your purchases provided that you stay within the limit, or for just a few - simply to maintain the credit history. A direct debit is the best way of paying balance in full and on time to avoid any errors and complications.

Sabbathdei

Yes ring them up to cancel and also to complain about the shameful pressure selling of the bank staff, who sounds like they were taking advantage of your gf's nationality to force her to have something she didn't need. A letter of complaint to the branch is in order too I think. "Special online card" indeed....

CKhalvashi

If it's not been used (and that wasn't what I was expecting when I opened the thread) then it should be able to be closed by writing in or online. That way there's no physical contact.

Don't complain, just don't activate it. The sales advisor doesn't get their bonus, and that hurts them more.

CK

1jim

I tend to disagree I would complain, I wouldn't use but I would also make sure I cancelled it (unless it could be of some benefit in the future)

Some banks have a history of pressure selling, most adults can say no but the banks have a duty to be able to work out who can't say no and deal with that appropriately. It should be enough to say no thanks, I'm not interested and for them to accept it and move on.

CLAPTON

nothing was sold

no costs were incurred

no future costs need be incurred


however, if she ever wants a mortgage or other future credit (or sometime merely a mobile phone contract) then having and using credit card regularly (and paying in full each month) will help enormously

bengal-stripe

Everynamestaken wrote: »

My Gf went into Lloyds bank around 6/7 months ago to sort out her online banking. She has only just told me today though that the lady kept banging on about an extra card.

Your GF had the card for something like six months and she only told you just now about the card and how she was signed-up against her will all that time ago. There is a possibility, she kept quiet about the card because she wanted the card, but, knowing your anti-CC stance, didn't want to tell you. Are you sure she hasn't used the card at all?

You might not think so, but a CC used wisely is a good thing. Maybe your GF is more money-wise than you are.

jonesMUFCforever

It is also fact that using a credit card online is safer than a debit card.
If you are scammed then your money is at risk until the bank sorts it out - but with a credit card it is the bank's money.

Everynamestaken

bengal-stripe wrote: »

Your GF had the card for something like six months and she only told you just now about the card and how she was signed-up against her will all that time ago. There is a possibility, she kept quiet about the card because she wanted the card, but, knowing your anti-CC stance, didn't want to tell you. Are you sure she hasn't used the card at all?

You might not think so, but a CC used wisely is a good thing. Maybe your GF is more money-wise than you are.

I"m not so much anti cc if it used properly by the financially savvy, but it's far from reality that everyone is.

I know the benefits of them, but they are also not for everyone.
As for the money wise comment, I"ll disagree with you on that one, especially as I had to check it was a cc she had been given, as she maintained it wasn"t (as the advisor told her it wasn"t)