Your Credit Score is a powerful financial tool that can impact many aspects of your life. Whether you're applying for a mortgage, car loan, or even a new job, your Credit Score plays a significant role in determining your financial health and stability. One common question that many people have is whether closing a Credit Card Account can hurt your Credit Score.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the complex relationship between Credit Card Accounts and Credit Scores to help you make informed decisions about managing your credit.
Read more: Score Big in Life: What's the Magic Credit Score?
Introduction
Your Credit Score is a three-digit number that lenders and creditors use to evaluate your creditworthiness. It is generated based on the information in your credit report, which includes your credit history, payment history, outstanding Debts, and various other factors. Credit Scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better creditworthiness.
One of the factors that can influence your Credit Score is your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you're currently using compared to your total available credit. This ratio accounts for around 30% of your FICO Credit Score, one of the most commonly used credit scoring models. Your credit utilization ratio is an essential component of your Credit Score because it reflects your ability to manage credit responsibly.
Now, let's dive into the details of how closing a Credit Card Account can affect your Credit Score and what you should consider when deciding whether to close a credit card.
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Does closing a Credit Card Account hurt your Credit Score?
Yes, closing a Credit Card Account can potentially hurt your Credit Score. It may reduce your available credit, impacting your credit utilization ratio. Additionally, it may shorten your credit history length if it's an older account, which can affect your score. Consider the impact before closing an account.
What happens when you close a Credit Card Account?
Closing a Credit Card Account can have both positive and negative effects on your Credit Score. The impact largely depends on your specific financial situation, credit history, and how you handle the closure. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Credit Utilization Ratio
As mentioned earlier, your credit utilization ratio plays a crucial role in your Credit Score. It is calculated by dividing your outstanding credit card balances by your total available credit. When you close a Credit Card Account, you reduce your available credit, which can increase your credit utilization ratio.
For example, if you have three credit cards with a combined credit limit of $10,000 and a total outstanding balance of $2,000, your credit utilization ratio is 20% ($2,000 ÷ $10,000). If you decide to close one of those credit cards, reducing your available credit to $7,000, your utilization ratio jumps to 28.57% ($2,000 ÷ $7,000). This increase in your utilization ratio can negatively impact your Credit Score.[1]
2. Credit History Length
The length of your credit history is another factor that contributes to your Credit Score. Closing a Credit Card Account, especially if it is one of your older accounts, can shorten your credit history. Lenders typically prefer to see a longer credit history because it provides more information about your financial behavior over time.
Closing an old Credit Card Account can potentially lower the average age of your credit accounts, which may slightly reduce your Credit Score.[1]
3. Payment History
Your payment history is the most critical factor in determining your Credit Score, accounting for about 35% of it. While closing a Credit Card Account itself does not directly impact your payment history, it can indirectly affect it. If you have outstanding balances on the closed card and miss payments, those late payments will have a negative impact on your Credit Score.
It is essential to remember that closing a credit card does not absolve you of any existing Debt on that card. You are still responsible for paying off the balance, even if the account is closed.[1]
4. Mix of Credit Types
Credit scoring models also consider the types of credit accounts you have, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages. Having a diverse mix of credit can positively influence your Credit Score. If you close a Credit Card Account and it is your only credit card, it could impact the diversity of your credit types.[1]
5. Hard Inquiries
When you apply for a new credit card or loan, the lender typically checks your credit report, resulting in a hard inquiry. These inquiries can temporarily lower your Credit Score. If you close a Credit Card Account and later decide to open a new one, you will likely incur another hard inquiry, which can affect your Credit Score in the short term.[1]
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When should you consider closing a Credit Card Account?
While closing a Credit Card Account can have negative effects on your Credit Score, there are situations where it may make sense to do so. Here are some scenarios where closing a Credit Card Account might be a reasonable choice:
1. High Annual Fees
If you have a credit card with a high annual fee and you're not taking full advantage of its benefits, it may be more cost-effective to close the account. Keep in mind that it is essential to weigh the cost of the annual fee against the potential negative impact on your Credit Score.
2. Excessive Debt
If you have several credit cards with high balances and are struggling to manage your Debt, closing one or more of these accounts might be a part of your Debt reduction strategy. However, consider alternatives like Debt consolidation or balance transfers to minimize the negative impact on your Credit Score.
3. Irresponsible Spending Habits
If you have a history of overspending and accumulating credit card Debt, closing an account could be a way to curb your spending. By removing the temptation of available credit, you may be able to regain control of your finances.
4. Simplifying Your Finances
Managing multiple credit cards can be challenging. If you have several cards and find it difficult to keep track of due dates, payments, and balances, closing some accounts could simplify your financial life.
5. Avoiding Fraud
If you suspect fraudulent activity or have concerns about the security of a particular Credit Card Account, it is wise to contact the issuer and consider closing the account to prevent further unauthorized charges.
Before closing a Credit Card Account for any of these reasons, it is crucial to consider the potential impact on your Credit Score and explore alternative solutions that may help you achieve your financial goals without hurting your credit.[2]
How to close a Credit Card Account?
