<prompt> Human: A little backstory - Today, a Nordstrom employee opened up a Nordstrom card for me even though I told her I did not want any credit cards. She assured me it wasnt a credit card and it was just a rewards program. Long story short, she opened up the card on the basis of telling me that it was a rewards program. I could have been smarter on my end, but given that I dont shop there often I thought they made some changes to their programs etc. Anyways, if I just cancel the card with 0 balance, how hard will my credit score be hit? Or should I keep the card and buy the most minimal amount I can, pay it off and try to increase my credit score? Will that work?  <response>: Im a bit concerned that you likely gave out your SSN for what you believed to be a rewards card.Putting that aside, you have several options:1. Keep it open, use it once or twice a year, and pay the entire statement balance. This would be a net gain for your credit and the path of least resistance.2. You can close the card, take the hit on your credit and let it slowly rebound. I would not advise this.3. If you really dont want the card, you have a very strong case to have the card closed AND removed from your credit reports. If this card was truly opened without your permission then Nordstrom or the credit issuing company absolutely is obliged to remedy this. You should call them, tell them what happened, and demand they close the card and clear it from the credit reporting agencies. If they dont want to work with you, then you tell them you will take this up with the CFPB Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Once they hear that, they will mostly take care of this immediately. This option requires the most work but it would put you back to square one as far as your credit is concerned. 