EstatePass
Originationhard25% of exam

What is the typical impact on a credit score when a borrower pays off and closes a credit card account that has been open for 10 years?

Correct Answer

C) The score may decrease due to reduced credit history length and available credit

Closing a long-standing credit card can negatively impact credit scores in two ways: it reduces the average age of accounts (length of credit history) and decreases available credit, potentially increasing credit utilization ratios on remaining cards. The 10-year history contributes positively to the credit score, and removing this established tradeline typically causes a score decrease.

Answer Options
A
The score will improve due to lower overall debt
B
Closing accounts has no impact on credit scores
C
The score may decrease due to reduced credit history length and available credit
D
The score will improve because of fewer open accounts

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Closing a long-standing credit card can negatively impact credit scores in two ways: it reduces the average age of accounts (length of credit history) and decreases available credit, potentially increasing credit utilization ratios on remaining cards. The 10-year history contributes positively to the credit score, and removing this established tradeline typically causes a score decrease.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Origination Questions

For a construction-to-permanent loan, when must the initial Closing Disclosure be provided for the construction phase?

An appraiser discovers that a property has significant foundation issues that were not disclosed. The appraiser reduces the property value by $25,000 and includes detailed comments about the structural problems. The loan officer is upset because this will kill the deal. Under AIR, the loan officer:

A borrower requests that all loan communications be sent only to their workplace address because they are in the process of divorce and don't want their spouse to see mortgage-related documents. How should the MLO handle this request?

A borrower wants to compare an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage. What is the MOST important disclosure the MLO must provide about the ARM?

An MLO provides pre-qualification based on a borrower's current employment but learns the borrower is starting a new job next month with a $10,000 salary increase. How should this information be handled?

An MLO issues a pre-approval letter that states 'subject to satisfactory appraisal and final underwriting approval.' The borrower uses this letter to make an offer, but the appraisal comes in $15,000 below the purchase price. What is the lender's obligation?

A borrower's bank statement shows monthly service fees of $25 and overdraft fees totaling $150 over two months. How should the MLO address this in the loan evaluation?

How long is a typical pre-approval letter valid?

During the application process, an MLO realizes that a borrower would qualify for a government program with better terms, but the MLO's company doesn't offer that program type. What does good faith require?

An MLO issues a pre-approval letter valid for 90 days. On day 85, the borrower's credit score drops 40 points due to a new credit inquiry and increased credit utilization. What should the MLO do?

People Also Study

Related Study Resources

Practice More MLO Questions

Access all practice questions with progress tracking and adaptive difficulty to pass your SAFE MLO exam.

Start Practicing