When you’re tidying up your finances, you might wonder if that old, unused bank account is doing you any harm. It seems simple enough to just close it and simplify your life. But a common worry pops up: could this simple act hurt your credit score? Your credit score feels fragile, and it’s smart to think about how every financial move impacts it.
So, let’s clear the air on this common question. The direct answer to does closing bank account affect credit score is usually no. Your bank account information, like your checking and savings balances, doesn’t appear on your credit report. Credit bureaus are primarily concerned with your history of borrowing and repaying money.
When Your Bank Account and Credit Score Are Connected
While the act of closing the account itself isn’t reported, there can be some indirect effects to consider. The main connection happens if your bank account is linked to a line of credit or a loan you have with the same bank. Some banks offer overdraft protection that is connected to a credit card. Closing the linked bank account could affect the status of that credit product.
Another indirect factor is your account’s age, but this relates to credit cards, not standard checking or savings accounts. The length of your credit history matters for your score, but this is based on your credit accounts, not your deposit accounts.
What Truly Impacts Your Credit Score
It’s more helpful to focus on the financial behaviors that directly shape your credit score. Your payment history is the biggest factor, so always paying bills on time is crucial. The amount of debt you owe compared to your credit limits, known as credit utilization, is also very important. Applying for too much new credit in a short time can also cause a small, temporary dip.
Closing a long-standing credit card account, for instance, can increase your overall credit utilization ratio, which might lower your score. This is why the rules are different for credit products versus standard bank accounts.
Making the Decision to Close an Account
If you’re thinking about closing a bank account, feel free to proceed without fear of damaging your credit. A more practical reason to keep an account open might be to avoid monthly maintenance fees or to meet a minimum balance requirement for a different service with that bank. The health of your credit score depends much more on how you manage your debts and make payments.
By focusing on those positive habits, you can keep your credit score strong, regardless of which bank accounts you choose to open or close.