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How Many Credit Cards Should I Have - Coast Tradelines

Dec 19

How Much Credit Cards Should I Have? The Intersection of Credit Cards and Tradelines Explained

 

One of the most frequently asked questions with regard to their finances is "How many credit cards can I use?" This question becomes even more pertinent when you are contemplating adding tradelines to your credit score. Let's demystify this topic by providing you with the information and guidance to make shrewd financial decisions.

The Conundrum of Credit Card Numbers: Why It Matters

The number of credit and debit cards you have isn't just the result of personal convenience. It also affects the credit score. While you know that having a credit card can improve your credit score, you're probably puzzled as to how many you need to have.

The Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

Before we get into the details of the number of credit cards you're allowed to have before we look at the advantages and disadvantages that come with having multiple credit cards.

Advantages of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

  • If you own multiple credit cards your credit limit might be greater. A higher credit limit is useful for emergencies or large purchases.
  • Utilize credit cards that offer rewards and cashback schemes to save when you buy things daily.
  • Your ratio of credit utilization will rise. Your credit utilization number refers to the percentage of your credit available that you currently use. Utilizing multiple credit cards may increase your credit score through dividing your balances.

Disadvantages of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

  • Multiple credit cards are a great way to increase the likelihood to overspend, and eventually fall into debt.
  • It's easy to make unplanned expenses that you're unable to afford if you're juggling multiple credit cards.
  • The management of multiple credit cards can take the time and effort. This is especially true if payment dates are different.
  • More cards can lead to excessive credit utilization. A high CUR can harm your credit score.
  • Different cards have different benefits. Being too cautious with your cards can result in you aren't getting the full benefits.
  • On the flip side, having too many cards can make the process of keeping track of due dates challenging. It could result in overdue fees and damaged credit score.

Key Points to Consider When Applying for Credit Cards

  1. Differential Benefits: Look for cards with various benefits, including travel rewards, cashback, or low-interest rates.
  2. Annual Fees It is important to make sure the card's advantages outweigh any annual fees.
  3. Interest Rates In order to get a low interest rate, it's vital unless you're sure you'll pay off the balance each month.
  4. Credit Limit: A higher credit limit can increase your credit utilization ratio, provided that you don't max it out.

Average Number Credit Cards Should I Have

Now that we have looked at the pros and cons of using multiple credit cards, let's discuss how many credit cards you should own. How many credit card accounts is too much, and how many are enough?

Financial experts recommend having 3 to five credit cards to create a complete credit profile. This offers a variety of advantages and can improve the ratio of credit utilization.

Factors to Consider When Deciding The Number Credit Cards to Own

Several factors must be considered when deciding on the number of credit cards you have. These factors include:

  • Credit score and history Your credit scores and histories will affect how many credit cards you should own. You can only be eligible for one or two credit card if have low credit scores or have a poor credit record.
  • The amount you earn and the expenses you incur: Your earnings and expenses will be crucial. If you have a good income and low expenses, you could have more credit card accounts than those with lower incomes and more expenses.
  • Priorities and financial goals The goals you have for your finances and the priorities can affect how many credit cards you should own. If you're looking to improve your credit score or earn rewards think about owning a number of credit cards.

Recommended Number of Credit Cards Based on Different Scenarios

Here are some recommended numbers of credit cards that are based on a variety of scenarios:

  • For people who do not have credit history: If you don't have a credit history, you might qualify for one or two credit cards.
  • For people having average credit scores If you have an average credit score you may possess two to three credit cards.
  • For those with excellent credit scores: If you have excellent credit scores you may have at least four credit cards.

How Owning Multiple Credit Cards Affects Your Credit Score

Now that we have looked at how many credit cards you should own Let's see how applying multiple credit cards can affect your credit score.

Positive Impact of Owning Multiple Credit Cards on Credit Score

The fact that you have multiple credit cards can improve your credit score in various ways for example:

  • Increased credit utilization ratio: Having multiple credit card accounts can aid in improving your CUR. The spreads the balances on multiple cards.
  • Diversified credit mix: A diversified credit mix can help improve your credit score.

Negative Impact of Owning Multiple Credit Cards on Credit Score

Having multiple credit card accounts can negatively impact your credit score the following ways

    • Higher risk of late payments and delinquencies credit cards may result in the risk of having to miss payments. There is also a risk of being in delinquency on your accounts.
    • New and increased credit inquiries as well as new accounts: Applying for multiple credit cards could lead to multiple credit inquiries and new accounts. Both of these can affect your credit score.
    • A lower average age for your account The fact that you have multiple credit cards can reduce the age average of your accounts. In turn, it could lower your credit score.
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