Can i still get charged an annual fee even though i canceled the credit card?

Question

i had applied for a credit card about two months ago. i was never told about the annual fee nor did i get a terms and conditions packet in the mail. last month i received the first bill and saw that there was a charge for 39.38. i called to let them know that there was a charge on the card and i had never used it. they told me it was the annual fee. i then decided to just close out the account. the rep told me that i would get a credit and would not get charged anything. this month that charge was on there with a late fee. the rep never credited that account. i called again and now they tell there isnothing they can do. i was talking to a call center in India.

Answer 1

Call again and ask to speak to a supervisor.  Sometimes this can be hard, since associates don't want to give you to a supervisor.  Tell them to close the account and that you aren't going to pay the annual and late fee.  Usually, banks are pretty good about doing that.  It's unsecured debt and there isn't much they can do to you and for such a low amount, not a big deal on your credit report either.  You can also tell them you never opened the account to begin with and you have no idea why there is a card in your name.  Yes, that is a lie, but so what.  The goal is to get the charge removed and account closed.  You should also write them a letter stating you want the charges removed and account closed.

Answer 2

Unless you communicated in writing, and sent your letters by certified mail, you have no way to prove that you cancelled the credit card.

My advice is to try one more time, this time in a letter by certified mail, detailing in your letter what you have shared in this question.

My advice in terms of credit cards is to avoid the mega banks that control 90% of the credit card market.  Deal locally with a community bank or credit union, where you can actually talk to a person who has the power to resolve your problem.

If you're having this much trouble simply closing the account, imagine how difficult it would be to resolve a fraud issue with this bank!

You can also try complaining to the bank's regulator, which is the Comptroller of the Currency.  You can reach their consumer assistance department by calling 1-800-613-6743.  If that doesn't work, contact your state's division of financial institutions or the equivalent.  It won't cost you anything to try.