[MonkeyMama]

I cancel all my cards not used. mostly I am worried about potential theft. Can't steal if it doesn't exist.

My credit score is in the 800s.

The last one I closed because it had an annual fee and it was my oldest card. At this point I have established such good credit it matters little. I always found this advice somewhat silly - very dependent on your situation. If your credit is bad and you are working hard to get it up, don't cancel a card. If you credit is so-so and you need it in the near future, don't cancel a credit card. VERY important advice.

BUT If you are paying an annual fee and your credit is good and you are not working on buying a home or finance a car in the near future, that is just silly not to cancel it, if it has a fee or whatnot.

I think the point is know what affects your score and be careful. But in all situations closing a card does not spell doom. If you have a high fee I wouldn't necessarily just blindly keep it in fear of credit doom.