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system
is it ever a good idea to close credit cards?
user
the only good reason i find to close cards are: it's a card with an annual fee that you don't need.  no point bleeding money each year. churning rewards.  open card to get bonus promotion such as "spend $500 in first 3 months, get $200 bonus".  close card and open a year later to do that same bonus again if available.  many cards don't allow you to do this. making room for newer cards at the same bank.  example, you have 5 chase cards and you want to apply for a 6th.  chase says you have maximized your credit they will extend you.  you close one of your existing cards to get that new card. i have seen that many banks allow you to shift over some over your existing available credit to your new card without having to close them.
assistant