Cancelling Credit Cards

BulletCraig

I'm looking to cancel my Barclaycard and Capital One cards as they have no balance and I never use them anymore. The websites say to phone them and they'll sort it out but I just know I'll get spiel after spiel asking why I want to cancel and offers/incentives to stay and I really can't be bothered with it all. Is it possible to cancel by via letter? If so which would be the best address to write to?

Thanks

missprint

I've never had any problems cancelling credit cards over the phone. Just state clearly you no longer wish to use the card and you want it cancelled. Ask for a letter confirming the card is cancelled. Make sure this arrives within a week or so, follow up with another phone call if it doesn't - although I have never had to do this. They really don't put up much of a fight, just be polite but firm.

linniestorm

I used to have the problem of arguing the point too, which I disliked because I hate being on the spot like that, but I've noticed, since the credit crunch started to bite a bit more, closing down accounts has become a lot easier!! Just a case of saying I want it shut, and them saying ok and telling me how long it will take, a one minute job, so you might find it easier than you think!

jsmesjoy

you can email them, and ask for the cancellation.
You can directly talk to them and ask for the cancellation

Staciep88

I am also with capital one and you can now send message on-line (if your not registered on-line go to the website and its pretty straight forward to do) and just explain to them that you want to close your account. they will either do it via the messaging or you'll have to ring up but at least they will know whats coming and just explain that you dont spend on them so theres no point in having them, although i bet they will try and talk u into their new 4% cash back deal but if you dont want it just say NO

x

nzseries1

I closed my Barclaycard by phoning a few days ago. Actually it was nowhere near as bad as I thought. They tried to offer me two deals but I just said "no, I don't think that suits me" to both and that was the end of it.

Volcane

I cancelled a Capital One and a Goldfish card a few weeks ago and the only (non security) question they asked was "why"?

Explanation given and that was that.... very painless!

DestroyingAngel_2

Here's a bit of trivia for you: it costs a cc company/bank a lot more to reel in new customers than it does to keep existing ones. Hence the "loyalty" or "retention" department whose job it is to try to retain customers by sometimes giving in to their demands and/or bending over backwards to keep them happy.

PROLIANT

DestroyingAngel wrote: »

Here's a bit of trivia for you: it costs a cc company/bank a lot more to reel in new customers than it does to keep existing ones. Hence the "loyalty" or "retention" department whose job it is to try to retain customers by sometimes giving in to their demands and/or bending over backwards to keep them happy.

The sales advisor cos they get comission for it.

HamiltonL

^^^ As someone who works at Abbey, I believe that not to be the case re. commission. Other banks may operate differently of course.