A year ago, while on a student exchange program, I accidentally applied for a Discover credit card and got approved. However, I never received the physical card or any emails. They advised me that my account is still active.
Now, I’m concerned that having this account open for almost a year without activation may negatively impact my credit history, especially since I’m not in the US at the moment.
What do you recommend? How can I resolve this situation? I was inexperienced when I applied.
Check your credit reports. If the account is listed, it has been positively impacting your credit as ‘paid as agreed’ since opening. Are you looking to close the account? If not, and if you plan to use it, I wouldn’t worry too much.
@Paden
I saw an ad for the Discover student card while waiting for something. I thought I’d apply because I was in the US. I’m from Europe, where we don’t have a credit score system like in the US. Now I have this open account with no activity. I intend to use it next year, but should I close it or keep it open? Discover said my account status is good and I can request a new card by calling. I just want to know what my best course of action is since I’m away from the US.
@Zinnia
If you’re not using the US credit system, you can leave it dormant until it eventually closes automatically. However, if you might use it later, keep it open and use it once every six months to avoid closure for inactivity.
@Paden
I see value in having US credit in the future, but I haven’t received the card yet, which worries me.
Zinnia said:
@Paden
I see value in having US credit in the future, but I haven’t received the card yet, which worries me.
Call Discover to get a new card sent to you. Once you receive it, activate it and use it periodically. Set up auto-pay for your balance to ensure you pay it off monthly.
@Paden
I can’t call them since I’m not in the US, and I’m worried they’ll close the account, which would affect my credit history.
Zinnia said:
@Paden
I see value in having US credit in the future, but I haven’t received the card yet, which worries me.
How can you pay the card without a domestic bank account? They probably won’t accept international transfers, so your only option might be to mail cash.
You have a year of credit history from this account, which is beneficial. Report to Discover that you never received the card; they might send a replacement. The card shouldn’t negatively affect your credit since it hasn’t been used.
@Frances
If I get the card again after nearly two years, will that year in credit history be valuable?
Zinnia said:
@Frances
If I get the card again after nearly two years, will that year in credit history be valuable?
An older account can raise your credit score, making you appear more trustworthy to lenders. This can lead to better interest rates on loans in the future. Accounts can close automatically after inactivity, so it’s wise to use it yearly. You could add small charges every 4-6 months to keep it alive.
@Frances
I am not using the card, and I just spoke to customer service, who confirmed my account is active, but I lack the card or login info. I only receive email notifications; I cannot pay any bills or access anything.
Since you have the card, you should set up an online account and request a card. Even if your profile is thin and there’s no fee, it’s wise to keep it until you have more cards and history.
Taron said:
Since you have the card, you should set up an online account and request a card. Even if your profile is thin and there’s no fee, it’s wise to keep it until you have more cards and history.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the card, just the account.
Discover has no annual fee, so it’s a good card to anchor your credit. There’s no downside to keeping it.
Florian said:
Discover has no annual fee, so it’s a good card to anchor your credit. There’s no downside to keeping it.
I still don’t have the physical card.
Florian said:
Discover has no annual fee, so it’s a good card to anchor your credit. There’s no downside to keeping it.
I still don’t have the physical card.
Call them and ask for a new card.
@Florian
I’m currently not in the US and won’t return for several months. They mentioned, “The status of your account is good! It’s still open. You can request a new card via phone.” I need to ensure the account stays open even if a year has passed without activity.
@Zinnia
Accounts typically don’t close automatically after a year. A good rule is to use each card at least once a year. If you can’t call, consider having a friend or family member receive the card on your behalf.
Are you saying you applied for a card and got approved but never received it? Who were you living with at the time of application? How do you know the account was active without the card? Discover might restrict the card until they verify receipt. They may close the account if you never activated it.