Should I close accounts or keep them?

DO NOT close these accounts. Underwriting and scoring models have evolved over the years. Although it was once true that too many open accounts were considered a bad thing, for the reason you mentioned, that is no longer the case. A significant part of the factors that make up your credit score includes how long your accounts have been reported as open accounts. Closing these older accounts could shorten your experience history. Also, a bunch of revolving accounts with zero balances and no activity does not help your credit profile either. Additionally, many creditors will significantly reduce or even close an account with no activity over an extended period of time. My recommendation is to try and use each card at least once a month. Why? Each revolving account that has activity during the reporting cycle where the balance is reported to the bureau for the month is less than 10% of the limit will actually receive the highest score point value. As an example, I have a recuring charge for a service I use. The monthly cost is $1.09. They offer no discount for paying by the year, so I set it up to be charged once per month to one of my cards. The card has a $10,000 limit and has been open 25+ years. Each time the credit card bill comes due, it is auto paid directly from my checking account. Every month this account helps my score, and I don't risk the creditor closing the account for inactivity. ~Bert Carpenter, The LoansA2z Team of NEXA Mortgage ~ NMLS 40586 ~ Certified Mortgage Advisor and Certified by The National Association of Mortgage Professionals as a Certified Veterans Lending Specialist.NEXA is licensed in all states except MA and NY so give us a call. ~ www.LoansA2z.com 480-889-9000 - OR - 480-695-9300.