Your card stays open, but the issuer may close it for inactivity
If you don't use your credit card for several months, the card issuer can close the account without your permission. Most issuers wait between 6 and 12 months of no activity before closing, though some act faster. When they close it, you lose access to that credit line, and the account shows as closed on your credit report — which can lower your credit score.
The exact timeline depends on the issuer. American Express, for example, is known for closing inactive accounts within 3 to 6 months. Visa and Mastercard issuers (like Chase or Bank of America) typically wait longer, often 12 months or more. There is no federal rule that forces them to keep an inactive account open, so each company sets its own policy.
You can prevent closure by using the card at least once every few months — even a small purchase counts. Some people set up a recurring subscription (like a streaming service) and pay it with the card to keep it active without thinking about it.
Key Takeaways
- Card issuers can close your account for inactivity, usually after 6 to 12 months with no charges, and you will not get a warning before they do it.
- A closed account lowers your credit score because it reduces your available credit and changes the mix of accounts on your report.
- Using the card once every few months — even for a small purchase — is enough to keep most issuers from closing it.
- If your card is closed for inactivity, you can contact the issuer and ask them to reopen it, though they may refuse.
How inactivity affects your credit score
When an issuer closes your account, your credit score typically drops because two things change on your credit report. First, your total available credit shrinks — if you had a $5,000 limit and now that account is gone, you have less credit available overall. Second, the ratio of credit you are using to credit available (called your utilization rate) goes up, even if you have not charged anything new.
The drop is usually temporary. Over time, as you use your other cards responsibly and pay on time, your score recovers. But if you have only one or two credit cards, losing one account can hurt more than if you have many accounts spread across different issuers.
There is also a smaller effect from the account's age. If the closed card was one of your oldest accounts, closing it can lower the average age of your accounts, which also affects your score slightly.
What happens to your balance if you have one
If you have an unpaid balance on the card when the issuer closes it, the account does not disappear — you still owe the money. The issuer will continue to send you bills and charge interest on the balance. You can still make payments, but you cannot use the card to make new charges.
A closed account with a balance looks worse on your credit report than a closed account with zero balance, so paying it off before closure is better if you see it coming. If the account closes without warning and you have a balance, contact the issuer right away to set up a payment plan.
How to reopen a closed account
If your card is closed for inactivity, you can call the issuer's customer service number (on your statement or their website) and ask them to reopen it. Some issuers will do this without much pushback, especially if you have been a good customer with on-time payments. Others will refuse or require you to explore for a new card instead.
The sooner you call after closure, the better your chances. If months have passed, the issuer may have already sold the account or closed it permanently. Even if they reopen it, the account will still show as closed on your credit report for a period of time — it does not erase the closure from your history.
If they refuse to reopen it, you can explore for a new card from the same issuer, though they may deny you if the closure was recent or if your credit has changed since then.
Why issuers close inactive accounts
Card issuers close inactive accounts because they cost money to maintain. Even if you are not using the card, the issuer has to monitor the account, send statements, and manage fraud risk. If you are not generating any revenue through interest or fees, keeping the account open is a net loss for them.
Closing inactive accounts also reduces the issuer's risk. An unused card is a target for fraud — if a thief gets the number, they can charge before anyone notices. By closing old accounts, issuers reduce the number of accounts they have to protect.
Strategies for keeping cards active without overspending
The simplest way to keep a card active is to charge something small every few months. You do not need to carry a balance or pay interest — just one purchase every six months is usually enough. Pay it off in full when the bill arrives, and you avoid interest while keeping the account open.
Many people set up a small recurring charge on a card they want to keep: a subscription service, a monthly donation, or a utility bill. This way the card stays active without requiring you to remember to use it. Just make sure the recurring charge is small enough that you can pay it off easily each month.
Another option is to use different cards for different purposes. Keep one card for groceries, one for gas, one for online shopping. This spreads your activity across multiple accounts and keeps them all active without you having to think about it.
What to do if you want to close a card yourself
If you decide you do not want a card anymore, you can close it yourself by calling the issuer. Pay off any balance first, then call and ask to close the account. The issuer will confirm the balance is zero and close it on your request.
Closing a card you close yourself has the same effect on your credit score as an issuer closing it for inactivity — your available credit drops and your utilization rate rises. But closing it yourself means you control the timing and can plan around it. You also get confirmation that it is closed, rather than discovering it months later.
If you have multiple cards, close the newest one rather than the oldest. Older accounts help your credit score more because they show a longer history of responsible use. Keeping your oldest card open, even if you rarely use it, is better for your score than closing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I go without using a credit card before it closes?
Most issuers close accounts after 6 to 12 months of no activity, but some act faster — American Express may close after 3 to 6 months. Check your cardholder agreement or call the issuer to find out their specific policy. Using the card once every few months prevents closure for most issuers.
Will I get a warning before my card is closed for inactivity?
Most issuers do not send a warning before closing an inactive account. You may discover it when you try to use the card or when you check your credit report. Some issuers may send a notice, but it is not may provide, so do not rely on receiving one.
Does closing a credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, whether the issuer closes it or you close it yourself. Your available credit decreases and your utilization rate increases, both of which lower your score. The impact is usually temporary and your score recovers over time as you use other accounts responsibly.
Can I use my card after the issuer closes it?
No, you cannot make new charges on a closed card. If you have a balance, you can still make payments, but the card is no longer usable for purchases. You would need to explore for a new card or use a different card to make charges.
What if I have a balance when my card gets closed for inactivity?
You still owe the money and will continue to receive bills with interest charges. Contact the issuer to confirm the balance and set up a payment plan if needed. Paying it off should be your priority, as a closed account with a balance hurts your credit more than a closed account with zero balance.