Can I apply for a credit card the day before closing?

Asked by: Euna Breitenberg  |  Last update: January 11, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (41 votes)

Though you may want to open a new credit card to cover moving expenses or new furniture, it's generally recommended to hold off until your mortgage process is complete. Applying for a new credit card can affect your credit score and overall mortgage eligibility.

Can you apply for a credit card before closing?

If you open the credit card now, your lender will likely postpone that closing to run it back through underwriting at minimum. Many times they'll pull credit right before closing. The home is the main goal and you certainly don't want to do anything to delay or derail that process.

Can I use my credit card the day before the closing date?

Yes, you can use your credit card between the due date and the credit card statement closing date. Purchases made after your credit card due date are simply included in the next billing statement.

Do they check credit the day of closing?

Do Lenders Check Your Credit Again Before Closing? Yes, lenders typically run your credit a second time before closing, so it's wise to exercise caution with your credit during escrow. One of your chief goals during escrow should be to ensure nothing changes in your credit that could derail your closing.

How soon after opening a credit card can I close it?

The answer is worth repeating loud and clear: Never, under any circumstances, should you close a credit card less than one year after opening it. While it is possible to do so, there are many reasons why canceling a credit card before the annual fee is due is a bad idea.

How Often Can You Apply for a Credit Card in 2024? (safely)

25 related questions found

Does it hurt your credit to open a credit card and then close it?

Closing a credit card can hurt your credit, especially if it's a card you've had for years. An account closure can cause a temporary hit to your credit by increasing your credit utilization, lowering your average age of accounts and possibly limiting your credit mix.

What is the 5 24 rule for Chase?

The 5/24 rule, often referred to as the Chase 5/24 rule, is an unofficial Chase guideline that states you will not be approved for a new Chase card if you have opened five or more credit card accounts from any bank within the past 24 months.

Can a house fall through on closing day?

Though it's rare (73% of contracts close on time, and only 5% of contracts never make it past closing day), there are also other reasons that a home's sale can fall through on the closing day, including cold feet, title issues, and unfulfilled contingencies.

Do lenders check your bank account the day of closing?

Lenders typically do last-minute checks of their borrowers' financial information in the week before the loan closing date, including pulling a credit report and reverifying employment.

What not to do during underwriting?

5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Underwriting Process
  • Not responding to emails from the lender. ...
  • Buying an improperly valued home. ...
  • Exceeding loan limitations. ...
  • Lying to your lender. ...
  • Frivolous purchases while your home is pending.

What's the difference between due date and closing date?

Your payment due date is the deadline for making at least the minimum payment on your credit card balance to avoid late fees and penalties. On the other hand, the closing date marks the end of your billing cycle. It's when your credit card issuer calculates your statement balance and reports it to the credit bureaus.

Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance?

It's a good idea to pay off your credit card balance in full whenever you're able. Carrying a monthly credit card balance can cost you in interest and increase your credit utilization rate, which is one factor used to calculate your credit scores.

What is a good credit score?

There are some differences around how the various data elements on a credit report factor into the score calculations. Although credit scoring models vary, generally, credit scores from 660 to 724 are considered good; 725 to 759 are considered very good; and 760 and up are considered excellent.

What to do while waiting for the closing date?

Take care of any pending tasks: Use the waiting period to take care of any pending tasks such as getting home insurance, setting up utilities, and notifying your bank and other important contacts about your change of address.

Can I make a large purchase before closing?

But anything that changes your financial picture in a big way should wait until after closing. Although a “large purchase” will vary based on your budget, consider avoiding any purchases that you need to finance. Even if you can make the purchase in cash, it's good to hold off until after closing.

Do lenders do another credit check before completion?

When you are applying for a mortgage, it is standard for the lender to check your credit score and history before approving your application. However, you may not be aware that they also check this again at a later point – before the mortgage amount is transferred and your purchase is completed.

Do they run your credit the day of closing?

Credit is pulled at least once at the beginning of the approval process, and then again just prior to closing. Sometimes it's pulled in the middle if necessary, so it's important that you be conscious of your credit and the things that may impact your scores and approvability throughout the entire process.

Can I move in on closing day?

Some buyers may be able to negotiate an immediate possession date. This means as soon as the transaction is closed and the deed is recorded, the buyer can move in. A few other common buyer possession dates may be 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, or even 90 days after closing, depending on how much time the seller needs.

Can a loan be denied after closing?

Can a mortgage be denied after the closing disclosure is issued? Yes. Many lenders use third-party “loan audit” companies to validate your income, debt and assets again before you sign closing papers. If they discover major changes to your credit, income or cash to close, your loan could be denied.

Can you be denied on closing day?

To begin with, yes. Many lenders hire external companies to double-check income, debts, and assets before signing closing documents. If you have significant changes in your credit, income, or funds needed for closing, you may be denied the loan.

How often do buyers back out at closing?

3.9% of real estate sales fail after the contract is signed.

There's nothing more frustrating than having a buyer back out at the last second. Even if you're lucky and the house sells quickly and above the asking price after a heated bidding war, many things can go wrong that cause a deal to fall through.

Can anything go wrong on closing day?

Yes, a mortgage loan can fall through during the closing process, and even on closing day, for a number of reasons. Borrowers who take on additional debt or open new lines of credit during the home buying process can be seen as a risk to lenders.

What is credit card churning?

Credit card churning happens when a person applies for lots of credit cards to collect big sign-up and welcome bonuses (often in the form of cash back or miles). Once they get the sign-up rewards and bonuses, a credit card churner will usually stop using the cards or cancel them, only to repeat the process again.

What is the 1 30 rule for Chase credit cards?

What is the Chase 1/30 rule? The 1/30 rule is short for "1 card every 30 days," meaning your chances of being approved for a Chase business card are slim to none if you've applied for any card in the last 30 days.

How many credit cards are too many?

Owning more than two or three credit cards can become unmanageable for many people. However, your credit needs and financial situation are unique, so there's no hard and fast rule about how many credit cards are too many. The important thing is to make sure that you use your credit cards responsibly.