How is the average age of accounts calculated?
 

Recently I've been working towards planning my next App-O-Rama, and attempting to workout exactly how many credit inquires and account closures (by me) my credit report can take.

I've been monitoring my score and seeing it go back into the low 800's and I'm a bit confused on how average age of accounts is calculated. On one side sites like credit karma show the average age of open accounts. While I'm getting conflicting information elsewhere that suggests the average age of accounts is the average age for all open and closed accounts.

Anyone have a explanation?

As this is clearly a CC-specific query, your post will undoubtedly get better feedback here in the dedicated Credit Card Programs forum.

You may also want to take a look at START HERE sticky at the top of this forum as this is a frequent topic of discussion, and the info is likely already here.

Good luck!

Moderator, Information Desk

How is the average age of accounts calculated?
 

Closed accounts count for 10 years after account closure. Creditkarma isn't entirely accurate. Some accounts may not send info to all 3 major credit reporting companies.

Read creditboards.com

creditboards.com is an excellent suggestion. Also see this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...ilization.html Also try via google search.

AAoA (what FICO uses) includes both open and closed accounts on the report. CK is actually calculating AAoOA.

What score are you monitoring? Keep in mind that for any given model you have a score with each CRA.