Is an Unused Line of Credit Hurting Your Score?

Does an unused line of credit hurt your Canadian credit score? Learn the truth and best practices for managing it.

Is an Unused Line of Credit Hurting Your Score?
Photo by Daniel Thomas / Unsplash

A line of credit (LOC) can help your credit profile.

✅ The Truth

  • Unused LOC improves utilization by raising available credit.
  • Builds history if left open.
  • Risk: lender may close it unexpectedly.

⚠️ Best Practices

  • Keep it open, use lightly, pay off quickly.
  • Avoid maxing out balances.

📌 Takeaway

👉 An unused LOC usually helps, not hurts. Keep it open and managed.

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