Close credit card account

Rightmoves

I've had two 0% credit cards with lowish balances. The offers were due to expire in September and December. I've managed to clear both and would like to close the accounts but both providers say to only call if its urgent. I want them both gone so I don't forget or am not tempted to use them again. I am pretty sure my current work contract will not now be renewed in January so I want to get as tight a handle on my finances as I can. 

Can I write to them?  Enclosing the chopped up cards? It is tesco and barclaycard in case that helps. 

MallyGirl

online banking?

Rightmoves

MallyGirl said:

online banking?

The online banking only seems to allow phoning. I've searched everywhere on the site even for a chat button

D3xt3r5L4b

Cut the cards up and then call at a later date?

Rightmoves

D3xt3r5L4b said:

Cut the cards up and then call at a later date?

done that. I never actually activated them just did balance transfers so I am not too worried about being tempted. I woulld like them gone and closed is all. 

Nice problem to have i suppose

maxximus75

If you can trust yourself then keep them open and not use them.  It will help with your credit history.

If not, you have said tha you have cut them up and also never activated them so as it's not an urgent issue, I would diarise to call them at a later date when things have settled somewhat.

george9071

There could be some benefits to keeping the accounts, helping out your credit report and also having the accounts open for a while but if you do want to close them then depending on the provider i don't see a problem with a letter to close them.

cymruchris

I would cut the cards up - but let the accounts sit there, as it's beneficial to have 'available credit' unused should you want to apply for something again in future. (Realistically I'd actually keep the cards - and buy my shopping/fuel on there monthly and then pay in full - to keep the cards active - but that's me not you ) 

jonesMUFCforever

I would really keep the cards open for now - every bank that has reported quarterly figures this week have had their profits decimated - credit is not going to be easy to get this year and beyond. In an emergency you might need these cards.

blue.peter

Rightmoves said:

Can I write to them?  Enclosing the chopped up cards? It is tesco and barclaycard in case that helps. 

There's no reason why you shouldn't write to the card issuers and ask them to close the accounts. I've done that once or twice in the past. However:

1. In view of the present circumstances, it might take them a while to act on your letter; and

2. As others have noted, it's likely to be advantageous to keep the accounts open. If you're going to do this, there might also be merit in keeping them ticking over with one or two small transactions each month (and then paying the accounts in full each month!). Like cymruchris, this is what I'd do.

Warslet

If you definitely don’t want them to remain open write to the providers, by recorded mail, requesting to close them. If you want to maintain an account for emergencies you could keep one and request a credit limit reduction to avoid being tempted to spend. Good for credit history as previously mentioned.