I have several credit cards that I don’t use anymore but want to keep open for my credit score. I like to make a small purchase every six months or so to avoid getting flagged for inactivity and having the card closed (like what happened with my old Target credit card). What kind of purchases do you guys make? I’ve been using gift cards for a while, but I want to cut back on DoorDash and need some other ideas.
Might not apply to your situation, but I use the vending machine at work, it has a card reader
Fynn said:
Might not apply to your situation, but I use the vending machine at work, it has a card reader
I use vending machines and go to self checkouts normally and every couple of months I just finish my checkout except for one cheap item and then do a separate checkout on it and pay with the cc I don’t use much. It’s worked for many years. Takes like an extra minute to the total checkout process
Small subscriptions like iTunes for $0.99, Amazon gift card reload for $5, buy a single banana at self checkout, etc.
Tariq said:
Small subscriptions like iTunes for $0.99, Amazon gift card reload for $5, buy a single banana at self checkout, etc.
I would do at least a $2 transaction. I’ve heard of people getting their accounts closed for doing this. A lot of cards will eat a $.99 statement balance so if you do it repeatedly they might close the account
Buy a bag of groceries at
Zyan said:
Buy a bag of groceries at
Where? Where do I buy a bag of groceries from? Don’t leave us hanging! WHEREEEEEE?
I’m just joking 
Zyan said:
Buy a bag of groceries at
Where? Where do I buy a bag of groceries from? Don’t leave us hanging! WHEREEEEEE?
I’m just joking
He’s ded
Zyan said:
Buy a bag of groceries at
PayPal has an option to split your purchase to two cards sometimes so I just split to put a dollar on whatever card I don’t use often and the rest of the purchase on a higher rewards/cashback card
Do people really have this issue? I’ve got cards I haven’t used in a year or years and they’re still open
Thorne said:
Do people really have this issue? I’ve got cards I haven’t used in a year or years and they’re still open
Bank dependent. Citi might close your account if you don’t use it for 6 months
@Wesley
Also dependent on the person. I assume that if you have an inactive card and the bank determines you’re a customer they’d really rather not have (i.e. at risk of default), you’re a good target. It’s important to keep in mind that banks, like all business, have a cost of customer acquisition (marketing, SUBs), so it’s generally in the banks interest to keep you as a customer even if you’re not using their card.
I’ve definitely had cards I haven’t used in over a year, including ones from Citi, Chase and Amex.
Just put it in your wallet and use it for a random smaller purchase. I used my Macy’s Amex the other day for $10.50 at Chipotle.
I send $1.25 to my favorite charity every month
If you take public transit or drive across toll, filling up on small amounts contributes to the cause.
Amazon gift card reload
Fable said:
Amazon gift card reload
Same. I sit with my cards that need to be used and just run through them, adding $5 at a time.
i usually buy something small every 2-3 months with a capital one offer to keep my quicksilver open
Buy a garlic bulb, or a croissant.