Why am I getting a credit card when I only wanted to open a checking account?

Question

I opened a free checking account recently with CapitalOne, and I have ADD, so while my banker was explaining things to me, I would occasionally drift off to daydream world. I remember her saying something about if I don't keep my account active, I'll have to owe extra money if I buy things with my debit card after the the amount of time of inactivity. For example, if I bought something to drink for 99 cents, I would have to owe the 99 cents PLUS $35. Something like that. She was adamant about it, too. She was really nice, and she said that's how banks really get the bulk of their money.

And something I'm really confused about is, I don't remember telling her I wanted a credit card... um, but I got one anyway. My account receipt only says "free checking account" and nothing about a credit card, but she did say that was going to get a debit AND a credit card in the mail. I have some important disclosures about credit cards and a couple brochures, but none of them say anything about simulaneously owning a credit and debit card. Why am I getting a credit card when I only wanted to open a checking account? I'm sorry if that's a completely asinine thing to ask, but it is crucial for me to know.

Answer 1

I would definitely call them and tell them you didn't ask for one or sign  for one (check your papers when you opened the account and make sure you didn't sign anything for a credit card) If you didn't sign you should cancel your card and let the manager at the bank know what happened because if you didn't ask for one thats just wrong.

Answer 2

Just go to the bank and ask that it be cancelled.  

Answer 3

There will be the credit account attached to your debit account.  When I got my account at wells fargo, they did the same thing.  Their goal is that you´ll spend with the credit card, and then pay back at the end of the month, or potentially have to pay back interest.  If you don´t want to use the credit card, just stick it in a drawer and don´t use it.  They´ll always give them to you though, so don´t stress.

Answer 4

You probably qualified for the credit card and agreed to it while they talk you to death.  Capital One does that.  I would make sure there are no annual charges or monthly charges for having the credit card before you activate it.  If there are no charges and you want a credit card, go for it.  There should be something about charges in the brochure.  This will help you build your credit too as long as you use it sparingly and don't max it out.

Answer 5

Are you sure it's not an ATM Card? Does it actually have a logo on it? Some banks will give you and debit card and an ATM card.

If not, call the bank..

Answer 6

You received the credit card because you qualified for it at the time you opened the checking account.  You are not obligated to use it, and I suggest that you just shred the card, based on the information that you provided.

Don't close the account, because it will not hurt you to have it open.  Just don't use it, if you have no need.

Good luck!

Answer 7

All bank try to sucker you in with a credit card. You start using it,  you get used to it, you don't pay in full by the end of the month the interest start piling up and that's where they make their money. They send you that card at the beginning to lure you even if  you never asked for it. So the best thing to do is cut it to pieces.

Answer 8

Go to the person who opened if for you. Find out which is the debit/credit and which is just the credit. Not sure why they would send you both. As others have said could be an ATM and Debit or who knows.

What they meant about the fee is probably a dormant account fee. If you don't do anything with it for usually 90 days you will get hit with one of those.