There’s no definitive answer to how many
credit cards a person should have — it’s really a personal choice. On
average, however, the typical American had 3.84 credit cards in their name as
of the third quarter of 2020, according to the credit reporting agency Experian.
For those who want to pay with plastic, there’s certainly no shortage of
options, from credit cards that offer cash back or rewards for specific types
of purchases like gas or groceries, to business credit cards and store credit
cards. And with different types of credit cards providing different benefits,
it may seem like more than one credit card is the way to go. That said, just
because a practice is common doesn’t mean it’s right for your financial
situation. Here’s how to determine how many credit cards is the right number
for you — and how to tell how many credit cards is too many.
Related: 6 Strategies for Becoming Debt Free
Consider
Your Personal Finances
Just
like many other questions that people encounter when it comes to their
finances, the right answer to the question of ‘how many credit cards should I
have?’ depends on your personal finances and habits. For those watching their
budgets, having the option to charge purchases may increase your spending.
Don’t believe it? There’s ample research dating back two decades that indicates
people will spend more if they can pay by credit card. In one iconic study,
researchers gave participants the opportunity to buy tickets to a sold-out
basketball game. Those who paid by credit card spent as much as double as those
who paid by cash. A person’s finances also play a role in whether they may even
successfully obtain multiple credit cards. And once you have them, your financial
health can be impacted in other ways. Also keep in mind how costs can add up if
you have multiple credit cards, each with their own annual fee, and how that
fits into your budget.
The Pros and Cons of Multiple Credit Cards
There are both advantages and disadvantages to
having multiple types of plastic in one’s wallet. Here’s when it could be bad
to have too many credit cards — and when it could be good.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can maximize benefits and rewards by using cards strategically |
You’ll have multiple billing dates to keep track of, which can make it easier to miss payments and incur late fees |
| Increases your amount of available revolving credit, contributing to a healthy credit utilization rate |
Applying for multiple cards in a short time may lower your credit score (Note: pre-approval for credit cards, such as promotional offers, may not have this effect) |
| Offers a backup in the event a card is compromised or declined |
Having a higher combined credit limit may make it tempting for some to overspend |
How to Know If You Have Too Many Credit Cards
Technically, there is no official rule of thumb as
to what constitutes too many credit cards — the answer will come down to
the individual. That being said, there are some ways to tell you may have too
many cards.
It’s Hard to Keep Your Finances Organized
If you’re finding it hard to stay on top of your
finances, you may have too many credit cards. For some people, having multiple
credit cards is an organizational burden. They may lose track of their cards,
or feel overwhelmed by numerous statement due dates and the varying terms about
credit cards to remember.
The Cost of Credit Card Fees Exceeds the Benefits
Some premium credit cards carry a fee, and for
those with multiple cards, these fees can add up. If the cost of having many
credit cards exceeds the benefits, that may be a sign a person is using too
many.
The Credit Card Company Tells You So
Credit issuers have rules as to who may open an
account — and in some cases, having too many existing credit cards may
disqualify an individual. For example, some Chase credit cards are subject to a
5/24 rule, where applicants who have opened five or more personal credit card
accounts in the last 24 months, regardless of the issuer, will not be approved.
Different Cards for Different Purchases and
Rewards
Although there may be drawbacks to having multiple
credit cards in some scenarios or for some individuals, there also can be
benefits. For example, there are many types of rewards credit cards, and
different individuals may see varying returns based on their spending levels
and habits. Additionally, some cards may have occasional or introductory
promotions, such as bonus reward rates or redemptions, that can increase the
benefit of using a specific card on a given purchase or at a certain
time.
There are also products such as secured credit
cards, which are backed by cash deposits, allowing those with poor or limited
credit history to obtain cards. Bottom line: there are many factors that
go into choosing credit cards. Think carefully about which cards you
add to your wallet and how they’ll work together and complement one
another.
Credit Cards for Emergencies
Having multiple credit cards isn’t only about
optimizing the benefits and rewards. Another good reason for having more than
one credit card is that having an extra on hand can help ensure you always have
a payment method available. For example, there are some scenarios in which
an individual might try to make a purchase and have it declined. This can be
due to hitting one’s credit limit and any lag in processing a payment, or
because their account may be flagged for fraud. In such instances, having
another card on hand would allow that individual to still pay for any purchases.
One’s credit limit may also be a problem in an
emergency. For example, if your car breaks down and you’re almost to your
limit, you’d have to pay down your balance or exceed your limit in order to
cover the repair fee. While it’s never a good idea to charge more than you can
afford, multiple credit cards can ensure credit availability in an emergency.
Tips on Choosing Credit Cards
Even for those with strong familiarity of credit
card workings, it’s always a good idea to research a card before applying —
whether you have one credit card or many. Here are some helpful tips for
choosing a card:
- Consider fees: Because
the cost of multiple cards can add up, look for low or no annual fee. - Look for cards that complement each other: Instead of choosing multiple cards that offer similar benefits and
rewards, one can optimize their returns by selecting cards with returns on
different categories — and then being selective about which card to use on
which purchases. - Note the APR: For
individuals who carry a balance, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the
APR of various credit cards.
How Does Number of Credit Cards Impact Credit
Score?
One’s credit score is a rating that reflects how
“safe” a borrower is to lenders as far as their likelihood of being able to pay
back debt. As a lending product, credit card use impacts a person’s score — and
their score, in turn, has an impact on their ability to obtain credit in the future.
The number of credit cards a person has can affect their credit score in several ways,
including:
- Added hard inquiries: Applying
for a new credit card requires a “hard inquiry,” which can lower your
score, typically for 12 months. - Increased or decreased credit utilization: Credit scores also consider one’s credit utilization rate, which is
the proportion of credit currently being utilized relative to an
individual’s total available revolving credit. Depending on how they are
used, multiple credit cards can impact an individual’s credit utilization
in different ways:- If you regularly pay off your balance on time, your credit
utilization from this source will remain low, which can have a positive
effect on credit score. - If you carry a balance on several cards, that can add up and
increase credit utilization, adversely affecting your score.
- If you regularly pay off your balance on time, your credit
- Payment history: If
having multiple cards and multiple monthly statements makes it difficult
for a person to stay on top of credit card bills, they run the risk of
late payments, which can further ding one’s credit score.
Credit Card Alternatives
If you’d like to diversify your payment options but
aren’t sure another credit card is the way to go, you do have other options.
Here are some credit card alternatives you may consider:
- Debit card: If
you’re struggling to get approved for a credit card or just want more
boundaries on your spending, a debit card could be worth considering.
Unlike a credit card, where you borrow money to pay for your purchases,
with a debit card you use the money already in the attached bank account. - Personal loan: In
an emergency situation, a personal loan is another option to cover your
costs. They could offer more competitive interest rates than some credit
cards as well. Still, you’ll need a hard inquiry to get approved and
you’re still borrowing money you’ll have to pay back, plus interest. - Payment apps: A
payment app like Paypal is another way you can pay when shopping in stores
or online as opposed to using a credit card. You can connect Paypal
directly to your bank account or to a card. The service also offers the
option to send money to other users. Still, it might not be accepted
everywhere.
The Takeaway
The number of credit cards it’s reasonable to
have is really a personal decision that depends on your specific financial
situation and spending habits, as well as what cards you already have or want
to add to your wallet. Whether one credit card is sufficient for your needs, or
you see a benefit in having more than one card, it’s a good idea to compare all
the options. If you’re thinking about getting a new card to build your credit,
Lantern makes comparing a credit card easy.
Learn more:
This article originally appeared on lanterncredit.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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