Having accounts closed hurts you 3 ways 1) Average account length is shortened. You replaced a 4 year old account with 0 day old account = - FICO 2) Util is 50%. Since util is current balance / total CL having more CL will reduce the overall util %. 50% util = more - FIOC than 25% util. 3) You now only have 1 revolving account = - FICO.
Keep the accounts open. If you don't "want" them, put cards in a drawer or even cut them up. Like pizza said same time ask them for CLi. That will further help your util%.
Having a 4 year old account with $0 balance and good CL can ONLY HELP YOU. Closing it can ONLY HURT YOU.
Remember FICO is a "game" it isn't reality. What makes sense in reality (closing accounts I don't need) doesn't help in the game. In this game the most important things are: 1) history 2) util% 3) account length
By closing the accounts you are taking a hit in 2 or 3 categories. Play the "game" don't try to rationalize it.
