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Consequences of Closing Cards?

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VanderSnoot
Established Contributor

Consequences of Closing Cards?

How do lenders view you when you close a credit card account with them? Does it affect future applications? Account is in goodstanding, always PIF on time, just the card doesn't work for me anymore, and I'd rather not have it hanging out there.

 

Message 1 of 5
4 REPLIES 4
RSX
Valued Contributor

Re: Consequences of Closing Cards?

I have closed 4 cards since July.  No negative impact.  If you don't use it and are covered by other CL cards, then close it.  

just never your oldest.  

Dec 16/2019. EX. 721. EQ. 723. TU 746
Jan 25/2024 EX. 774 EQ. 751 TU 758
Inq. EX 2 EQ 3 TU 6 - - CC 2x24, 0x12
Amex BCP $35k - Apple GS $21k - BMW/Elan $19k - Cap1 QS $16.7k - Chase Amazon $13.6k - Chase Bonvoy Bountiful $10k - Chase United Club Infinite $26k - Citi CustomCash $3k - Citi DC $14.5k - CreditUnion1 $9k - DiscoverIT $31.5k - PayBoo - $15.6k - Penfed Gold - $19.3k - USB AltitudeGO -$19k- USBank Cash+ -$25k - PenFed LOC - $20k - USB LOC - $15k
Message 2 of 5
kdm31091
Super Contributor

Re: Consequences of Closing Cards?

The only time I would worry about it is in situations where you recieved a signup bonus. It doesn't make you look good if you close the card shortly (or even a few months) after that, and Amex, for example, has really cracked down on people doing that and will take back the points. Even if a bank doesn't forbid it so strictly, it certainly isn't something they want to see people do. If you did recieve the bonus, and the card has no AF (or AF already paid for the year), just keep it until the year mark, then close it.

 

If no signup bonus, I really don't think it matters as much. If it serves no purpose, and your utilization won't skyrocket with the loss of the limit, close away.

Message 3 of 5
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Consequences of Closing Cards?

I doesn't matter.  The computer is doing all of the thinking and unless someone went to manually mark the file for decline in the future it won't impact your ability to get another one down the road.  

 

Bonuses are different but, you already collected and the expectation shouldn't be that there is going to be another one paid out but, if they do then it's a present.

 

If it's useless outside of the normal objections of age, CL, etc. then just give it a double tap and move on.

Message 4 of 5
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Consequences of Closing Cards?

If there is no path for a useful PC, close it. If you were a good customer, you might get more offers from them for a different card. Maybe one that is useful (but can't be PC'd). 

 

It's a little less expensive for them to recruit a customer for a new product if they already know the customer and the customer knows them.

Message 5 of 5
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