Got an inactivity message from USBank after only 7 months

[Winchester2005]

Paid off my card in May 2022, got an email today saying that I haven't used my card in awhile and the account could close.

I was surprised that they would send me this after only a short time of inactivity.

I did treat myself to a sushi buffet, and will let the statement cut and pay it off, but isn't the general rule of thumb to have an account close after like 18 months to 2 years?

Anyone have similar experiences with USBank?

[simplynoir]

It really does depend on the lender and how long they will let accounts sit idle. There are datapoints on this topic at Doctor of Credit from a few years ago as a good starting point. Seems to be on average 12 months is given before closing an account out. They are not required to send out notices so that is at their discretion

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/which-banks-close-credit-cards-for-inactivity/

Probably what is triggering this earlier-than-expected closure in my opinion is 1) you didn't mention it but assuming it's a non annual fee credit card because they will keep those open forever as long as the customer is paying the yearly fee, 2) banks wanting to get rid of the dead weight so to speak so those that don't use their cards will free up that credit line for other potential customers and 3) current state of the economy and projected in the future closing inactive accounts as risk mitigation. At least that's the way I see it

[Drifter73]

They might be cleaning house after announcing the completion of the Union Bank merger Dec 1st 2022: https://ir.usbank.com/news-releases/news-release-details/us-bancorp-completes-acquisition-union-bank...).

They are still in the process of transfering union Bank cc customers over to the USB app and network.

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people got early closure notices for inactivity.

[xenon3030]

I recommend using the inactive cards once per quarter to avoid getting closed. I have done this for several years without issue, buying <1$ Amazon GC.

[ptatohed]

I think once every 6 months is good.  I just ran little purchases through my Savor, AARP, and Double Cash.  Back in the drawer they go for 6 more months.  

[sarge12]

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@Winchester2005 wrote:

Paid off my card in May 2022, got an email today saying that I haven't used my card in awhile and the account could close.

I was surprised that they would send me this after only a short time of inactivity.

I did treat myself to a sushi buffet, and will let the statement cut and pay it off, but isn't the general rule of thumb to have an account close after like 18 months to 2 years?

Anyone have similar experiences with USBank?

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As someone who has had accounts close due to inactivity, it seems to vary widely between issuers, and even likely the profiles of the inactive user. As far as I can tell, or have seen info regarding, there does not seem to be any common practice followed by issuers. Chase closed my Freedom Unlimited card for inactivity, but called me first, and gave me the chance to keep it open, or transfer the credit limit of that card to my Chase Amazon Prime card. They were very nice about it, but also had one closed by another issuer without notice. Chase also remarked as Closed by cardholder, but I have never seen evidence that who closes a card without a balance even matters. I actually have cards I am currently waiting to be closed by the issuer. I plan to thin the herd, but see no advantage to me closing them. I think closed is closed, and remarks mean nothing. The only score hit I would expect from closure of a 0 balance card, is due to loss of credit limit increasing utilization.

[Anonymous]

Couple of questions - which USBANK card, and do you have a checking account with them as well?  Not sure if it matters, but both my wife and I have seperate accounts with USBANK - each of us have checking & Cash+ cards, and she has the Altitude Go!.

We are on the older "Gold" Checking account which is $14.95 per month, but gets credited $14.95 if you have a credit card.

Last time I used my USBANK Cash+ was probably July, but have used the checking account since then.  I'll keep an eye out.

[markhs777]

Does having a 0% open balance transfer without actual purchases qualify as usage? Always assumed it did but nowadays who knows.

[Rockysocks]

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@Winchester2005 wrote:

Paid off my card in May 2022, got an email today saying that I haven't used my card in awhile and the account could close.

I was surprised that they would send me this after only a short time of inactivity.

I did treat myself to a sushi buffet, and will let the statement cut and pay it off, but isn't the general rule of thumb to have an account close after like 18 months to 2 years?

Anyone have similar experiences with USBank?

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Honestly, my approach is just be glad they gave you a heads up. I know many use their card every 6 months to prevent closures. My take on it all is if a bank or CU wants to keep my inactive business (lol), they can send me a 'warning: imminent closure' text, email, or snail mail (Citi, for me), and, if they don't do anything (Synchrony, for me), then it's a sign from the credit gods that I didn't need it anyway lol. It's business, no hard feelings.

[NoMoreE46]

Do you mean having an Offer of a BT or having an actual balance (be it 0% Int) from the BT?

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@markhs777 wrote:

Does having a 0% open balance transfer without actual purchases qualify as usage? Always assumed it did but nowadays who knows.

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