Aqua card, cannot activate or close - what to do?

Arleen

I came to uk some months ago, do not hold a passport or driving license - just my national ID card, simply because it was more then enough for bank account, house lease, mobile contract, well, you name it.

I decided to apply online for aqua card to start building a credit history, I don't need credit as I make very good money so I planned to just use it for purchasing stuff of amazon and paying it in full before grace period. It all went smoothly until the telephone activation which I somehow failed (possibly I spelled the password wrong) and was asked to send over copy of my ID, council tax demand and cover letter. I gathered the above an sent it over.

2 weeks later I received a letter that they require a photocopy of my passport or uk driving license, so I've picked up a phone and spent almost 2 hours being juggled between their phone support. Conclusion is that they cannot accept my ID card as a proof of ID and as such cannot activate, nor close my account. They suggested that I send them a letter, but then retracted since I've applied online and they do not have my signature in theie database. After that he told me that it will hang there for "few years" till they decide to close it, but until that happens it will hang unused on my credit report.

Now here I come to you guys with two question:

1. How damaging it would be to have that CC lay unused on my report? I really want to build my credit rating, and this seems like it would not only not help me with building it, but actually stop me from getting another one which I could use for actual building.

2. And the more important question: what now? I don't want this inactive card, and I am happy with either activation or cancelling it but even their phone support didn't give me a way out. What to do, grab some stones, got he their HQ and offer them a old-fashion stoning? Is there an agency I can complain about this that would help resolve the issue? They didn't get ANY verification of my details, address, employment during the process of opening an account.

Thanks in advance for any help.

grumbler

1. Not damaging at all, especially taking Aqua's pathetic credit limits into account. Even if reported to CRA(s) it's likely to have a positive effect only.

2. I don't see any need to do anything.

tsimehC

I had my card suspended for over a month and had problems trying to verify my ID (with a British passport nevermind a National ID card). God knows how I much effort and money I spent on the phone and post trying to resolve it.

Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for you though if you're up for stoning, I'll happily tag along.