 TITLE: Can You Have a Negative Balance on a Credit Card? CONTENT: What to Do If You Have a Negative Balance\n-----------------------------------------\nThere is nothing specific you need to do when you have a negative balance. In fact, your credit card issuer may take care of the issue itself and send you a check for the negative balance amount.\nIf you choose to, you can simply use your credit card for transactions and the negative balance will be automatically applied to the charges. So if the negative balance is $200 and you charge $300, your current balance will be $100. There's nothing left for you to do—except pay your bill when it comes.\nIf the amount is substantial, however, you may want to claim it, especially if you need the money for other things. In that case, contact the credit issuer to request a refund. It may send the amount owed to your bank account as a direct deposit, or send you a physical check or money order. You won't have to wait long for the money: According to the terms of the Truth in Lending Act, issuers must refund a negative balance greater than $1 within seven business days of receiving your written request.\nIf the issuer has a brick and mortar presence, you may even be able to go into a branch and request it be given in cash. END