KANSAS CITY, MO—Loan officers at the First National Bank of Kansas City defended their decision to lend local man Tim Creamsby $650,000 to open a small stationery store Monday, explaining that, while the business's long-term prospects were poor, the idea was "simply too pathetic and heartbreaking" not to sign off on. "In order to qualify for a loan of that size, an applicant normally must demonstrate significant financial holdings, have an impeccable credit score, a

Here's an email I received from a reader: I have a Home Equity Line of Credit with National City valued at $60,000. I currently have a balance of $0 on this account and haven't used it in over two years. Recently, I got a letter from National City offering me $200 to close this inactive account. Is this a good deal? Would closing the inactive account have a negative effect on my credit score (which was in the high 700s last I checked) that might offset the free $200? What advice do you have