What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Credit Card?
5 Min Read | Published: December 2, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
What happens if I don’t use my credit card? Learn how inactivity could lead to closure and how a few small swipes can keep your credit in good shape.
At-A-Glance
- Credit cards that sit unused may eventually be closed for inactivity, depending on the card provider.
- Keeping a card active with occasional use helps maintain your credit history and score.
- Even if you don’t use it often, a credit card can provide long-term benefits if managed wisely.
You’ve opened a new credit card, tucked it into your wallet, and are being extra mindful about not spending money you don't have. No charges, no swipes, no debt. Seems harmless, right? Even fiscally responsible? Not exactly. When a card sits unused for too long, your bank may decide to close it, which could chip away at your credit score. The good news? A little bit of activity here and there is usually all it takes to keep your card in working order.
Let’s explore what really happens if you don’t use your credit card and why using it occasionally can be important.
Potential Consequences of Not Using Your Credit Card
Depending on the issuer, some of the repercussions that could come from card inactivity include:
- Account Closure
Issuers may close your account after a certain period of inactivity.2
- Impact on Credit Score
Losing an account can shorten your credit history and affect your credit utilization ratio, both of which impact your credit score.3
- Missed Rewards
Some cards offer rewards that are only applicable when the card is used. For example, if your card offers cash back on groceries, and you pay with cash or your debit card at the supermarket, you’re missing out on the card’s benefit.
Why You Might Want to Keep a Card You Don’t Use
Some people get a new credit card and wonder if they should stop using an older card that they plan to phase out. What they might not know is that there are some advantages that could come with keeping their older card open, like:
- Building Long-Term Credit History
A portion of your credit score is made up of the length of your credit history and the number of different types of credit you have. If you close a credit card account, you could weaken your credit score.
- Support in Emergencies
Even if you don’t use your card frequently, there may come a time when you realize that having access to that line of credit could help you in a pinch.
- Using Ongoing Benefits
Some credit cards offer benefits that don’t require you to use the card. For example, some travel cards offer access to airport lounges or flight upgrades to qualifying Card Members.
Tips for Keeping a Credit Card Active
You don’t have to use your card every day or rack up debt to keep your card active. In fact, it may benefit you to only use an older credit card every once in a while. A few small charges can be enough to keep your card active, protect your credit, and make sure you don’t lose out on perks. Here are some ways to keep your card active responsibly:
- Set It and Forget It
One potentially effective way to keep your card active without running up a large balance is by using it to make automatic payments on a subscription or utility bill.
- Make It Your “Coffee Card”
Use your card to buy an occasional latte, muffin, or other treat and then pay off your balance right away.
- Review Your Card’s Benefits
After reviewing the fine print, you may find more reasons to use your card than you expected.
Did you know?
You can apply for a U.S. American Express Personal Card and know if you’re approved with no impact to your credit score. A hard credit check only occurs after you’ve accepted the Card, not during the application process itself. If you choose to accept the Card, the information we provide to the credit bureau(s) may impact your credit score. Learn more and apply with confidence today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Credit card inactivity isn’t always bad, but it could lead to negative consequences. Your account may be closed, which means you could miss out on card benefits and face negative credit score impacts.
It depends on the issuer. Many issuers prefer accounts to show activity at least once every few months. Occasional charges can keep it active.
Keeping a credit card open helps lengthen your credit history and may improve your credit score. However, you will need to use it occasionally to avoid closure.
The Takeaway
Not using your credit card might seem harmless, but letting it sit idle for too long could backfire. Issuers sometimes close inactive accounts, which can ding your credit. The fix is pretty simple: work in a few small charges now and then and pay them off right away. That way, you keep your card active, avoid interest charges, maintain a strong credit history, and keep your options open. Explore the Amex Card Shop to find the right Card for you.
1,3 “What Affects Your Credit Scores?,” Experian
2 “Why Credit Card Companies Close Accounts Without Telling You,” Experian
Scott Drueding Hanson is a content writer and copywriter based in Brooklyn. His work focuses primarily on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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