How to close a bank card

Oksana decided to open a credit card with cashback. But she was refused - due to bad credit history . It turned out that she was listed as a debtor on the cards of other banks, which she had not used for a couple of years. We understand how it happened and why it is better to close unnecessary cards.

What happens if you don't close your bank account?

Often we have too many bank cards: for salaries, for social benefits, for repaying a loan, and much more. Employers change, benefits stop paying, the loan has long been repaid - but the cards remain. And few people know that it is not enough just to block an unnecessary card or wait until the expiration date. To avoid unforeseen difficulties in the future, it is necessary to close the card and the account to which it is linked.

The fact is that the bank may charge you a commission for servicing the card until its validity period has expired, and a fee for additional services - for example, for SMS informing about card transactions. This money is debited from the account, even if no card transactions take place.

Let's say you paid off your credit card debt in full and you think that now you don't owe the bank anything, but in fact, due to the write-off of commissions, your account will have a minus.

The owner of a debit card can also become a debtor if an overdraft is connected to the card . When the bank writes off the commission on an account that has no money, the balance will go negative. You will have a debt that will be reflected in your credit history. Moreover, your debt can be a very small amount - a couple of hundred rubles - and your credit history will be spoiled.

So the main rule is: if you are no longer going to use a card, you need to close the account to which it is linked and cancel the card.

How to close the card and account?

Bring the balance to zero

Check with the bank if it is planned to write off any obligatory payments on the card in the near future - for example, fees for its maintenance. Withdraw the remaining money from the account or, conversely, pay off the remaining debts so that the balance becomes zero.

It can be done:

If at least a few kopecks remain on the account, it will not work to close the account.

Don't forget to turn off paid services

These can be SMS alerts, insurance, for example, in case of loss of a card, and other services. Refuse them so that they do not continue to write off money from you.

Write an application and submit a card

Write an application for closing a card account. The form will be given to you by an employee. Be sure to ask for a copy of the application and keep it. Some banks allow you to apply online.

Keep in mind: the card will be blocked immediately, and it may take up to two months to close the card account.

It is better to hand over the card to the bank - this is not required everywhere, but formally the card is considered the property of the bank. It will be annulled and cut in your presence.

Get a certificate from the bank about closing the card and account

The bank must tell you the dates when the card and account will be closed. These terms are written in your contract. Be sure to check if everything is done on time.

First, call the bank. If everything is in order, drop by the office and take a certificate of closing an account with a bank seal and an employee's signature. No more debts can arise on this account.

Keep bank statements and copies of all applications. They will come in handy if in the future the bank presents you with any requirements or you need to correct an error in your credit history.

How can I make sure that the bank no longer offers its services to me?