How to close my bank account without hurting my credit score?

[ccwishon]

I have been really wanting to switch my checking account to a local bank from Wells Fargo because of ridiculous fees, super low interest rates, and my hippie community beliefs. However, my Wells Fargo checking account is currently my oldest open account and I know this plays a big part in my credit report. As we will be looking at buying a house in the next two years, I don't want to do anything to damage my credit right now, but I am also really committed to switching my checking account. Can I just open a new account and keep a small balance in the Wells Fargo one, or will it eventually go inactive if it isn't used regularly? Or is there a way to close my checking account without negatively impacting my credit score? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[icefr]

Closing your checking account shouldn't affect your credit score because checking accounts aren't reported to the credit bureaus. You can keep your Wells Fargo credit card open (if you have one) and bill pay it from your new bank/credit union just fine.

When was the last time you pulled your free credit report? http://www.annualcreditreport.com I pull from each credit bureau once a year, initially every 4 months, I pulled from one.

[Freedom2016]

What icefr said. Checking accounts aren't part of your credit report/score. Things related to *credit* are included in it. So change away!

[ccwishon]

Awesome, thank you both, and sorry for the stupid question!