How Do I Close Down Old Credit Cards?

[buffymad]

I have a habit of just cutting up and discarding old credit cards when I know I'm not going to use them anymore. However, I didn't realise (until I tried to get a loan) that unless I physically close them, that's still available credit to me and could (and did) adversely affect my credit rating.

I've got my credit report from Equifax which shows all cards but doesn't give the full card numbers.

Is there any way I can somehow close these accounts for good so the only ones showing should be the ones I'm using?

Not sure where to start.

[bednobs]

just write to the card providers to close

[Buenchico]

As Bednobs states, you simply need to write to the card companies. (Their addresses are easily googled). They'll be able to locate your records simply from your name and address.

However they would normally expect you to return your cards (destroyed by cutting). As you can't do that you'll probably need to include a statement in your letter such as "I am no longer on possession of the card relating to this account as I cut it up and threw it away some time ago".

[buffymad]

As easy as that? Hurrah!!

Yes, I'd already thought about mentioning cutting the cards up and disposing of them.

Thank you!

[factor-fiction]

This is good advice too
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/cancel-unused-cards