If you've decided that closing a Credit Card Account is the right choice for your financial situation, it is essential to follow the proper steps to ensure a smooth closure. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to close a Credit Card Account:
- Pay Off Balance: Ensure the card has a zero balance
- Contact Issuer: Reach out to the issuer through their website or customer service
- Confirm Closure: Request written confirmation of the account closure
- Update Payments: Update automatic payments with the new card info
- Destroy the Card: Safely dispose of the physical card
- Monitor Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report for accuracy[3]
For more details, read our blog on Closing a Credit Card? When Should You Do?
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Alternatives to closing a Credit Card Account
If you're concerned about the potential negative impact on your Credit Score but still want to reduce your credit card usage or simplify your financial life, consider these alternatives:
- Reduce Credit Card Usage: Instead of closing a credit card, you can simply stop using it for new purchases while keeping the account open. This way, you maintain the available credit limit, which can help keep your credit utilization ratio low
- Request a Lower Credit Limit: Contact your credit card issuer and request a lower credit limit on the card you want to use less frequently. This can prevent you from overspending while keeping the account open
- Keep the Account Open: If the primary reason for wanting to close a credit card is to avoid fees, see if the issuer can waive or reduce the fees. Some credit card companies may be willing to work with you to keep you as a customer
- Use the Card Responsibly: If you're worried about the account becoming inactive, make occasional small purchases and pay them off in full each month to keep the account active and in good standing[4]
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Monitoring your Credit Score
Regardless of whether you decide to close a Credit Card Account or keep it open, it is essential to monitor your Credit Score regularly. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, many credit card issuers provide free access to your Credit Score, so take advantage of this service to stay informed about your credit health.
Read More: Top 10 common credit card mistakes and ways to avoid them.
Conclusion
Closing a Credit Card Account can impact your Credit Score, but the extent of the impact depends on several factors, including your credit utilization ratio, credit history length, and payment history. Before making the decision to close a Credit Card Account, carefully consider your financial goals and circumstances.
If you choose to close an account, follow the proper steps to ensure a smooth closure and monitor your credit report for accuracy afterwards. Alternatively, explore alternative strategies to reduce credit card usage or address any concerns you have with the account.
Ultimately, responsible credit management, including making on-time payments and keeping credit card balances low, is key to maintaining a healthy Credit Score. By understanding the relationship between Credit Card Accounts and Credit Scores, you can make informed decisions that support your long-term financial well-being.
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References:
- https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit-cards/articles/-/learn/how-closing-credit-cards-impact-credit-scores/#:~:text=Closing%20a%20credit%20card%20could,be%20closed%20by%20the%20lender
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/close-credit-card.asp#:~:text=High%2Dinterest%20rates%3A%20You%20may,a%20high%20balance%20on%20it.
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-cancel-credit-card/
- https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/is-closing-a-credit-card-good-or-bad/
FAQs
1. Will closing a Credit Card Account with a zero balance affect my Credit Score?
Closing a Credit Card Account with a zero balance can still impact your Credit Score, although the effect may be less pronounced compared to closing an account with an outstanding balance. When you close a card with no balance, you're reducing your available credit, which may increase your credit utilization ratio. This can potentially lead to a slight decrease in your Credit Score. However, the impact is often minimal, especially if you have other credit cards with low balances or a high total credit limit. It is crucial to consider your overall credit utilization ratio and credit mix before deciding to close an account with no balance.
2. How long does it take for the closure of a Credit Card Account to reflect on my credit report?
The closure of a Credit Card Account typically takes a few weeks to be updated on your credit report. After you've submitted your request to close the account to the credit card issuer, they need time to process the closure and report it to the credit bureaus. During this period, continue monitoring your credit report to ensure that the account is marked as "closed by consumer request" or a similar notation. This ensures the accuracy of your credit report and helps you keep track of changes in your credit history.
3. Will closing a Credit Card Account affect my Credit Score if it is my oldest card?
Closing your oldest Credit Card Account can potentially impact your Credit Score because it shortens your credit history, which is a significant factor in credit scoring models. The length of your credit history accounts for around 15% of your FICO Credit Score. If this is your only or one of your oldest accounts, it could lead to a reduction in your average account age, which may have a negative effect on your Credit Score. Before closing your oldest card, consider the potential impact and explore alternatives to maintain your credit history.
4. Can I reopen a closed Credit Card Account?
Reopening a closed Credit Card Account is possible, but it depends on the credit card issuer's policies. If you closed the account voluntarily, you can contact the issuer to inquire about the possibility of reopening it. However, they may require a new application, a hard inquiry on your credit report, and approval based on your current creditworthiness. If the account was closed due to inactivity or non-payment, the issuer might be less inclined to reopen it. Always check with the issuer for their specific guidelines.
5. Will closing a Credit Card Account with a high annual fee save me money?
Closing a Credit Card Account with a high annual fee can save you money on annual fees, but it is essential to weigh this against the potential impact on your Credit Score. Consider whether the card's benefits justify the annual fee and if you have alternative credit cards that offer similar rewards without the fee. Additionally, if you have a long history with the card and it is one of your older accounts, closing it may impact your credit history length. Evaluate your financial priorities and whether the cost savings outweigh the potential impact on your credit.
