Expert: David McArthur - 1/31/2009

Question
I had an old Kaufman's card and asked the clerk if I could get a Macy's card even though my Kaufman's card worked for purchases.  To my amazement, Macy's sent me a Macy's VISA card which I did not want.  I called the number on the card and they gave me the run around.  My question is, if I don't call the number to activate the card, will the VISA company or store close the account and will it hurt my credit score?  If I cancel it myself is that worse?  What can I do with this card that I don't want, didn't ask for, that will not lower my credit score?  I have another question I will send in a separate email. Thank you for your advice.

Answer
If the account is not showing up on your credit report due to not being activated you're good.  

If it is showing up then closing it will lower your score some no matter how it happens.  

The best case scenario is that macy's deletes the tradeline completely which would require them to write a letter saying the account was opened in error.  How difficult it will be to get that letter I don't know.