I just got my statement from Providian with the annual fee. They indicate I may cancel within 30 days to avoid the fee. My question is what happens to the balance?
I know I have to pay off the balance, I was just wonder if normally you would be allowed to continue to pay under the existing interest rate etc.. Or if you would normally be required to pay the balance off at the time you closed the account
you must continue to pay the monthly payment under the same terms that were in place when the account was open. Same applies for the interest rate. i have close a lot of accounts without paying them off in full prior. i just continued to make the required monthly payment until the balance was 0.
I have heard of some credit card companies increasing the interest rate on closed accounts with a balance. I'm not saying this will happen, it's just I've heard of it happening. I think you should call and ask the representative what the proper procedure would be for you to close your account & the address to mail a letter regarding the closure of your account. More than likely, the representative will ask you why. When you inform her/him why you want to close your account, they will probably transfer you to a retention specialist who will more than likely waive the annual fee if you will keep your account open. Try this, I bet it will work. Good luck & keep us informed!
