Credit Age Impact Tool

Estimate how opening or closing accounts affects your Average Age of Accounts (AAoA) and overall credit history.

Account Simulation

Current AAoA
0.0Years
Oldest: 0 yrs
Simulated Impact
0.0Years
0.0 yr change
New Oldest: 0 yrs

Add your first account to begin the simulation.

Understanding Credit Age

Your credit age is a measurement of how long you have been managing credit. It is calculated by taking the age of every account on your credit report and finding the average. This is known as the Average Age of Accounts (AAoA). Lenders view longer credit histories as a sign of stability and experience.

While the oldest account in your profile sets the maximum length of your history, the average age provides a more comprehensive look at your overall track record. Opening many new accounts in a short period can significantly lower this average, even if your oldest account remains open.

Practical Guidance

  • Keep your oldest credit card accounts open, even if you don't use them frequently, to preserve your maximum credit age.

  • Closing a card does not immediately remove its history from your credit age; closed accounts in good standing can remain on your report for up to 10 years.

  • Spacing out new credit applications helps prevent sharp drops in your Average Age of Accounts (AAoA).

  • Long-term aging is the only way to improve this factor; patience and consistent management are key to a high credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does closing a card remove it from my credit age?
No. Closed accounts in good standing typically stay on your credit report for up to 10 years and continue to contribute to your Average Age of Accounts during that time.
How long do closed accounts stay on my report?
Accounts closed in good standing remain for 10 years. Accounts closed with negative information (like late payments) usually stay for 7 years from the date of the first delinquency.
Should I keep my oldest card open?
Generally, yes. Keeping your oldest card open maintains the length of your credit history. If it has an annual fee, consider asking the issuer for a "product change" to a no-fee version instead of closing it.
How much does credit age matter for my score?
Credit history length typically accounts for about 15% of your total credit score. While not as impactful as payment history (35%) or utilization (30%), it is a significant secondary factor.
Will a new car loan hurt my credit age?
Yes, any new account (loan or credit card) will have an age of zero months, which will mathematically lower your Average Age of Accounts (AAoA).
Can I have a good score with a short credit age?
Yes. If you have a perfect payment history and very low credit utilization, you can still achieve a high score, though it may be harder to reach the "excellent" range without several years of history.

Educational and illustrative use only. No guarantee of credit score impact.

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