 TITLE: Should I Pay Bills with a Credit Card or Checking Account? CONTENT: Closing a Credit Card Can Hurt Your Credit Score\n------------------------------------------------\nThe average age of all your open credit accounts is another important factor in determining your credit scores. Every time you open a new loan or credit card, your average credit age goes down. A longer credit history shows potential banks and lenders that you have experience paying money back responsibly.\nClosing old accounts will also influence your credit age negatively. If you've had a credit card for eight years and it doesn't fit your needs anymore, closing it may not be the best idea. Instead, keep it open and make a few small purchases with it every month. Let the statement close and then pay the balance off in full.\nConsistently using an old credit card can be hard to remember, especially if your wallet is full of other cards you use regularly. But if your account is inactive for long enough, the credit card provider might assume you don't need the card and close it. Sometimes you'll receive a notice in advance, but it might come as a surprise.\nAn easy way to keep the account active is to schedule a recurring bill payment every month, like your Netflix subscription or gym membership. Make sure you don't assign too many recurring bills that increase the utilization past 30%. Then, set the credit card bill to autopay so you don't miss the payment. END