Is it bad to let a credit card close?

The Credit Card Closure Myth: Is it Really That Bad?

The internet is rife with warnings about closing credit cards, painting a picture of financial doom and plummeting credit scores. But is closing a credit card really the detrimental act many believe it to be? The short answer is: not necessarily. While there can be some temporary drawbacks, closing a credit card isn’t inherently bad and, in some circumstances, can even be beneficial.

One of the primary concerns revolves around your credit score. Closing a card can indeed cause a small, temporary dip. This is primarily due to two factors: credit utilization and average age of accounts. Credit utilization refers to the percentage of available credit you’re using. When you close a card, your total available credit decreases, potentially increasing your utilization ratio. A higher utilization rate – generally anything above 30% – can negatively impact your score. The other factor, average age of accounts, considers how long you’ve held credit accounts. Closing your oldest card can lower this average, potentially impacting your score.

However, these dips are usually short-lived and relatively minor, especially if you practice responsible credit management. The key to mitigating any negative effects is to maintain good habits before and after closing the card. This means consistently paying your bills on time and keeping your credit utilization low on your remaining cards. If you’re concerned about your utilization ratio, focus on paying down balances or requesting credit limit increases on other cards (though be mindful of the potential for hard inquiries on your credit report when requesting a limit increase).

So, when might closing a card be a good idea? Consider closing a card if:

• It has high annual fees that outweigh its benefits. Don’t pay for a card you don’t use or that doesn’t offer worthwhile rewards.
• You’re struggling with temptation to overspend. Removing the temptation can be a positive step towards better financial health.
• You’re consolidating your finances. Managing fewer cards can simplify your financial life.

Before closing a card, consider its age and credit limit. If it’s your oldest card or carries a significant portion of your available credit, closing it might have a larger impact on your score. In these situations, weigh the benefits of closing the card against the potential short-term credit score impact.

Ultimately, closing a credit card isn’t a guaranteed path to financial ruin. By focusing on responsible credit habits – consistent on-time payments and low credit utilization – you can navigate the process with minimal impact and potentially even improve your overall financial well-being. Don’t let fear of a small, temporary score dip prevent you from making a sound financial decision.