Is it safer to Not activate a credit card if you don't plan to use it for a long time/ever?

Question

Is it safer to Not activate a credit card if you don't plan to use it for a long time/ever?

Answer 1

WOW!

LOT of bad information given so far

"Once you activate it your credit score is adversely affected"

Not true, the adverse affect occurs when you APPLY for the card and it is issued. Whether you activate it or not any effect on your credit score is already done.  Once the card is issued you HAVE a credit card account on your credit report

"if there is an annual fee you should not activate it until you want to use it cause they will not charge your fee until you activate it"

Not true, as far as the card company is concerned you HAVE an account and are liable for any annual fee once they issue the card whether you activate it or not

Once you apply for and get a card there is no advantage to not activating.

Answer 2

I actually received a new credit card about 2 months ago, and i remember reading on the paper that the card comes attached to that if the card wasn't activated within 3 weeks that they would close the account.

I'm sure thats not the case with all credit card companys, or it may be. I don't know. Maybe calls yours and ask.  

Answer 3

it depends, if there is an annual fee you should not activate it until you want to use it cause they will not charge your fee until you activate it. but if there is no annual fee you should activate it so it can build your credit. but take it from someone that has way too many credit cards... opt out of credit card referrals! you will get your self in way too much debt.

Answer 4

Once you activate it your credit score is adversely affected. Keep only one or two active but no more.

Answer 5

Yes.  But the best way to be safe is to call the credit card company that issued it and have them close the account.

Good luck and best wishes.