With the listed new cards <1 yr old, including the inquiries, that is holding back scores a bit. Once they hit a year old, your score will bump up anywhere from estimate 12 to 20+ points due to aging of your files, and the inquiries no longer scoreable, it also depends on each bureau as far as point bumps.
We also don't know if you have a relatively young file or a decent age file, with closed installments that date back, or a credit card that is 6, 7 years old.
I think the ding you were referring to, is when you don't use a card for say 5 months, and charge, an alert will usually state " a credit card that was inactive has become active" this accounts for even if you have PIF before the statement date, as it has happened to me.
Do list the remaining cards as suggested open, and let us know your oldest open credit card/ store card, followed by the age of the next oldest. You definitely don't want to close a 10 year old open account with history, if the next oldest card is only 18 months old.
I do agree with others, that usage on 2-3 every other month is quite simple, a recurring Netflix, gym, or even a tank of gas will keep it in good standing, and build up your file stronger for when you apply for a mortgage.
Will note, that FICO 8 scores differ from mortgage scores. Please do not be gauging those scores and obtain your mortgage scores (both applicants, as they will use the "middle score" and the lowest of the two applicants.
Do you or husband have any derogs, lates, chargeoffs on either files currently?
