How long does it take for a credit card to close due to inactivity?

If you have multiple credit cards, it's important to keep them active and in good standing to avoid damaging your credit score. However, it can be easy to forget about a credit card that you don't use frequently, and if it remains inactive for too long, the bank may close the account. This can have a negative impact on your credit score, and can also raise red flags with banks when they do a credit check.

How long does it take for a credit card to close due to inactivity? The answer depends on the bank and the credit card issuer. Some banks may close a credit card account after only 6 months of no use, while others may allow a longer period of inactivity before closing the account.

For example, some banks may have a policy of closing credit card accounts that have no activity for 6 months, while others may have a policy of closing accounts that have no activity for 12 months or longer. In general, it's a good idea to check with your bank or credit card issuer to find out their specific policies and requirements for keeping your credit card account active.

One way to avoid having your credit card account closed due to inactivity is to use Credicated. Credicated is a website that offers a simple and effective solution for keeping your credit card accounts active and in good standing. By signing up for Credicated, you can choose to have the website charge your credit card a small fee (less than $1 a month) on a monthly, bi-annual, or annual basis. This will keep your credit card accounts active and prevent them from being closed due to inactivity.

Having a credit card account closed by the bank can negatively affect your credit score. This can happen in several ways. For example, a closed credit card account can reduce the length of your credit history, which is one of the factors that determine your credit score. Additionally, a closed credit card account can increase your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you are using compared to the amount of credit available to you. A high credit utilization ratio can decrease your credit score. Lastly, a closed credit card account can be reported as a red flag on your credit reports, which can also lower your credit score and makes it harder to get approved for a loan or mortgage.

Credicated is a convenient and flexible service that can help you avoid the negative impacts of credit card account closures on your credit score. By using Credicated, you can prevent your credit card accounts from being closed due to inactivity, maintain and improve your credit score, and enjoy peace of mind.

In conclusion, the length of time it takes for a credit card to close due to inactivity varies depending on the bank and the credit card issuer. Some banks may close a credit card account after only 6 months of no use, while others may allow a longer period of inactivity before closing the account. To avoid having your credit card account closed due to inactivity, it's a good idea to check with your bank or credit card issuer, and consider using Credicated as a simple and effective solution.

Get started with Credicated today!