found a nice trick to keep unused credit cards open

[wilmer007]

i went looking for a way to keep my non rewards CC from BoA active since i don't plan to use it until BoA decides to upgrade it.

after searching through recommendations ranging from subscriptions such as netflix or newspapers/magazines i came across the amazon reload a balance page when going through my amazon account.

so here is what you have to do:

1) in your Amazon Account under Amazon Wallet click: Reload your Gift Card Balance. if you don't have a gift card balance you can always give yourself a giftcard with a card such as a cashback credit card.

2) in the empty box "enter an account" go ahead and input $1.00 (the minimum is $0.50)

3) Input the credit card info for the card you plan to not use but need to stay active

4) click the big yellow box at the bottom "Reload $1.00"

5) congrats you just ensured your card will stay active

6) remind yourself to come back January 1 of every year to keep the card active

7) repeat steps 3-6 for additional unused credit cards

congrats you just kepted all your inactive cards active for another year and now you'll have a little bit of amazon credit to spend.

[grillandwinemaster]

What if I just go to Del Taco and charge a .59 cent taco once a year? 

[wilmer007]

you could but you'll be wasting gas, wear and tear on your car and wasting time if you did. at least on amazon your done in two clicks and you didn't have to go anywhere.

[austinguy907]

Once upon a time.....

I signed up for PRIME....

Cancelled the PRIME....

A couple of years later they decided to auto-renew my cancelled subscription w/o notice...

I refuse to save anything financial with AMAZON at this point due to dealing with their mess up and not catching it and dealing with it before I had to waste time with them over it...

I'd rather have the damned TACO just on principal at this point   NOM NOM NOM  Might even opt for a couple of them just to make the trip worthwhile!

[baller4life]

Thanks for sharing and informing those that were not aware. This trick has been known across multiple forums for many years. And yes, it is a good way to keep cards active. Especially for those that have a ton of cards and could never physically swipe them all regularly! 😉

[morgacj2004]

" And yes, it is a good way to keep cards active. Especially for those that have a ton of cards and could never physically swipe them all regularly! 😉"


I think he is talking about you Credit Addict ! LOL

[AverageJoesCredit]

Good info but wonder about some cards that maybe need usage at least every 6 months. Just a thought.

[Berk]

So, if I'm reading this correctly, I have to come back once a year and use my credit card if I want to keep my unused credit card active.

Where does the unused part come in?

[baller4life]

I would load Amazon at least every 6 months just to be on the safe side.

@Berk unused as in no activity on the card at all. Some lenders will close cards for inactivity. So this trick creates activity.

[CreditCuriosity]

I have all 17 of my major active CC's set up on amazon and make sure i put 5 on each of the not used ones every few months.  Best way as don't have to leave the house.