 TITLE: Can Issuers Close Unused Credit Cards? CONTENT: How to Prevent Your Account From Being Closed\n---------------------------------------------\nIn most cases, when an issuer decides to close your credit card account, it's because the account hasn't been used in some time. While there is no solid guideline that dictates how often you should use your card, plan to use it at least a few times a year.\nTo get ahead of any activity-related closure, consider using each of your cards for a small, recurring payment and pay it off each month. Utilizing your credit cards to pay regular monthly bills, such as a streaming service or cellphone bill, can help keep them active.\nKeeping track of these occasional payments could be challenging if you have multiple cards that you don't use often. Here are a few tips to manage your accounts:\n*   **Make sure you're enrolled in autopay.** If you plan to use your cards for a recurring payment, you'll want to be sure you have autopay set up to cover at least your minimum payment so you're never late to pay. Your payment history is the most important aspect of your credit scores, and missing even one payment can cause your credit score to drop.\n*   **Pay the full balance to avoid interest.** Paying your balance in full every month will save you from paying interest charges. If you're only using your card occasionally to keep your account active, you don't want to end up paying interest just to do so.\n*   **Use a spreadsheet to manage multiple cards.** If you have more than one credit card and want to keep them all active, you'll want to use each one for at least one purchase every few months (preferably every month). Using a spreadsheet can help you manage this process and help you remember to pay all your bills on time. END