Many banks offer a special deal to open a credit card “just in case” – you might not even use it, and the debt won’t “accumulate.” However, mortgage broker Dmitry Rakuta strongly advises against keeping such a card without good reason. “A credit card can be a useful tool if, for example, you need to adjust your credit history or improve your credit score,” he says. “This is helpful when someone plans to take out a large loan for a car or apartment in six months to a year. But if the credit card just sits at home unused, the bank will count the entire limit, even on an untouched card, as debt. When applying for a mortgage, the lender will see the card as additional debt and may either worsen the loan conditions or refuse it altogether.” Another catch is that fees for services, such as insurance or commissions, can be charged even on an unused credit card. After years, you could end up with a large debt. The credit card or its information could also fall into the hands of fraudsters, who may withdraw money up to the limit, and the debt will fall on the card's legal owner.