Minimum Activity to Prevent Card Cancellation?

**cc789** · Feb 17, 13, 7:00 am

I currently have 5 MCs and Visas, which I used to run at 75% util. Three of the cards have $20k lines, one $15k, and another $10k. Never missed a payment, but six months ago I decided it was time to start paying for vacations, car repairs, and home appliances w/ cash.

Fortunately, I always had the cash to pay off the balances, but developed a habit of using the cards in the 2000's when they had much lower interest rates.

Over the last few months, I've cut the balances to 30% in aggregate, with only one PIF. I have the cash to wipe out all the debt, and use the cards far less than I used to. I put $10-$20 a month on the PIF card, just to prevent an inactivity cancellation.

I'm now preparing to pay off the other 4 cards, however, I want to keep them open. My question is how much do I need to charge on each card per month, or per year, to prevent a low activity cancellation? Do the cards w/$20,000 lines need more activity than the one w/$10,000?

**Robrus1** · Feb 19, 13, 12:50 pm

It's really hard to say, and I think it just depends on the lender. I had an old Bank of America card that I quit using frequently and started only using it about once a month (sometimes I'd forget and it'd be about every other month) to keep it open since it was my oldest line of credit. After about 5 or 6 months, they cancelled it without any notification. I wouldn't think the limits would have anything to do with needing to be used more/less frequently. I would think that once or twice a month would be enough to keep them open. I have a Capital One card that I have never used, and I've had it for almost a year and it's still open. I've never used it because I don't really care if they close it.

**Sevenfeet** · Feb 19, 13, 6:37 pm

Good to know. One of my BofA cards is in steady use right now but that will end if I get a Fidelity Amex to go with the Penfed I already have. Looks like I'll need to make a few purchases to keep them interested.

**Ners** · Feb 21, 13, 1:02 pm

I haven't used my BoA student Visa in over 2 years and its apparently still active.

**randeman** · Feb 22, 13, 5:14 am

I know that it may require some juggling, but why not use your cards in lieu of your debit card? Assuming you have and use one. Not for cash obviously. Since you have five cards and there are 4.3 weeks in every month, you could rotate them approximately weekly, say, start on Saturday and then pay off that particular card on the following Friday. I realize that could be a bit of a pain to get started, but once you have a habit going it will be easier and it might solve your utilization issues.

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Minimum Activity to Prevent Card Cancellation?