Credit history length is 15% of your FICO score. Never close your oldest credit card account — even if you rarely use it. Keep it active with one small charge per year.
Anyone tempted to close an old card they no longer use. Closing it can meaningfully drop your score.
Identify your oldest credit card account.
Set one small recurring charge on it (a streaming subscription, etc.) to keep it active.
Set up autopay for the full balance.
Never close it. Even if there's an annual fee — weigh the credit benefit against the fee cost.