Guides
Credit card inactivity guides
How long each major issuer waits before closing an unused card, whether they warn you first, and how often you should use the card to keep it open.
Citi
Citi is one of the most aggressive issuers, sometimes closing no-annual-fee cards after as little as 6 months of inactivity, often without any warning.
Closes after ~6–12 months
Bank of America
Bank of America has closed cards anywhere from 6 to 24 months of inactivity. They sometimes mail a 30-day 'use it or lose it' notice, but not always.
Closes after ~6–24 months
Chase
Chase typically waits 12-18 months before closing an inactive card and will sometimes notify you first, but relationship and credit-line factors play a role.
Closes after ~12–18 months
American Express
American Express often closes after 12-13 months of inactivity. They usually email a warning giving you ~35 days to use the card before closure.
Closes after ~12–18 months
Discover
Discover tends to close inactive cards in the 12-18 month range and will sometimes mail a warning beforehand. Reopening usually requires a new application.
Closes after ~12–18 months
Capital One
Capital One is the most lenient major issuer, often leaving cards open for 2+ years. Note they have closed cards for low (not just zero) usage, so periodic activity still matters.
Closes after ~24–48 months
Barclays
Barclays commonly closes inactive cards around 13-24 months, sometimes after a 12-month warning, sometimes with no advance notice at all.
Closes after ~13–24 months
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank reports vary widely; some cards survive years untouched while others get a closure letter after 12 months of inactivity.
Closes after ~12–24 months
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