How often should I use an SD'd card to keep it open?

[expatCanuck]

I just noticed that I haven't used my BoA Travel Rewards card (22K CL) in 3 months.  (I also have a Bankamericard that gets occasional use.)

Any thoughts as to how often I should use it so that BoA doesn't close it?

[simplynoir]

Three months if you want to play it safe, six months if you want to play it less safe.

[expatCanuck]

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@simplynoir wrote:

Three months if you want to play it safe, six months if you want to play it less safe.

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Oh look -- the Thermapen is on sale.

[simplynoir]

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@expatCanuck wrote:

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@simplynoir wrote:

Three months if you want to play it safe, six months if you want to play it less safe.

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Oh look -- the Thermapen is on sale.

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I would have thought even one year would be safe but I did a quick forum search because I was curious as well and someone had posted that BofA mailed them a notice that their account would be closed after only 6-7 months of non-usage. I know other banks will take awhile to close as long as nothing unexpected shows up on your credit reports but as with the credit world it's always YMMV.

[Anonymous]

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@simplynoir wrote:

Three months if you want to play it safe, six months if you want to play it less safe.

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One year if you like gambling.

[expatCanuck]

Don't want to play games with this account -- it helps to keep my overall util low.  Probably a good idea to apply this card to a recurring payment -- perhaps even Uber & Lyft, as it has no FTF.

[Anonymous]

I would use the card every 3-4 mos to be safe and wouldnt take the chance 

of having the card shut down.

A pack of gum or somthing like that should do the trick.

A recurring payment would be best. This is what I do for some of my cards.

[Anonymous]

I should probably use my older Discover IT and Overstock cards sometime this month, then, since they've been the longest-idle (approximately two months each). I want to keep my older Discover card active, in particular, pending possible combo with my newer one next spring, even though Discover CSR gave me information when I inquired yesterday that seems nonsensical on the face of it considering what everyone else here has ever reported.

[AverageJoesCredit]

If its as card you really want and enjoy I would use it every 3 months or so. I would buy more than just a pack of gum though on a 22k card, why give them any fuel to close a card because you're using it for 0.99 purchases lol. At least buy a lunch

[Anonymous]

I went like 2 years without using my BoFA card and there was no issues. My buddy literally went like 6 years without using his Capital One card and no issues.