My deceased husband had a credit card thru Chase Bank, I was an authorized user, the balance at his death was $8400.00. I managed to send them $8000.00, and informed them that my husband had passed away. They in turn told me that they would wipe out the $400.00 balance, because I wasn not the cardholder. When I had my credit checked Chase listed the $400.00 as a default on my credit report.
Since I paid by mistake on an acct. that I didn't know I was not responsible for, I then asked them to return the $8000.00 to me, and they refused. Is there anything I can do?
A Special Credit Alert for Women
Categories: Credit Smarts
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It is crucial that you have a credit history of your own. Don't think that just because you pay the bills or because you use a credit card that you're building a credit rating of your own.
If you have a card with your husband's name on it, or even an extra card on his account with your name on it, it's like you never used credit at all. In the eyes of lenders, you're just an "authorized user." That means you get to use the card, but someone else is responsible for paying it. That's worth diddly to creditors.
Rule of Thumb: If you haven't filled out and signed a credit application for the cards you're using, then you're just an authorized user.
Call your credit card company today and ask them to send you an application to become a co-signer of your existing account. Then, after using the card for about six months, apply for a card of your own.
Straight Talk Tip: Joint accounts opened before June of 1977 may not show up on your credit report. Check your credit report to make sure this information is showing up on your report (not just your husband's.) If it isn't, call the credit card company today and ask them to report your history to the major credit bureaus. Then, apply for a credit card in your own name, either with the same credit company or a new one.
Listen up, ladies! Be sure to read Daria's important alert on What Women Need to Know About Your Money only on Dolans.com.
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January 23, 2010 12:57 AM
January 30, 2010 1:22 PM
I brought my school debt into my marriage. My spouse and I have been very good about paying all our debt. He is much more conservative. Should we focus on paying more on the student debt ($40,000) or should be put more money down on our new house if we relocate? My student loans have very low interest rate. And my thoughts are that have more equity makes more sense. Cars ect. are paid off and credit debt is paid. We also put money in a money market. Should we be investing or saving. I am up to some ideas. Glad to watch you all on CNN!
February 8, 2010 3:20 AM
We all need to know the credit card security, because we don't know what other people are thinking or intention with our credit cards. This is a great help for us. These days, I lay off the credit cards and only use debit cards if I use plastic. Hardly anyone carries cash anymore, and an actual check is seen as an anachronism. Merchants that don't take plastic are becoming fewer and far between. It isn't as if those machines cost more than a payday loans worth - in reality less. I try to stick with Visa Check Card (or the debit card with the MasterCard logo - I have two of them) and not use credit cards as much. It isn't as if there's any interest involved.
February 8, 2010 10:08 AM
"I am thinking that you can't get it back. I would certainly call a local lawyer who deals with estates and or situations like this. Some lawyers offer consultations but make sure you check if they charge a fee for their time."
Arlene Burton said:
My deceased husband had a credit card thru Chase Bank, I was an authorized user, the balance at his death was $8400.00. I managed to send them $8000.00, and informed them that my husband had passed away. They in turn told me that they would wipe out the $400.00 balance, because I wasn not the cardholder. When I had my credit checked Chase listed the $400.00 as a default on my credit report.
Since I paid by mistake on an acct. that I didn't know I was not responsible for, I then asked them to return the $8000.00 to me, and they refused. Is there anything I can do?
"I am thinking that you can't get it back. I would certainly call a local lawyer who deals with estates and or situations like this. Some lawyers offer consultations but make sure you check if they charge a fee for their time."
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