Using cards every few months?

Anonymous · ‎01-10-2008

I have several cards that I never use, but don't want to close the accounts. I've heard conflicting things about whether it will help or hurt my score to let these sit for months without any use. Should I get them out every once in a while, charge something, and then PIF?

Anonymous · ‎01-10-2008

The only way dusting off cards will hurt you is:

Too many account with balances or UTL

I say dust a card off every few months-

MidnightVoice · ‎01-10-2008

knowlejboy wrote:
I have several cards that I never use, but don't want to close the accounts. I've heard conflicting things about whether it will help or hurt my score to let these sit for months without any use. Should I get them out every once in a while, charge something, and then PIF?

It is wise to use a card twice a year so the CCC does not solve your problem and close the card for you! I had that happen and they wanted to pull a hard inq to reopen it.

The slide from grace is really more like gliding
And I've found the trick is not to stop the sliding
But to find a graceful way of staying slid

Anonymous · ‎01-10-2008

CAP1 told me they wouldnt close if I didnt use at all as long as I didnt call to cancel it--however every company is different I say trying to use 2-4 times a year should keep the account active even if you make really small purchases --5 or 10 bucks and pay it right back off