Question about closing newest cards

[Anonymous]

Ok, I may have this wrong, but if I close my newest cards, does it or doesn't it affect the average age of my accounts. If they have already been reporting, wouldn't they still be counted in the account age. I think I read somewhere that if you close the newest cards your average account age goes up. Is this true? I understand I lose util%. But if I don't go over my 1-9% limits I should be okay with loss of util right?

[Anonymous]

none of them have AF, but I think I would like to whittle it down a bit. Any advice? Most of them sit in a desk drawer......they are safe. Didn't really need them just wanted to app to see if I could get them........ughhh!

[Anonymous]

Closing any cards has no effect on your average age in the short term.  The closed accounts remain on your reports for ten years, and are included in the average age calculation even after they are closed.

See this link for a detailed explanation:

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?message.uid=41393#U41393

[Anonymous]

Thanks Cheddar that was helpful!