Help! Current account/mortgage question

sharon1982

Hi

I am wondering if anyone can help me. I'm trying to get my finances in order so I can get an mortgage agreement in principle. I am closing unused credit cards etc etc. I have been with my bank (Barclays) for 11 years, and although I have used my overdraft every month, I have always stayed within the agreed limit. However I recently cleared it in full and have opened an account with A&L because of the £100 incentive to switch. I closed my account with Barclays yesterday but they can't officially close it until Monday when the final transaction goes through.

I just read Martin Lewis' guide and it says "However long standing bank accounts with good credit histories can be a benefit to your credit score, so they're often best left open."

Have I made a mistake in closing my account and shall I stop them closing it?
I could leave it sitting open with no money in but I'll only do that if it will be a benefit to my mortgage application...

Thanks very much in advance for all your help!