The Impact of Closing Credit Cards on Your Credit Score: Debunking Myths

Key Points:

• Closing a credit card account can potentially impact your credit score, but it is not always the case.
• Paying off all credit card balances before canceling a card can help avoid a decrease in your credit score.
• Credit utilization ratio plays a crucial role in determining the impact of closing a credit card.
• Valid reasons for canceling a credit card include separation or divorce, high annual fees, and excessive temptation.
• It is essential to follow the proper steps when canceling a credit card to minimize any potential negative effects.
• Closing a credit card does not immediately remove it from your credit reports, and it still contributes to your credit history.

Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Many people believe that closing a credit card account automatically damages their credit score. While it is generally true that canceling a credit card can have an impact, it is not always negative. By paying off all your credit card balances, not just the one you’re canceling, you can avoid a decrease in your credit score.

Understanding the Impact of Credit Utilization Ratio

Credit utilization ratio refers to how much of your available credit you are using based on your credit reports. Closing a credit card can affect this ratio and potentially lower your credit score. For example, if you have two credit cards with a total credit limit of $2,000 and a combined balance of $1,000, your credit utilization ratio is 50%. If you close one of the cards, your utilization ratio jumps to 100%, which can negatively impact your score.

To maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio, it is generally recommended to keep it below 30%. Paying off your credit card balances in full each month not only protects your credit scores but also saves you money in interest charges. By ensuring that all your credit cards show $0 balances on your credit reports, you can safely close a card without hurting your credit score.As mentioned in this Dallasnews’ article, it’s important to maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio by keeping it below 30%.

Valid Reasons to Cancel a Credit Card

While it is generally advisable to keep your credit card accounts open, there are valid reasons for canceling a card. These include:

1. Separation or Divorce: If you have joint credit card accounts and are going through a separation or divorce, it is best to close those joint accounts. This step ensures that you won’t be held liable for any future charges made on the account by your ex-spouse.
2. High Annual Fees: If a credit card issuer charges you a high annual fee for an account that you no longer use, canceling the card might be a wise decision. However, if the benefits you receive from the card outweigh the fee, such as travel credits and perks, it may be worth keeping the account open.
3. Excessive Temptation: Some individuals find it difficult to resist the temptation to overspend when they have credit cards readily available. While closing a card might seem like a solution, there are alternative strategies to control spending without sacrificing your credit score. For example, removing your credit cards from your wallet and storing them in a safe place can make it easier to resist impulsive purchases.

How to Cancel a Credit Card: Steps to Follow

If you have decided that closing a credit card is the best option, follow these steps to navigate the process effectively:

1. Redeem any unused rewards or benefits associated with the card before contacting the issuer.
2. Pay off all your credit card balances, ideally reducing them to $0.
3. Call your credit card issuer to initiate the cancellation process and confirm that your account balance is $0.
4. Send a certified letter to your card issuer requesting written confirmation of your $0 balance and closed account status.
5. Monitor your credit reports 30 to 45 days after cancellation to ensure that the account reflects its closure and a $0 balance.
6. If you discover any incorrect information on your credit reports, dispute it with the three credit bureaus.

The Impact on Credit History

Contrary to popular belief, closing a credit card does not immediately remove it from your credit reports. A closed account remains on your reports for up to seven years (if negative) or around 10 years (if positive). During this time, the account still contributes to the average age of your credit, which is a factor in determining your credit score.

In Conclusion

Closing a credit card account should only be done for valid reasons, as having multiple credit cards does not necessarily harm your credit score if managed responsibly. However, if you need to cancel a card, it is crucial to pay off all your credit card balances first, ideally reducing them to $0. By following this approach, you can minimize or even avoid any potential negative effects on your credit score. Remember, a closed credit card account continues to contribute to your credit history, so make informed decisions before canceling any cards.

Note: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or credit advice. Consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.