How to Cancel a MasterCard
In today's troubled economy, it's easy to fall to the temptation to use credit to pay bills, finance hobbies, etc. Deciding to cancel a MasterCard is often a first step in debt control. The world of finance can seem confusing and challenging, often full of sitting on the phone on hold, while waiting for an operator that you hope will be able to help you. Patience is the key. Canceling a MasterCard is not a complicated process, but it will take your full attention and possibly some time.
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Things You'll Need
- Paid balance
- MasterCard or billing statement
- Telephone
- Paper
- Pen
- Envelope
- Stamp
Instructions
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Pay off the MasterCard balance in full. Allow time for your payment to be processed before attempting to cancel the card.
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2
Locate the customer service number on the back of your MasterCard. If you don't have your card, the phone number is toll free in the United States: (800) 622-7747.
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Call the customer service department and request to cancel your MasterCard. Provide the account number and answers to any security questions. The representative will also request the security code on the back of the card. Possibly you will need to provide your social security number as well as date of birth, name on the card, and billing address.
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Be prepared that you might still have a low to moderate balance due to revolving finance charges. You will need to pay this before the account is officially closed.
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5
Send a letter to MasterCard informing of the canceled card and request that MasterCard reciprocate with a letter stating the card has been canceled. Save this letter with your MasterCard records. MasterCard works with numerous banks and so each mailing address is different. If you don't have your card or a billing statement, check the MasterCard website for the bank through which your card is issued.
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Destroy your MasterCard if you have your card. Cut it up and/or shred it. Save all of your MasterCard statements and proof of payment for at least five years.
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Request a copy of your credit report after approximately six months and verify that the MasterCard is recorded as canceled. Request the credit report via the Internet or the telephone. If the MasterCard is still shown as an active account on your credit report, contact the credit reporting agency that you ordered the credit report from and have the information corrected. The three major credit reporting agencies are: TransUnion, Equifax, an Experian.
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