How Many Credit Cards Should You Own?

How many credit cards should you have in your wallet? The simple answer is, it depends on your lifestyle, financial habits, and credit management skills. In this discussion, you'll learn about the many factors that should guide how many credit cards you should own. You'll also discover how to strategize your credit card ownership for better financial health.

Key takeaways

• The best number of credit cards to own is specific to your financial habits and lifestyle situation
• You should consider your spending habits, ability to make on-time payments, and your financial status before applying for more credit cards
• Owning multiple credit cards can have its advantages, like higher credit limits, more rewards/points opportunities, and improved credit mix, but it's important to manage them responsibly

How many credit cards should I own?

Choosing the number of credit cards you should own is a tricky balance. Essentially, the best number of credit cards you should own is an amount you can handle responsibly without hurting your financial health.

Is more better?

More isn't necessarily better when it comes to credit cards. The "right" number depends on personal financial habits and life circumstances. Being responsible with one credit card is better than struggling with many.

Take my case, for example. I have 9 credit cards, and you might think it's too many. But it's perfect for me and my situation. I've built a slow, steady strategy of getting credit cards that serve my specific needs.

1. Track spending and stick to a budget
2. Don't miss payments
3. Avoid carrying a balance month to month - make sure to pay the balance off in full.

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These factors keep my financial health in check while still getting the benefits of multiple credit cards.

Do you overspend on a credit card?

This is the first question you should ask yourself: Are you likely to overspend on a credit card?

If history suggests that you might, it's best to limit yourself to 1 card. Relying too much on credit cards for daily spending can lead to debt.

• Track your spending
• Create a budget and stick to it
• Treat credit cards as a payment method, not a source of income

Do you miss payments or carry a balance?

Are you likely to miss a payment or carry over a balance to the next month? If the answer is yes, then limiting yourself to 1 credit card could be wise for you.

• Understand that missed payments and high balances hurt your credit score and will cost you extra interest.
• Set reminders to pay on time.
• If you consistently carry a balance, consider refinancing your credit card debt through TuitionHero.

What's my income, and what are my typical monthly expenses?

To decide on the best number of credit cards, it's essential to know your income and typical monthly expenses. This helps decide your credit limit and how many cards you can realistically manage.

• Remember that income doesn't directly impact your credit score.
• It could affect the credit limits you're granted, which can influence your credit score.
• If you live paycheck to paycheck, lower income might translate to lower credit limits.

Is one card enough?

One credit card is enough, especially if it makes credit management easier. But for some, having more than one card could be beneficial.

If you can manage it, having multiple cards can help your credit score by diversifying your credit mix and showing on-time payment history. The one caveat is, do not apply for many credit cards at once, as this will cause multiple hard inquiries and hurt your credit score.

• Focus on credit utilization and on-time payment history
• Don't get a new card just because you can. Consider if it actually improves your financial health

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Do’s and don'ts of credit card ownership

Successful credit card management involves a set of best practices and habits to avoid. Let's simplify these into a handy table that can serve as a quick reference guide.

Here's an interesting data table to give you an insight into the typical number of credit cards owned by Americans and the average amount of debt carried.

According to a report from Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, in 2019, the average American has four credit cards, carrying an average balance of $5,315

Advantages and disadvantages of owning multiple credit cards

Let's dive into the pros and cons of owning multiple credit cards. It's important to objectively evaluate these before deciding how many cards to own.

Advantages of owning multiple credit cards

• It increases your total available credit, which can lower your credit utilization rate
• Multiple cards allow you to take advantage of many rewards and perks
• You’ll have backup payment methods if you lose a card

Disadvantages of owning multiple credit cards

• It can tempt you into overspending
• Mismanaging your cards can lead to missed payments, hurting your credit score
• Each new credit application creates a hard inquiry on your report, which can lower your score temporarily

Why trust TuitionHero

At TuitionHero, we provide financial services that integrate seamlessly with your credit card strategy. We help you navigate multiple credit cards, understand offers, and build a strong credit profile. Additionally, we offer student loan refinancing, scholarships, and FAFSA assistance to ease financial burdens. Our goal is to enhance your financial well-being and give you more control over your credit card spending.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What should my credit utilization rate be?

Your credit utilization is the percentage of your total credit limit you have used. Keeping your credit utilization rate below 30% is generally recommended for a healthy credit score. It shows lenders that you're responsible with your credit and can manage multiple credit cards without maxing them out.

How does owning multiple credit cards affect my credit score?

Credit scoring models look at both how much of your credit you regularly use and your payment history. Properly managed, multiple credit cards can improve payment history and lower your utilization rate. But remember, each application for a new card results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily hurt your score.

How do I track spending on multiple credit cards?

Budgeting and expense-tracking tools can keep you in line when managing multiple cards. Some of these tools can combine spending from many cards, giving you a complete view of your card usage. Check our credit card offers for cards that have helpful budgeting features built-in.

Can I close a card to reduce the number of credit cards?

Yes, you can close a credit card account, but think twice before you do. Closing an account can reduce your total available credit and increase your credit utilization rate, as well as reduce your credit age, hurting your credit score.

Final thoughts

Deciding how many credit cards to have depends on your money habits, needs, and how well you manage your credit. Having more cards doesn't always mean it's better, so finding the right balance is key. It's not just about having cards; it's about using them wisely and managing your credit responsibly.

And remember, we at TuitionHero are here for you, whether it's about credit cards, refinancing student loans, or getting scholarships. We've got your back!

Source

• What Is the Average Number of Credit Cards per US Consumer? - Experian
• The average millennial has over $4,000 in credit card debt—other generations have more - CNBC