What Happens When I Cut Up My Card And Mail It Back to the Bank? – Chris
Jan. 2, 2010
Chris wrote to me through the GetOutOfDebt.org site and asked the following question. If you have a credit or debt question you’d like to ask just use the online form. I’m happy to help you totally for free.
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“Ok Steve, let’s rock.
If I cut my credit card up and mail it back to the bank, thus canceling the account, do I have to pay off the card’s outstanding amount in one lump sum, or can I continue making monthly payments?
Chris”
Steve’s Answer:
Dear Chris,
You will not need to make one lump-sum payment but cutting it up and closing the account is not the smartest move to make.
If you have any rewards or perks owed to you by the card, when you close the card, those will be lost. And some creditors actually raise your interest rate to the maximum allowed after you close it and that will just make getting out of debt more difficult.
You are better off holding on to the card and paying the balance off with monthly payments. Once the card is paid off, then you can cut it up and send it back. But even that might not be the smartest thing to do.
If you don’t have any other cards or this credit card is the one you’ve had the longest you should think twice before closing it. The card is is actually doing more to improve your credit and increase your by keeping it open. So, if it is the only or the oldest, pay the card off but don’t rush to close it.
Steve
Source: What Happens When I Cut Up My Card And Mail It Back to the Bank? – Chris
Originally posted 2009-03-20 22:03:09.
Absolutely true stuff.
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