6. Letting Accounts Go Completely Unused
Many people believe that the safest way to manage credit cards is simply not to use them at all. While this sounds sensible, completely avoiding credit card use can quietly work against your credit score over time. Credit scoring systems are designed to measure active and responsible credit behavior, not just the absence of debt.
One of the biggest risks of leaving cards unused is account closure by the issuer. Credit card companies regularly review inactive accounts, and if a card hasn’t been used for several months or years, the issuer may close it without warning. When this happens, your total available credit decreases instantly. Even if your spending habits haven’t changed, your credit utilization ratio can rise overnight, which may lead to a drop in your credit score.
Another issue is the loss of positive activity. Credit scores benefit from consistent patterns of on-time payments, even if those payments are small. Dormant accounts don’t generate new positive data, meaning your credit profile may appear stagnant. Lenders prefer to see evidence that you can actively manage credit over time, not just that you once did.
Inactive accounts can also weaken the overall depth of your credit history. A healthy credit profile typically includes a mix of active accounts showing regular use and prompt repayment. When multiple accounts sit unused, your profile may appear thin or outdated, especially to lenders using more detailed risk models beyond the basic credit score.
Research and financial guidance consistently suggest a simple solution: light, controlled usage. Using a card once a month for a small expense such as a streaming subscription or mobile bill and paying it off in full keeps the account active without increasing debt. This approach demonstrates responsibility, protects your available credit, and helps maintain a positive payment record.
In short, credit cards should be treated as tools, not threats. Using them carefully and consistently is often far better for your credit score than avoiding them altogether.
