Simple definition
Account age is how long your credit accounts have been open, and scoring models look at the average age across all of them. A longer history generally strengthens your credit score. Think of it as a work résumé: the longer and steadier your track record, the more trustworthy you look on paper.
Why it matters
The length of your credit history is one piece of your credit score, so older accounts can quietly help you. Closing a long-held card or opening several new ones can shorten your average age and ding your score. Knowing this helps you avoid choices that shorten your history without meaning to.
Real-life example
Suppose you have one card open for ten years and open two new cards this month. Your average account age drops sharply, from ten years toward just a few years. Even with the same debt, that shorter average can nudge your score down a little. These numbers are rounded for illustration.
Common mistakes
- Closing your oldest credit card, which can shorten your average account age.
- Opening several new accounts at once and pulling your average age down.
- Assuming account age matters more than paying on time, which weighs more heavily.
- Forgetting that a closed account in good standing can eventually drop off your report.
Pro tips
- Keep your oldest card open, even used lightly, to preserve your history.
- Space out new credit applications instead of opening many accounts at once.
- Put a small recurring charge on an old card so the issuer keeps it active.
- Check your credit report to see how long your accounts have been open.
Related Money Dictionary terms
- Credit ScoreA number that sums up how you've handled borrowing, shaping the rates you're offered.
- FICO ScoreThe most widely used credit score model, ranging from 300 to 850, that lenders check to gauge how risky you are to lend to.
- Credit ReportA detailed record of your borrowing history, including accounts, balances, and payment behavior, kept by the credit bureaus.
- Credit MixThe variety of credit types you hold, such as cards, auto loans, and mortgages, which slightly influences your score.
Frequently asked questions
Does closing a credit card hurt my account age?
It can. Closing a card, especially an old one, can lower the average age of your accounts and shorten your credit history over time. A closed account in good standing may stay on your report for years before dropping off. When possible, keeping old cards open helps protect your history.
How much does account age affect my credit score?
Length of credit history is one meaningful factor, though usually not the biggest — payment history and how much of your credit you use typically matter more. A longer average age helps at the margin. So account age is worth protecting, but it's not the single thing your score rests on.
Will opening a new card lower my average account age?
Yes, a bit. A new account starts at zero and pulls down the average age of all your accounts. The effect is usually modest and fades as the account ages. Opening several at once has a bigger impact, so spacing out new credit helps limit the dip.
Knowing what Account Age means is knowledge — the first half. A brick gets placed when you act on it: pull your credit report and note your oldest account, then keep it open rather than closing it.
Sources & references
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Plain-English education — not personalized legal, tax, or investment advice.