Unneeded credit accounts with online retailers?

597money

I have a few credit accounts with online retailers that I was "forced" into opening when ordering products from their site. Is there any benefit of trying to get these credit accounts closed as I never use them as I just pay in full?

Thanks

thebritishbloke

If you shop from them regularly, I'd keep them open or else they'll keep searching your file. Don't let the credit limits get too high on the accounts.

GingerBob_3

thebritishbloke wrote: »

If you shop from them regularly, I'd keep them open or else they'll keep searching your file. Don't let the credit limits get too high on the accounts.

Absolutely close them without delay. It takes just one error on their part (see the myriad of problems listed on this site caused by erroneous reporting to the CRAs) to screw up your chances of obtaining REAL credit.

I've come across this before, e.g. Next, where you can't buy from them without opening a credit account; I don't buy from them.

As a general rule, the fewer companies you have reporting you to the CRAs the better.

thebritishbloke

GingerBob wrote: »

Absolutely close them without delay. It takes just one error on their part (see the myriad of problems listed on this site caused by erroneous reporting to the CRAs) to screw up your chances of obtaining REAL credit.

I've come across this before, e.g. Next, where you can't buy from them without opening a credit account; I don't buy from them.

As a general rule, the fewer companies you have reporting you to the CRAs the better.

I remember when I was about 13, I opened a LittleWoods account to buy a game, which I paid it on my debit card straight away. A few weeks later they call my house to ask if I was interested in some special offers, my mum answered and said "Well he's only 13, so no.".

Apparently they opened a credit account and I had a £1,000 credit limit. How they gave that to a 13 year old, I don't know.

597money

Can anyone suggest the best method of closing these credit accounts or is it just contact each company directly and ask them? Is there any specific wording I should be using? Thanks

phona

597money wrote: »

Can anyone suggest the best method of closing these credit accounts or is it just contact each company directly and ask them? Is there any specific wording I should be using? Thanks

"I'd like to close my account please.":p
Worked for me when I closed a credit card a few months ago. You'll need to contact each company.

GingerBob wrote: »

I've come across this before, e.g. Next, where you can't buy from them without opening a credit account; I don't buy from them.

Agreed. This is the only reason I have never bought online from Next. I got as far as having the item in my basket and searching in vain for an option to pay by card. I don't want a credit account for twenty-odd quid of jeans!
Turns out they have this thing called a shop; it's pretty retro but does the job with no account required!