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Keep all cards open?

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amp0804
Regular Contributor

Keep all cards open?

Ive been thinking, is it necessary to have 9 current cards all open?

 

Chase opened 3/2006 - PIF every month/sometimes more than 1 time a month  $1000 limit ($200 balance)

 

Capital One opened 11/2007 - rarely use, $500 limit

 

Orchard Bank opened 01/2007 - $79  annual fee, $400 limit, ( thinking of closing this card i find it useless)

 

JCPenny  opened 09/2007 - rarely use ( they cut my limit to my balance back in 08 to $150)

 

Macys opened 10/2005 - $400 limit

 

Best Buy Store Card opened 03/2008 - $1,100 limit

 

Exxon Mobil opened 11/2007 - $700 limit

 

Radio Shack opened 03/2008 - $500 limit

 

Lord and Taylor opened 08/2009 -  $550 limit ( Current balance $270 - PIF before statement cuts next week)

 

I have Score watch so I only get EQ, current score is 707 but expecting it to raise 10-15 points since I paid 4 cards to $0 balance and have 3-4 inquiries coming off between now and New Year.

 

Really just looking for some insight too, I would like to have a card with a larger CL. Also had a Amex I opened 08/2005 when I turned 18 for college with a $1,000 limit they recently closed it in August when I paid in full.

Message 1 of 5
4 REPLIES 4
crosbyk1
Frequent Contributor

Re: Keep all cards open?

I think you should close the orchard card because of the small CL and the big AF. Just my opinion.

Starting Score: 744
Current Score: 744
Goal Score: 800


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Message 2 of 5
pattycake
Established Contributor

Re: Keep all cards open?

I would only close the Orchard, since it has an annual fee. They are not known for waiving the fee, so I closed mine as well last year.

pattycake's FICOs: 6/2/10 - TU: 708; EX: ???; EQ: 749
Message 3 of 5
amp0804
Regular Contributor

Re: Keep all cards open?

I got them to waive the annual fee once and cut it in half last year this screw them. Im closing it soon. The rest I should leave be in the drawer?
Message 4 of 5
MarineVietVet
Moderator Emeritus

Re: Keep all cards open?

I agree about closing the Orchard card. Keep the others active to avoid closure for inactivity. Let them all age.

 

Optimal credit utilization for FICO scoring purposes seems to be:

Total revolving utilization > 0 and < 9%, the lower the better, and
Reporting a balance on less than half of your revolving TL's, and
Reporting a balance on half or less of all TL's.

 

 

(myfico)
7/09 TU-742 EQ- 779
8/09 TU-765 EQ- 783
9/09 EX pulled by lender 802

 

CC interest free as of 8/09
Time can heal all wounds and a low FICO.
"Hello my name is Sandy and I'm a recovering crediholic".

Message 5 of 5
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