Closing cards to reduce number of cards recently opened

[Anonymous]

I have 9 total cards opened in the last 6 months and am trying to squeeze in the US Airways before the big bonus disappears. I can't get it with the way things are right now because of my recently opened accounts, including 2 with Barclay. Current TU FICO is ~750.

I'm open to closing a couple cards (got them for the points bonuses) and wondering if that will reduce the number of recently opened cards as Barclay sees it? Will it help if I close one of my Barclay cards? Looking for advice.

[kdm31091]

The inquiries and accounts will still be there, so I'm not sure how much it would help. The accounts will no longer be considered available credit, but as far as AAOA and inquiries there's nothing you can do except wait.

I'm leaning towards no, it wouldn't help you much.

[heyarrnold]

It would not help. The inquiries will be on your report for 2 years, and the accounts for 10 years after closure. Barclays also has a record of when you last applied. The system will likely flag your application, as Barclays is very inquiry and account sensitive, and a manual review will have to be done. And that's when it's up to a human and a not a computer algorithm to decide whether or not you will get approved.

[Anonymous]

Won't help. Revisit this a year down the line.

[red259]

Yea, unfortunatly I think the damage is done and you are probably better off just keeping the accounts at this point. 

[Anonymous]

It wont help help  to close them, and it will reduce you available credit. just leave them there and alternate them each month to give them movement!

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[Lyythine]

I also suggest waiting and letting the accounts age, however, with a 720+ TU score, you may get barclays to approve a third card.  I dont think it will be easy, but if you get auto denied, you may have a case with their UW's in explaining wanting to get the bonus. Also, Barclays will usually let you move credit lines to open a new account if you dont qualify for more credit at this time.  

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Won't help. Revisit this a year down the line.

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+1. Very smart advice.

[chalupaman]

Just wait it out a bit. You don't have to close anything. Let your profile stablilize a lot more.

[Ysettle4]

OP,

Everyone who has chimed in have provided valid points. I'd say take their advice. I know I would if I were in your shoes.