A credit card sitting in a drawer can still matter to your finances. Banks may lower an unused card's limit or close the account. There is no universal inactivity deadline; policies differ by bank.
Why closure can matter
Losing a card's credit limit reduces your available credit. If your balances stay the same, your credit utilization rises. For example, a $1,000 balance against $10,000 in available credit is 10% utilization. Remove a $5,000 limit, and it becomes 20%.
Keeping a card active
Small purchases or a recurring charge can show banks that you're still using the card. Pair those purchases with automatic payments. Paying the balance in full each month can help avoid purchase interest. No single purchase schedule guarantees protection from closure.
When keeping it may not be worthwhile
An annual fee or the effort of managing another account may outweigh the benefit. Ask about switching to a card without an annual fee before deciding to close it. If you close an account, check your rewards and remember that any remaining debt still needs repayment.
Keep your cards in use with DollarPing
Have a card you want to keep but rarely reach for? DollarPing automates small $1 subscription charges on the cards you add, giving them purchase activity without having to remember a separate shopping trip. Choose a billing schedule for each card and manage your subscriptions in one place.
Pair DollarPing with automatic payments through your bank so those small charges get paid on time. Your bank still sets its own inactivity policy, but DollarPing makes scheduled card use easier to maintain.
Get started with DollarPing and add your first card.
Source: What happens if you don't use your credit card?, published January 20, 2026.