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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/damnniqqaa on 2025-10-31 17:52:59+00:00.

So a few months ago, I decided to get serious about my finances. I had three credit cards, nothing crazy, all paid on time, but I thought having multiple accounts was unnecessary. I kept seeing posts about “simplifying your finances” and “cutting out unused cards,” so I figured I’d do the smart thing and close the one I barely used. It was my first card, opened when I was 19. I didn’t even think twice about it.

Fast forward to last month, I checked my credit score and nearly spat out my coffee. It had dropped by like 40 points for no apparent reason. I panicked, went down a Reddit rabbit hole, and learned that closing your oldest credit card can hurt your score because it shortens your credit history and messes with your utilization ratio. Basically, I punished myself for trying to be responsible. Love that for me.

Now I’m slowly trying to fix it. I reopened one card, set small recurring charges on it, and started using tools that actually help build credit without adding more debt stress. I even started using debit cards that report to the credit bureaus, so I can build credit just by spending my own money. Honestly, it’s been a relief not having to juggle multiple credit cards or worry about interest. Lesson learned: not every “adulting tip” on the internet is a good one.

TL;DR: Tried to be financially responsible by closing my oldest credit card, ended up tanking my credit score instead.