"Dormant" credit cards

keiran

I have a large number of credit cards which I use for variously for stoozing, rewards, cashback, etc.

Inevitably there's some that don't get used for a very long time.

Do any credit card companies cancel such credit cards, and if so, do they give notice so that one can make a quick purchase?

[Deleted User]

Yes they do. You'll normally get notice of closure.

However, they won't always give you the opportunity to keep it open, so if any are particularly important to you, just use them for an occasional purchase.

phillw

keiran wrote: »

Inevitably there's some that don't get used for a very long time.

Use them once a month, pay by direct debit, easy bunch of DD for current account DD requirements (TSB etc).

Felix11

I have many dormant credit cards - 4 in fact. They all have a limit and no balance. Unused for years. Only M&S have written to advise that I need to use the card to keep it active otherwise they will close the account! I wouldn't worry too much. See if you can get hold of the T&C's for each one?

Doshwaster

I've had cards in the past which were closed due to lack of use

Now I have a couple of spare/emergency cards which I keep alive by spending a few pounds on them occasionally and one which I just use to pay my Netflix subscription. That way if you ever do need to use them it is less likely to look like a fraudulent transaction.

[Deleted User]

Felix11 wrote: »

See if you can get hold of the T&C's for each one?

The T&Cs will just say that they can close the accounts at their discretion.

Dormancy rules aren't fixed or contractual.

Chipchase

It is not clear whether you want the cards to be cancelled, or don't want them to be cancelled.

In my case I have several cards I never use and only obtained because of a promotion (eg "Apply for a storecard in the shop and get a 10% discount on this purchase!"). I wish the CC company would shutter them. Otherwise I'd need to phone them and listen to canned music for 15 minutes (at 10p/minute?) and then have an argument with a salesman. No thanks, I'm hoping they die of their own accord.

boliston

i wonder if any apply a 'dormancy fee'?

bhaisab

Similar to OP, after using the current account switches over past few years, I have 3 inactive credit cards.
I havent used in several years and dont have a physical card.
Only realised when they came up on a credit history search.

Apart from having "access" to this extra credit if I need it in future, does having these credit cards have any benefit/disadvantage to credit rating?

I feel like closing the cards but like Chipchase CBA dealing with the banks to close them.

[Deleted User]

bhaisab wrote: »

does having these credit cards have any benefit/disadvantage to credit rating?

Potentially, depending on your wider circumstances.