About credit cards and using/not using them them?

Question

I started out with a Student Visa card, too easy to get, maxed it out when I needed it and paid it back over a period of a few months. The credit card company made money, that's for sure. Since I took a year off school the company changed my plan and it's due to expire. I haven't used it in a long time. I like the security and convienence of having a credit card for those just incase situations, but I live and work overseas, making it not so easy and don't claim an income. Should I go to the trouble of using my card in order to continue being able to have the card when I move back or do credit card companies usually just renew cards even if you don't use it more than once or twice a year and have like no claimable income?

I know they want me to have that option of maxing it out, cause that makes them money.

Answer 1

Assuming that you can pay the card online (which makes payment much easier oversees), I'd use it a couple of times and make sure that you pay it off at the end of the month so you don't have interest charges. (as long as it doesn't have an annual fee). Keeping a credit card open and in good standing will help you in the long-run.

Just make sure the Credit Card company knows your current address. If they try to send you a replacement card, and they can't deliver it to you, then they will cancel the account.

If you have them send it to your parent's place, make sure they call to activate the new card. If the credit company sends you a new card, and you don't activate it, they will eventually cancel the account.

I've had both of those happen to me with accounts. (I moved and didn't tell the credit card company, and they canceld my card.. and I got a card that I didn't activate, and they canceled my account.)

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

They will just renew it, even if you don't use it at all. If you don't want it renewed, you will have to contact them and ask them to cancel it. Since you have already had a credit card, and it sounds as though you paid it off in a responsible manner, you can let it go if you want to. You should have no trouble getting another one if you return from overseas, even with no income. Once you have established a good credit rating, the credit card companies will gladly take you back.

Answer 3

Most major credit cards will renew automatically. If you go several years without using the account, they might close it.

Store credit cards are more likely to close an account if you haven't use it for a year.

Answer 4

Just call the credit card company and tell them you still want the account even if you do not use it often. They’ll keep the account open for you.

Answer 5

Please consider not only your ability to repay the card balance, but also the effect of good, bad, and over extended credit. Even credit cards with a zero balance effect your credit report.

Answer 6

I don't use them period.