You have one too many credit cards, and you want to cancel one of them. How can you do this so that the fact that you canceled your credit card doesn't come back and adversely affect you in the future?

First and foremost, you want to make certain that all the debt accrued on the credit card is paid off. Don't try to cancel a credit card that still has money owed on it, because it makes it look as if you are trying to get out of your debt. Make certain that the credit card that you have decided to cancel has a balance of zero.

Once you are certain that your balance is zero, use the phone number on the back of your card and call the customer service line to let them know of your decision. Before you tell them anything, ask to make certain that your balance is zero. Then let them know of your decision. Chances are that they will try to talk you out of it, but stand firm in your decision. Ask them of the name of a person that you can send a letter to so that they have it in writing that you are canceling your card.

Your next step is to write a letter to the person whose name you were given. State in your letter that you are closing your account and that you are asking that your credit report to state that the account was closed at your request. In the letter include your name, address and account number, and send the letter by certified mail or request a return receipt. This way you know that they got the letter and you have proof.

It will be hard, but wait for at least thirty days to get a copy of your credit report and make certain that the information that you had requested is on there. If it isn't, call the credit card company and ask why your credit report hasn't been changed.

Most people mistakenly believe that it's the credit bureau's job to make certain that everything on your credit report is correct. But the credit bureau only reports what the credit card companies tell them. So don't let them try and tell you that it's the bureau's fault. It's your credit that will be affected and you have a right to make certain that the information on your credit report is accurate.

Lastly, make certain that you check your credit report once a year and go over it to make certain that everything on it is accurate. The credit bureau is not infallible and there may very well be something on your credit report that shouldn't be there. Find out what your credit report says before it's too late.