I don't think there is serious credit rating stygma against shutting down an account that you do not use. The credit limit on it might count against you in some circumstances, because potential lenders never know when someone's going to get wacky and max out all their other accounts. I suppose if you were regularly using it and then paying it off to actively build up good credit, shutting it down would cut you off from that boost to your score.

It doesn't make any sense, but it does hurt your credit rating to close an account.

The credit limit on it might count against you in some circumstances

Right, I've thought about that. I mean, I don't use it, and I don't really consider that I have it, but I do know it's there for, like, emergencies. It's really not a useful card at all since it doesn't give me anything back. If I want a "second" card, I want it to have cash back or rewards or some sort of benefit.

If I did shut it down, would it be better to do so before or after asking for a credit limit increase on the card I do use?

It doesn't make any sense, but it does hurt your credit rating to close an account.

I could ask for a credit limit decrease on my old card, right? Then it wouldn't look like this huge voluminous chasm of credit just sitting there, but I also wouldn't have to take the hit of cancelling it. Unless a credit limit decrease also gives me a hit.

"They" are the people looking at giving you credit. They are going to look at your credit report for scoring, payment history, and the minimum monthly payment on your debts. Then, they will look at your income and see if you have a high debt to income ratio.

I would do it after so that they have the current picture of your finances when they're raising the limit. Even if your scores take a hit, if you don't plan on making a huge purchase (house, car, getting a loan) they'll be back-as long as you keep a balance on the new one and pay on time- within 6-12 months. I'd have to double check my notes though to see if there's anything tricksy in there.

Thanks for the advice, Daisy Jane.

Pictures!

Juliana! The first character of your tattoo is the first character of my wife's name! Just thought you'd like to know.

That's not billytea's doctor, is it?

Hee. No, wrong Melbourne.

Note to Jilli: We picked up this childrens' book this week and I thought of you. The illustrated dead are adorable.

P-C, that's good news about your grandfather.

juliana, that tat is a thing of beauty.

It really is, isn't it, Cashmere? I don't have the ink oost for myself, but I do love to look at it on other people.

The first character of your tattoo is the first character of my wife's name!

Cool! The top one or the bottom one? (The bottom is the oldest, but I know things are generally read top to bottom.)

And again, thanks to all y'all for the compliments. I had a moment of panic yesterday, thinking of the fact that I'm taking another step away from not being able to camouflage myself. And then it all went away. (the Perc no doubt helped, but whee!)

Cool! The top one or the bottom one? (The bottom is the oldest, but I know things are generally read top to bottom.)

The top one, 必. Or Bì, if you prefer. What made you choose it?