Does checking my own score hurt it?

No. That is a soft inquiry. A hard inquiry happens when you apply for new credit.

Should I close old cards to “simplify”?

Usually no. Closing a card can raise utilization (same balances, lower limits) and may shorten average age. Leave zero-fee cards open and unused, or put a tiny recurring bill on them.

Credit

How credit scores actually move

What FICO actually weights: payment history, utilization, age, mix, and new credit — plus the myths that do not move your score.

Updated 2026-09-08 · 8 min · Educational, not advice

The five levers

Payment history is most of the score. One 30-day late can linger for years. Utilization (balances versus limits) is next and moves fast — paying cards down before the statement date can change a score in a cycle. Length of history rewards old accounts. Mix (revolving plus installment) is a tie-breaker. New credit is a small penalty for a stack of applications.

What does not work

You do not need a “credit repair” firm to pay your bills. Authorized-user piggybacking can help if the primary account is pristine, and can hurt if it is not. Carrying a balance to “show activity” earns the issuer interest and does not help FICO. Pay in full.

FAQ

Does checking my own score hurt it?: No. That is a soft inquiry. A hard inquiry happens when you apply for new credit.
Should I close old cards to “simplify”?: Usually no. Closing a card can raise utilization (same balances, lower limits) and may shorten average age. Leave zero-fee cards open and unused, or put a tiny recurring bill on them.