How to Cancel Old Credit Cards?
Find out what accounts exist in your name so you can cancel old, unknown credit cards and reduce your risk of identity theft.
Laura Adams, MBA
by Laura Adams
A Money Girl fan named Mary asks:
“I opened 2 retail credit cards that I used, paid off, and then cut up many years ago. Now, I want to officially cancel them—but I don’t have the account information. How do I cancel unknown credit cards?”
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There’s an easy way to find out what credit accounts exist in your name: Get a copy of your credit report!
You’re entitled to a free report from each of the 3 nationwide credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once every 12 months at annualcreditreport.com.
Credit agencies gather information from various service providers and creditors. Companies that supply your credit information to an agency must follow specific reporting rules according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Credit reports include detail about each of your accounts—such as the creditor name, address, phone number, account number, and date opened. Click here to see a sample credit report from Experian.
If a report doesn’t give you enough information to reach a creditor, make an inquiry with one of the credit reporting agencies for additional data.
Other Articles and Resources You Might Like:
Settle Debt or Pay in Full—What’s Better for Your Credit?
How Marriage Affects Your Credit Score
Best Tips to Improve Your Credit Score
7 Steps to Check and Correct Your Credit Report
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Credit Card Query photo from Shutterstock
About the Author
Laura Adams received an MBA from the University of Florida. She’s an award-winning personal finance author, speaker, and consumer advocate who is a frequent, trusted source for the national media. Money-Smart Solopreneur: A Personal Finance System for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Side-Hustlers is her newest title. Laura’s previous book, Debt-Free Blueprint: How to Get Out of Debt and Build a Financial Life You Love, was an Amazon #1 New Release. Do you have a money question? Call the Money Girl listener line at 302-364-0308. Your question could be featured on the show.