Advice on closing cards
Based on your situation and goals, here's a tailored strategy for managing your credit cards:
1. Don't close any cards immediately:
Your oldest cards (Target Mastercard and Cap One Quicksilver) contribute significantly to your credit history length. Keeping these open is beneficial for your credit score.
2. Focus on debt repayment:
Prioritize paying off balances, especially on higher-interest cards. This will improve your credit utilization ratio and overall financial health.
3. Consider consolidating:
Look into balance transfer options to consolidate debt onto a card with a 0% intro APR, potentially saving on interest.
4. Streamline your card usage:
Keep using the Quicksilver, Apple Card, and WF Autograph as you're doing.
Consider using the Discover It for its rotating 5% cashback categories.
The Cap One Savor can be good for dining and entertainment purchases.
5. Cards to potentially close later:
After paying off balances and ensuring no negative impact on your credit score, consider closing:
Petal 2 Card
WF Reflect
Venmo Card
These are newer, have lower limits, and likely overlap with your other cards' benefits.
6. Timeline for limit increases:
Wait at least 6 months after paying off balances before requesting limit increases. Focus on consistent, on-time payments in the meantime.
7. Preparing for car purchase:
Continue paying down debt and maintaining on-time payments. This will improve your debt-to-income ratio and credit score, crucial for auto financing.
8. Long-term strategy:
Keep your total credit utilization below 30% across all cards.
Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment on all cards to avoid late payments.
Review your credit reports annually to ensure accuracy.
Closing credit cards can temporarily lower your credit score by increasing your overall credit utilization ratio. Focus on debt repayment first, then gradually streamline your credit card portfolio as you approach your car-buying goal in 2025-2026.