credit score

3 questions

Does closing a credit card hurt your credit score?

Yes — closing a card can lower your score by raising your utilization ratio and reducing your average account age. Here's when it's worth it anyway.
How long does a hard inquiry affect your credit score?

A hard inquiry drops your score by fewer than 5 points on average and stops affecting it after 12 months — but stays on your report for 2 years.
What is a good credit score?

Credit score ranges explained, what yours means for loans and rates, and the fastest ways to improve it.