If Bank of America closes your credit card account, it's not necessarily the end of the road. There are steps you can take to have your account reopened.
According to the bank's policies, you can request a review of your account closure within 60 days of the closure date. This is a crucial timeframe, as you'll need to act quickly to appeal the decision.
To increase your chances of having your account reopened, make sure to review your account history and identify any issues that may have led to the closure. This could include late payments, high balances, or other account activity.
Reopening a Closed Credit Card Account
Reopening a closed credit card account can be a viable option, but it's essential to understand the process and potential outcomes. You can reopen a closed credit card account by contacting the credit card issuer and explaining your situation.
The issuer will guide you through the necessary steps, which may involve negotiating fees or penalties, providing updated information, and following their instructions carefully. You should be prepared to provide updated information if requested, such as your current income, employment status, and address.
The credit card issuer may be willing to reinstate a closed card, but it depends on their policies and the reasons your card was closed. If the account was closed for inactivity, you may be able to negotiate to have it reopened by setting up a recurring charge on the account.
However, if the account was closed due to delinquent payments, the issuer may be unwilling to reopen it, even if you pay off the balance. It's also important to note that reopening a closed credit card account may result in changes to your account terms, such as a lower credit limit or higher interest rate.
Here are the steps to follow to reopen a closed credit card account:
- Contact the credit card issuer and explain your situation.
- Negotiate any potential fees or penalties associated with reopening.
- Provide updated information if requested.
- Follow the issuer's instructions carefully.
- Confirm the account's reactivation and familiarize yourself with any new account details.
Reopening a closed credit card account can have both positive and negative effects on your credit score. On the one hand, it can retain the credit history associated with the original account, which can positively impact your credit score. On the other hand, it may result in changes to your account terms, which can negatively impact your credit score.
Understanding Your Options
If Bank of America closed your credit card account, you'll need to call their customer service to find out if it can be reopened. Some accounts can be reopened, but it depends on the reason for the closure.
If the account was closed by the issuer, you'll need to contact Bank of America's customer service to see if they'll reinstate it. If it was closed for inactivity, you may be able to negotiate to have it reopened by setting up a recurring charge on the account.
However, if the account was closed due to delinquent payments, Bank of America may be unwilling to reopen it, even if you pay off the balance. It's also worth noting that if your account was closed due to delinquent payments, you may not be able to recoup any rewards you had accumulated before the closure.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to reopen a closed credit card account or apply for a new one:
- Credit history: Reopening a closed credit card allows you to retain the credit history associated with that account.
- Credit limit: Reopening a closed credit card may retain your previous credit limit.
- Fees and benefits: Consider any fees for reopening a closed credit card account and compare the benefits, rewards, and promotional offers available on the closed card versus what you may receive with a new card.
Gather Your Information
Before you reach out to your card issuer to ask them to reinstate your credit card, it's a good idea to gather some essential information. This will help you make a strong case for why they should reopen your account.
You'll need to have your personal identifying information at the ready, such as your Social Security number. This will help your issuer verify your identity and process your request.
Having your financial information prepared can also be helpful. This may include your income and monthly housing payment, as some issuers may ask for proof of income to approve your request.
If you closed the account yourself, be prepared to explain why you'd like to reopen it. If your issuer closed it, you should be ready to state your case for why they should reopen your account.
To make the process smoother, it's a good idea to track down your credit card number and have it at the ready in case your issuer requests it to locate your account.
Here's a list of the information you may need to gather:
- Identifying information (e.g. Social Security number)
- Financial information (e.g. income, monthly housing payment)
- Reason for account closure
- Credit card number
Reopening vs. Getting a New Card
Reopening a closed credit card can be a great option if you have a long and positive credit history associated with that account. This can positively impact your credit score.
If you reopen a closed credit card, you may retain your previous credit limit, which could provide you with a larger line of credit than a new card.
However, consider any fees for reopening a closed credit card account, and compare the benefits, rewards, and promotional offers available on the closed card versus what you may receive with a new card.
Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between reopening a closed credit card and applying for a new one:
Ultimately, the decision to reopen a closed credit card or apply for a new one depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.
Bank of America Credit Cards
Bank of America has a reputation for reopening closed credit card accounts, but it's not a guarantee.
According to a MyFico poster, Bank of America will reopen a closed account within six months.
However, they'll pull your credit before doing so, which might not be ideal for your credit score.
Some people have had success even after a couple of years, as mentioned in a couple of older posts from the same MyFico thread.
Other Credit Card Providers
If you're not satisfied with Bank of America's decision to close your credit card account, you might want to consider other credit card providers. Citi Bank, for instance, has a similar credit score requirement of 700-850 to open a credit card.
Other credit card providers like Chase and Wells Fargo have more lenient credit score requirements, with Chase accepting scores as low as 620 and Wells Fargo accepting scores as low as 620 as well.
American Express
American Express has a relatively flexible policy when it comes to reopening a closed card. You can reopen a card without a hard pull and with the same account number, even if it was voluntarily closed.
This can be done within 30 days after closing, or possibly up to a year. They've also added a $25 re-open fee, although it's unclear if this is always enforced.
Just be aware that American Express may not always honor their reopening policy, as one user found out after being told they couldn't reopen a card that had been closed for just shy of a year.
Chase
Chase allows you to reopen a card even if it was closed on purpose, and certainly if there was a miscommunication.
You might be told it can be reinstated for 30 days, but some people have successfully reopened their Chase cards at 45 days, three months, or even 6 months.
If you transferred your credit line to a different card when closing, you won't be able to get the old account reinstated.
One person had success getting their Chase cards reinstated almost a year after they were shut down, with their account number remaining the same and no hard pull being done.
General Credit Card Information
Bank of America typically doesn't reopen a closed credit card account unless there's a compelling reason to do so, such as a mistake on their part or a change in credit card laws.
You can't reopen a closed credit card account online or by phone, but you can try writing a letter to the bank explaining why you want the account reopened.
Credit card accounts are usually closed due to non-payment, and Bank of America may report this to the credit bureaus, which can negatively impact your credit score.
Bank of America may reopen a credit card account if you're experiencing a temporary financial hardship and can demonstrate that you're able to make payments.
Closed credit card accounts are usually reported to the credit bureaus, and this can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when Bank of America closes your credit card account?
When Bank of America closes your credit card account, you're still responsible for paying off any outstanding balance, including unpaid fees. Check your account details to understand the full implications of account closure
How do I reactivate my boa account?
To reactivate your Bank of America account, call 1-800-432-1000 and be prepared to verify your credentials and explain why you want to revive the account.
Sources
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/account-closed-by-creditor-960405
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/can-you-reopen-a-closed-credit-card
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/can-i-reopen-closed-credit-card-account/
- https://www.doctorofcredit.com/card-issuers-will-reopen-closed-credit-card/
- https://www.credello.com/credit-cards/can-you-re-open-a-closed-credit-card/
Featured Images: pexels.com