Wealth Finance
Should You Close Your Credit Card?
As prices continue to rise for virtually everything we purchase, many people are seeking to limit their debt and debt exposure by closing a credit card. Does this describe you? Maybe you’re interested in limiting your possibility of identity theft and you’re thinking about closing your credit account. In reality, there are both reasons TO close a credit card and to NOT close your credit card.
If you cannot seem to control your spending with your credit card, damage control means closing it is a good idea. Some people put their cards into a bowl of water and then freeze them, or store them in a safe deposit box. In my opinion, those aren’t the best way to handle out of control spending – just cancel the card instead. If you’ve had a difficult time maintaining a credit card, consider a prepaid card, such as the Prepaid Visa® RushCard instead. Also be certain to understand The Difference Between Prepaid Cards, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards
I closed an account a few years back because the company cut my credit limit by 70% and went from no annual fee to a $45 annual fee. I promptly said no thanks! I had a zero balance anyway and didn’t need the card.
If you haven’t used a credit card in over 18 months, the card is probably inactive on the credit card company’s system anyway. If you’re still paying an annual fee, keeping that card opened is foolish.
Hint: If you need a card, use Discover Card and pay NO annual fee PLUS get cash back! Apply HERE!
With the increase in identity theft in recent years, some people believe that by closing a credit card, they decrease the possibility that their identity will be stolen. (Don’t be a victim of this horrible crime. Be sure and read BIG RED FLAGS! Identity Theft: You Could Be A Victim And Not Even Know It.
The reason you keep a credit card open is primarily driven by your need to maintain a high credit score, but there are a few other reasons to consider once you know your credit score (get your free triple credit score from GoFreeCredit.com).
When you close a credit card that still has a balance, your available credit on that card is reduced to zero and it appears to credit scoring companies that you have maxed out the card. When your credit score is calculated, the amount of debt you have accounts for 30% of your total score. Having a maxed-out card, or even a card that only appears to be maxed out, will have a negative impact on your credit score.
A good and long payment history helps increase your credit score, so if you have a good, long payment history on a particular credit card, then it’s a good idea to leave that card open. This is especially important if you have a poor history with other cards or forms of credit.
If you have no other credit cards or currently open loans, it’s not a good idea to close your only credit card. A big part of your credit score takes into account the different types of credit you use. If you have no other loans or credit, it’s generally a good idea to keep the only one you have available to you.
If you need a source of credit, make sure it pays REWARDS. Click here.
Yeah, you read that right. If you’ve had a rough patch making on-time payments or have been over your limit, you might consider NOT closing the account. The Fair Credit Reporting Act mandates that any negative history on your credit account remains for up to 7 years or 10 years for a bankruptcy. Some folks hear this and say, “Okay, I’ll wait.” But I think you have a better opportunity to get back into the good graces of the credit card company. After all, if they haven’t shown you the door despite your history with them, they’re obviously willing to give you a chance.
Before deciding to close a credit card, take a look at your credit report and evaluate how closing the card will affect your credit score. By law you are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. To get your credit reports, visit www.annualcreditreport.com. Obtaining your score from all three credit bureaus is also free if you get it through GoFreeCredit.com.
