It should also be noted that direct debits from your bank account that you use to pay off your travel credit card (s) balance can sometimes be marked “inactive” if a card has not been used for. a 13 month period – so if you haven’t traveled for more than a year, check that the charge is still in place if you plan to reuse your card.
If you don’t have a travel card yet and are planning a vacation, check out our Guide to Travel Credit Cards for our top picks, cards to avoid, and how to check what your current card is charging.
Will my card provider close my account for inactivity?
Specialized travel credit and debit cards offer near-perfect exchange rates around the world, while still allowing you to spend and withdraw money free of charge – although you often pay interest on these. However, if you haven’t used your card recently, it’s worth checking that you don’t need to take any action to keep it active – although the providers we spoke to said they would try. always warn you first.
The table below lists all of the debit and credit providers we mention in our Travel Cards guide. If your travel card provider is not included and you are concerned that your card will be canceled, contact them and ask if you need to take any steps to keep it active.
