Question for the Money Doctors

Question submitted on Jun 21, 2022.

Question

credit cards--Do I close a credit card with a zero balance if I just opened another one? I no longer want to use the old one or should I put a freeze on it but leave it open. Which open is best for my credit score. I have a very high credit score, and I don't want to lower it.

Answer

You should review your free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com

This will give you access to the various credit reporting agencies.   They will not always report the same information.

This will help you see what credit cards you still have.

Evaluate your credit card needs.

You should have at least a couple of credit cards in case your main credit card is not available.

Closing a credit card will affect your credit score because the ratio of credit outstanding vs. available credit will be adjusted.

A freeze makes sense if you have a credit card with an outstanding balance, but you no longer plan on using it.   

Thanks for being responsible with your credit.

For additional information visit //www.360financialliteracy.org/