Can a company or store open a line of credit without you explicitly asking for it?

Question

I just got a notice in the mail for an approval and received a charge card for Rooms to Go. I had gone into a store about 3-4 weeks ago to inquire about the deal they had going. I was told that my credit could be checked to see if I qualified. I think that might have been my first mistake. Did I unknowingly "authorize" this card? I merely asked for a check of my credit and that I would not be purchasing anything nor would I like the card itself.

Answer 1

whenever you give them your social security number and signed your signature then you are giving them permission and authorization to run your credit. If you dont want it then do not activate it and call to cancel the credit card.

Answer 2

"I merely asked for a check of my credit and that I would not be purchasing anything nor would I like the card itself."

Then why on earth did you allow a credit check?  Credit checks usually cost you valuable credit score points, shows as a credit inquiry and may even keep you from getting credit somewhere else.

Use your SSN and credit inquiries wisely not when you have no intention of a usage of a single store card.

Cut the card in half and return it to them will a letter asking the account be cancelled.  Then again if there is no fee it might be better to just leave it alone for awhile as long as THEY do not close it and report such to the credit reporting agencies.