Are you thinking about canceling your credit card? It would be a smart idea to read about canceling a credit card, instead of just hoping if what you did was right.

If you're reading this you're probably just like me! I thought all you had to do to cancel a credit card was call the customer service number on the back of the card. I thought you just had to call and say: " Cancel my card please!" I guess you could do that, but then you wouldn't really know they reported that "you" the customer canceled the card, or if the card issuer closed the account. If on your report, it shows that the card issuer closed the account it's going to reflect negatively on your credit. That's why it's important to take certain steps in the accurate process of canceling the card.

The first step is to call the customer service number on the back and tell them you would like to cancel the card. Make sure your balance is zero, also. Talk to the Representative and tell him/her that you're canceling the card.

Next, get the name of someone you can send a letter of cancellation to. Write your name, address and account number on it. Tell them YOU asked to cancel your credit card. Ask them to respond in a letter or receipt for cancellation proof.

Finally, wait about a month and you should get your report and you want it to state 'closed at customers request.' If it says 'closed by creditor' you have to go through the steps again until your report says 'closed at customers request.' It can be stressful if they make a mistake, but you have to stick with it and get it canceled. Once it's over with you'll realize that doing it the right way can save you the time and hassle later on.