Cutting up your credit cards doesn't close the accounts - you actually have to let the credit bureaus know that you've closed the accounts. (If the accounts aren't closed, you may hurt your chances of getting credit in the future because it will seem like you've got open credit lines from those old cards.)
To close a credit card account, simply send a letter with your name, address and account number to the credit card company asking them to close the account. Use our easy sample letter here!