SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/closing-old-card-score

Will closing an old credit card you never use raise your credit score?

Q: Will closing an old credit card you never use raise your credit score?

Not necessarily. It can actually lower your score. The share of your credit limit you're using is called your credit utilization ratio.

Not necessarily. It can actually lower your score.

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Huh, didn't know that: The share of your credit limit you're using is called your credit utilization ratio.

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Answer: No, it can lower your score. Closing a card shrinks your total available credit. Your balances then use a bigger share of it, which can lower your score. Closing can still make sense if the card has a yearly fee.

CFPB: Does it hurt my credit to close a credit card? www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/does-it-hurt-my-credit-to-close-a-credit-card-en-1231
Closing an existing card can increase your credit utilization ratio and lower your score.
Checked 2026-10-09.

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Will closing an old credit card you never use raise your credit score?

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