How Store Credit Cards Impact Your Credit Score

A person smiling while holding store credit in one hand and a black shopping bag in the other.

Q: I am a student at Southeast Missouri State University. About 10 months ago I opened my first student credit card. I eventually got my credit score to 728. In October, I opened an account with a jewelry store in order to buy an engagement ring. I’ve noticed a huge dive in my credit score […]

Can I Close a Department Store Credit Card Without Hurting My FICO Score?

department store cards

If you’re managing several major credit cards along with department store credit cards and wondering if you should start closing a few, you’re not alone. Many consumers want to streamline their credit without negatively impacting their FICO score—especially if they’re in the 700–720 range. So, can you close a department store credit card without hurting […]