From: "Nebulous" 
Newsgroups: uk.finance
Subject: Re: How do I cancel a credit card?
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2004 22:48:21 -0000


"Laura"  wrote in message
news:400efe1b$0$226$fa0fcedb@lovejoy.zen.co.uk...
> I have a Barclaycard that's had a zero balance for two years, so I decided
> to cancel it.
>
> First attempt - "certainly madam, your account has been closed as of
today's
> date".
> Shortly afterwards I get a letter informing me that my credit limit has
been
> increased.
>
> Second attempt - "certainly madam", as before.
> I then get a letter informing me that I've been accepted for a gold card.
>
> Third attempt - I tell them that I don't want a gold card, and I want to
> close the account.  "I can't do that for you, you need to speak to our
> rententions department.  All of their lines are busy and I'll get them to
> call you back".
> I never receive a call.
>
> Fourth attempt - "certainly madam", as first and second attempts.  I'm due
> to move house, so I ask if they can change my address on their system -
they
> can't do this as I don't have the three digit security number from my card
> (as I've cut it up).
>
> I've just received a Barclaycard Gold through the post (redirected by
royal
> mail).
>
> With hindsight I should have written to them to start with, as clearly it
is
> unreasonable to want to cancel a credit card over the phone.  Can anybody
> suggest anything I could put in my letter to make sure it is actually
> cancelled?
>
> TIA
>
> Laura
>

The cut up card. Cut the card up, send it back saying I'm sending it back
because I no longer need/want it.  Please cancel my account with immediate
effect.

Usually cards have an address for payments only. Do not send the card there.
I have usually phoned the helpline to get the address to use for
cancellation. Keep a copy of the letter.

Neb