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I am a senior credit counselor, and actually closing your cards will hurt your score, the way your score is calculated is by how much available credit you have in comparison to how much debt you are currently carrying. If you have the cards with zero balance and available credit on them, then raises your available credit to total debt ratio, thus increasing your score. However, after you have purchased your home, you might want to consider closing the accounts because of the risk of identity theft. Or look into the new credit monitoring services, they are very inexpensive and usually offered through the credit bureaus. They will let you know if anyone checks your credit or if any changes have occurred.

Actually, it can hurt your score. the FICO score looks at length of credit history (taking an average of all credit card accounts). If it is an older account, it would likely hurt your score. Closing a newer account would be best.

If you go to MyFico.com, you can look at what factors into your score. They suggest to leave accounts open. This of course varies from person to person. If you have 10 credit card accounts and wish to close one of the newer ones or if you would like to consolidate some of the cards, it might be a good idea......Someone with fewer accounts and a shorter history should keep them open.

Most important thing to remember.....everyone's credit score is calculated differently (i.e. based on the characteristics of their history). What is a good move for some, may not be for all.

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Q: Does canceling inactive credit cards help your credit score?
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Does canceling a new credit card hurt your credit score?

Canceling your card can hurt your credit score..... SORRY!! You should not cancel even if you intend not to use it. One credit secret is the more available credit not in use the better you look. I.E. percentage of revolving debt compared to available-it helps reduce that and increase your number.


Will canceling your credit card hurt your credit?

Most likely it will. The credit agencies may not know whether you cancelled your account, or if it was taken away from you by the credit card company. If you are concerned about your credit score, then having 2 to 3 credit cards will generally raise your score, as it demonstrates that each credit card company believes you to be capable of paying their credit card bills. Only use those credit cards enough times a year that they will not be canceled due to non-use.


Do you have a credit score if you do not have any credit cards?

Yes, it is possible to have a credit score even though you don't currently have any credit cards. If you have ever applied for credit of any type then you are likely to have a credit score.


Does canceling one's credit cards affect one's credit rating?

This will all depend on how old the account is. Regardless, you will notice that your score will drop a few points, but it's nothing to worry about, since you can build it up over time.


When should you close unused credit cards and will this hurt or help your credit score?

Usually closing accounts will hurt your score because if you have debt on other cards, your debt to available credit ratio will rise and it can ding your credit score.

Related questions

Does canceling a new credit card hurt your credit score?

Canceling your card can hurt your credit score..... SORRY!! You should not cancel even if you intend not to use it. One credit secret is the more available credit not in use the better you look. I.E. percentage of revolving debt compared to available-it helps reduce that and increase your number.


Does a business credit card affect credit score?

All loans and credit cards have an affect on your credit score. Failure to use your credit cards responsibly will reduce your credit score and increase your interest costs.


Do you have a credit score if you do not have any credit cards?

Yes, it is possible to have a credit score even though you don't currently have any credit cards. If you have ever applied for credit of any type then you are likely to have a credit score.


Will canceling your credit card hurt your credit?

Most likely it will. The credit agencies may not know whether you cancelled your account, or if it was taken away from you by the credit card company. If you are concerned about your credit score, then having 2 to 3 credit cards will generally raise your score, as it demonstrates that each credit card company believes you to be capable of paying their credit card bills. Only use those credit cards enough times a year that they will not be canceled due to non-use.


Does canceling one's credit cards affect one's credit rating?

This will all depend on how old the account is. Regardless, you will notice that your score will drop a few points, but it's nothing to worry about, since you can build it up over time.


When should you close unused credit cards and will this hurt or help your credit score?

Usually closing accounts will hurt your score because if you have debt on other cards, your debt to available credit ratio will rise and it can ding your credit score.


How do credit cards affect an individuals credit history?

Credit Cards greatly impact a credit score. In fact, 30% of your credit score is determined by how well you use credit cards. (Utilization Rate). You want to keep your Utilization rate at 20% or less of the credit limit.


Do NetSpend cards affect your credit score?

no


Is a 559 a good credit score?

I have the same score. Try applying for a couple of credit cards and increasing it


Does having multiple credit cards hurt your credit score?

Having the cards does not. Having large debts on them does.


How bad is my credit due to unpaid credit cards?

You credit score will decrease significantly if you do not pay your minimum credit card payment every month. Unpaid cards will be reported as delinquent and really destroy your score.


What credit card can you get with a 576 credit score?

The selection of cards you may qualify for with that score may depend on your locality, but typically secured credit cards are the most likely cards you can get. There are several unsecured cards you may qualify for with subprime terms, yet these cards might have unfavorable terms.