I would only recommend going to the site that was created by the bureaus themselves, not someone looking to sell you something:

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

I agree, don't go to freecreditreports.com, or any others except annualcreditreport.com.

Is this really true? I am in the position now where I can either close a few accounts, or just let them sit idle. I always figured it would be a 'negative' factor to have a bunch of available credit if you go to apply for a new loan -- as your debt/income ratio would then be a 'variable' to the new lender.

My credit score as of last December was a 776 and on my report, and these were things I was dinged for...

The time since your most recent account opening is very recent

You have too many bank/national revolving accounts with balances being reported

You have a relatively high number of accounts with balances

The length of time your accounts have been established is relatively short.

Maybe these might help you a little. When I run my report again, next month, we'll see if my score has improved because I have closed a few accounts and reduced my revolving cards. Good luck.

Keep in mind when you have a high score most of those reasons are merely the worst thing about your credit per the scoring model. Like saying Elle McPherson has a freckle.

Yes because according to the three reporting agencies it shows more responsibilty to open credit lines but with zero or little balance.

Of course there is a limit. If you had 15-20 lines open then that may actually reduce your score.