Credit age, also called the length of credit history, makes up about 15% of a FICO score. It’s not the biggest factor, but it can quietly shape your score, and it’s the one factor you can’t speed up. That’s why protecting it matters.
What is credit age?
Credit age looks at how long your credit accounts have been open. Scoring models consider:
- The age of your oldest account
- The age of your newest account
- The average age of all your accounts
- How long it has been since certain accounts were used
Length of credit history is a general concept, and different scores calculate it differently. [VERIFY]
Why age matters
A longer history gives lenders more data to judge how you handle credit over time. A file with several years of on-time payments looks more reliable than a file that started a few months ago.
Does closing an account erase its history?
Not right away. A closed account in good standing generally stays on your credit report for up to about 10 years and continues to count toward your age. Accounts with negative history typically fall off after 7 years.
The bigger risk of closing an old card is the credit limit. When the card is closed, its limit disappears from your available credit, which can push up your utilization. (Utilization guide)
Should you close old cards?
Usually not, if the card is free. Consider these guidelines:
| Situation | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| No annual fee, no temptation to overspend | Keep it open |
| Annual fee you don’t want to pay | Ask the issuer for a no-fee version before closing |
| Card is inactive and might be closed by the issuer | Put a small recurring charge on it and set autopay |
| Card is fueling debt or overspending | Closing may be reasonable, but pay down balances first |
How to keep old accounts healthy
- Use them occasionally with a small purchase such as a subscription.
- Pay in full to avoid interest.
- Set autopay so nothing is missed.
- Watch for inactivity closures. Issuers can close cards that have gone unused for a long time.
Opening new accounts and credit age
Each new account lowers your average age. That’s another reason to open credit only when it serves a purpose. If you’re rebuilding, one or two well-chosen accounts are usually better than many. (Hard inquiries)
If you have no credit age yet
You can’t manufacture a long history, but you can start the clock:
- Open one reporting account and keep it for years.
- Consider becoming an authorized user on an older account. (Pros and risks)
- Look for a starter product with no annual fee, so you’re happy to keep it long term.
- Consider product upgrades rather than closing and re-opening. An upgrade to a different card from the same issuer can preserve your account age. [VERIFY] with the issuer.
FAQ
Does credit age reset if I close an account? No, but you may lose the limit and the account eventually ages off your report.
How long until credit age helps? Benefits grow gradually over years, not months.
Is a 10-year-old card worth keeping? Often yes, if it has no annual fee, because it anchors your credit age.
This article is for general education and is not financial advice.