between 12 and 24 months
When Credit Cards Go Inactive Some credit card issuers will close your credit card account if it goes unused for a certain period of months. The specifics depend on the credit card issuer, but the range is generally between 12 and 24 months.

Can I build credit if I don’t use my credit card?

Yes, you can establish credit and have a credit score without a credit card. Credit card companies are not the only ones that report your payment and usage history to the three credit bureaus that report on your credit score, Experian®, TransUnion®, and Equifax®.

Is it OK to keep a credit card open?

Yes. As long as you continue to make all your payments on time and are careful not to over-extend yourself, those open credit card accounts will likely have a positive impact on your credit scores. A credit card is a revolving account, which means you determine how much you will charge and how much you will repay each month.

Can a credit card issuer open a new account?

However, the credit card issuer may open a new account instead of reopening your old account. So be sure to ask beforehand whether your account will show up as a “new account” on your credit report or if the old account’s status will change to “open.”

How does an open credit card affect your credit score?

Open accounts with low balances lower your credit utilization and raise your score. Available credit comprises 30 percent of your FICO score. Average Age of Accounts: Open accounts can continue adding to the average age of your credit accounts.

What happens to your credit when you reopen an old credit card?

Once your old account gets reopened and listed as such on your credit report, you should start seeing even more improvement in your credit score. Keeping your old credit card account open after paying it off should help your credit — and your monthly budget — but only if you don’t use up the available credit.