Credit card inactivity

bobblebob

Is there a timeframe for how long it takes a card to go inactive? Got a Halifax Clarity card that I mainly use for emergencies and paying for stuff abroad, but I can go 2-3 months without using it sometimes


Is it best just to make a small purchase on it - say lunch for example - every month just to keep it active?

[Deleted User]

Usually in excess of a year. A few times a year would be more than enough.

kwame41

I have a Halifax card which I rarely use. It shows as 'dormant' on my credit files after about 6 months.

I just make a small purchase at that point to change the status and pay the balance off.

Not sure if it makes any difference to a credit profile though. Perhaps ax81 can advise.

bobblebob

Great cheers


Also ive noticed I didn't receive a credit card statement this month. I didn't use the card so assumed it was because of that, however other months when I don't use it I still get a statement. So not sure why this month is different

[Deleted User]

Statements will stop after several zero balance ones, but you'll still get an annual statement until closed.

Fingerbobs

Usually, you don't get a statement if there has been no activity on the account since the last statement.


Activity on the account includes payments made to the account, as well as purchases, so even if you haven't used the card for spending, when you pay off the previous month's bill, that's activity and will trigger a statement. If you then don't use the card for a further month, you won't get a bill.

I've had cards sitting unused in drawers for years on end, and have never had one closed due to inactivity.

CakeCrusader

This may depend on the card. I cleared a Vanquis off in October and received a text message today as I haven't used it since. It's only been three months! Aqua reduced my limit after about 6 months of no use.

SnowTiger

CakeCrusader wrote: »

This may depend on the card. I cleared a Vanquis off in October and received a text message today as I haven't used it since. It's only been three months! Aqua reduced my limit after about 6 months of no use.

Vanquis usually nudges me with the offer of a PIN reminder if I don't use my card for a while.

Previously they've also offered Amazon vouchers and cash as an incentive to start using my card again. :rotfl:

CakeCrusader

SnowTiger wrote: »

Vanquis usually nudges me with the offer of a PIN reminder if I don't use my card for a while.

Previously they've also offered Amazon vouchers and cash as an incentive to start using my card again. :rotfl:

I'll hang on, use it for a coffee and clear it again then! I'm not sure they should be so pushy given their pathetically high interest rate to be honest.

Vortigern

Bear in mind that if you pay your infrequently used card by direct debit, the DD will be deleted by your bank after 13 months inactivity.