Unknown Credit Cards on Credit Report? Barclays Partner Finance & Monzo Flex

AnnabelW

Today I checked my credit score/report and found it shows 2 credit cards I didn't know I had.
Are these actually 'credit cards'? and if so, how it is fair/legal that they don't clearly say this when signing up?
Are there any negative consequences for these being open?

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The 2 'credit cards' showing are for (1) Clydesdale Finance and (2) Monzo Credit Card:

(1) In March 2024 I bought a new iPhone on Amazon and paid for it via Barclays Partner Finance. In emails it shows as 'Installments by Barclays', I understand this is the Clydesdale Finance 'credit card'.
I paid this off over 12 months with no issues, so as far as I was aware this was closed/finished by March 2025. I've since received an email saying that due to nil usage, they will close the account automatically in Oct 2026. As it's now Sep, I'll probably leave it to close automatically, but are there negatives to having had this 'credit card' and not having used it? The credit limit was £3,000. Also, whilst I knew I was signing up to credit (as it did a credit check), I was under the impression it was a Klarna-esque scheme, like a pay-in-12-installments, and not actually a credit card. Have I just been an idiot here, or is it being mis-represented?

(2) The Monzo credit card I now understand is the Monzo Flex. However, I again feel like this wasn't clear it was a credit card I was signing up to. Whilst it does a credit check in the app, it's big selling point really is that it's a pay-in-3 for 0% and charges applying beyond that. It's almost too easy within the app to sign up to Flex. Is it actually a credit card that I have with Monzo Flex? I've used this way more loosely to date, as it wasn't clear to me it was a credit card and thus I should've been stricter about paying it off.

Anyone who has experienced similar would be keen to hear from you - thanks!

molerat

They are not actually "credit cards" but flexible rolling credit, much the same but you can't go into town and spend it in random stores. The T&Cs when you signed up would have clearly stated this.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B094DFWTMC?pr=ukGIL&plattr=footer&place=camp&ie=UTF-8

Instalments by Barclays is a reusable credit account that lets you spread the cost of purchases over £100 across fixed monthly payments. After adding eligible items to your basket, change the payment method to Instalments by Barclays and click to apply.
If approved by Barclays, you can make further purchases with your instalment account without completing another application, as long as you stay within your overall credit limit and under your monthly payment limit, as calculated by Barclays.

FlorayG

You can "spend it in random stores" I use my Monzo Flex all the time just as if it was a CC

Isthisforreal99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6682274/unknown-credit-cards-on-credit-report-barclays-partner-finance-monzo-flex

Assuming both were online, did you bother to read what you signed up for and just didn't just tick 'I agree'

The_Groat_Counter

Just to add my own 'for what it's worth' comment…

I've got a now dormant AO Finance account on my credit report, the account is with New Day Ltd (who also offer multiple credit cards). On my credit reports it essentially appears as if it were a credit card. I don't have any problem with this.

I've no particular plans to use the AO Finance facility at present so perhaps they might withdraw it some day if it stays unused, but it causes no problems so I've no need to actively close it down myself.