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When to close a card??

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snowkitty
Established Contributor

When to close a card??

I have a card that I got in the beginning of my credit rebuild and I really regret it. I got excited at the preapproved button and hit it and have only ordered something from them once. I have some really nice cards now that I prefer to use. So, will it look bad if I close it now? I don't want them to close it for non-use so should I go ahead and close it or should I find some little something to buy from them and wait til it's been opened a year? (I opened it in Sept. 2012)

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Message 1 of 7
6 REPLIES 6
john398
Senior Contributor

Re: When to close a card??

I am confused, why would not keep it open since there no fees and if they do close it for non use so be it

Message 2 of 7
snowkitty
Established Contributor

Re: When to close a card??

I'm not opposed to keeping it open. I just will not have much use for the card and I don't want them to close it because it will show that the creditor closed the account. I just feel like that would look bad.

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Message 3 of 7
tinuviel
Moderator Emeritus

Re: When to close a card??

Is it a store card? Usually they'll let accounts stay open without activity for quite awhile before closing. If you're really concerned, I'd suggest making a very small purchase and then closing when the account turns a year.


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Message 4 of 7
RemyWinchester
Contributor

Re: When to close a card??

I close cards whenver I determine that I will not use them anymore.  

 

I have opened and closed about 15 accounts in the last 5 years.  I've closed about 5 of those cards within 60 days of oppening the account (usually do to the "why did I even apply for this card again?") 

 

My scores are still in the mid 700s

 

In fact, I'm about to close or combine 3 cards, which will bring me down to only 4 open lines.  

 

I close cards because of the hassle of having cards I will never use.  It makes my life easier.  

 

 

Message 5 of 7
snowkitty
Established Contributor

Re: When to close a card??

Yes, it's a store card....brylane home
TU Fico 714 | Sesame 742 | Credit Karma 762 | Wal-Mart FICO 734 | EX FICO 695 (1/28/13) | EQ 740 (3-21-13)

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Message 6 of 7
youngandcreditwrthy
Senior Contributor

Re: When to close a card??

I have a difficult time closing cards because I know that limits can grow and terms can improve with history....

but I reallllyyy wanna close my Chevron account...

 

I've closed maybe five accounts  in five years! lol

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