What to Know About Closing a Credit Card

Millions Are Holding on to Old Credit Cards

Millions of people are holding on to credit cards which are more than eight years old. There are a lot of reasons why many consumers don’t let go of credit cards. Some do it for sentimental reasons, while others simply forget about their credit cards or do not want to go through the hassle of closing them. People sometimes keep credit cards even if they have high fees or do not provide rewards.

Many consumers have paid down debt during the pandemic and are now wondering what to do with their credit cards. For people in this situation, there are a number of options.

Ask for a Product Change

Keeping an old credit card open can sometimes have benefits. It can keep utilization low, which is one of the factors that goes into a credit score. But keep in mind the annual fee that may be associated with the card: is it worth paying every year to keep the card open?

Before closing an account, it might be helpful to contact the credit card company to see if a better deal is available. There may be a card with no fees or with rewards. This is known in the industry as a “product change.” It simply means that details like the account number and available credit will stay the same, but fees and rewards may change.

Timing is Important

Timing is everything when it comes to closing a credit card. For people purchasing homes or applying for loans, it might be a good idea to wait to make big credit card changes until the deal closes. Lenders generally do not want to see many changes in a person’s credit score when underwriting a loan. When people close or cancel their old credit cards, their available credit can drop, which can cause their credit utilization to rise. This can impact their credit score.

People are paying down debt and re-examining their existing credit cards, leading many to close old accounts. While this could be a good financial decision, everyone’s personal financial situation is different. It’s important to do a little research and to think about timing.

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.
The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.
Communication of SoFi Wealth LLC an SEC Registered Investment Adviser
SoFi isn’t recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.
SOSS21042703