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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 question that boggles people with regard to their finances is "How many credit cards do I need?" This question becomes especially pertinent when are contemplating adding trade lines to your credit profile. Let's dispel this nagging issue to provide you with the necessary information and guidance to make shrewd financial decisions.

The Conundrum of Credit Card Numbers: Why It Matters

The number of credit card you use is not only an issue of personal choice. It also influences the credit score. Although you're aware of the fact that having credit cards can improve your credit score, you're probably confused as to how many credit cards you should have.

The Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

Before we begin to discuss how many credit cards you should own we'll first take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of owning multiple credit cards.

Advantages of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

  • If you're using multiple credit cards, your credit limit can be greater. A credit limit of high amount is great for emergency expenses or large purchases.
  • Utilize credit cards with rewards as well as cashback to save on things on a daily basis.
  • Your credit utilization ratio is likely to increase. Your credit utilization ratio is a reference to the percentage of your available credit that you are currently using. Utilizing multiple credit cards may increase your credit score through splitting 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, and often unplanned, to make purchases you can't afford when you have multiple credit cards.
  • It can be difficult to manage multiple credit card accounts. It will take considerable time and effort. This is especially true if payment schedules differ.
  • A lot of cards can result in high levels of credit utilization. A high CUR could hurt your credit score.
  • Different cards come with different perks. The lack of cards means losing out on a variety of advantages.
  • On the flip side, having too many cards can make managing payment due dates a challenge. It can lead to overdue fees and damaged credit score.

Key Points to Consider When Applying for Credit Cards

  1. Different Benefits: Look for cards that provide a variety of perks, such as travel rewards, cashback or low-interest rates.
  2. Annual Fees: Check to ensure that the card's benefits are greater than any annual fees.
  3. Interest Rates It is essential unless you're certain that you'll settle the balance each month.
  4. Credit Limit: A higher credit limit could improve your credit utilization ratio, if you don't overdraw it.

Average Number Credit Cards Should I Have

Now that we have looked at the benefits and disadvantages of owning multiple credit card accounts, let's take a look at how many credit cards you should own. How many credit card accounts is enough? How many are sufficient?

Financial experts recommend having 3 to 5 credit cards to have a well-rounded credit profile. This allows for various benefits and can also help with the credit utilization ratio.

Factors to Consider When Deciding The Number Credit Cards to Own

A variety of factors should be considered when deciding on the number of credit cards to hold. These include:

  • Credit score and history: Your credit score and record will help determine the number of credit cards to have. You will only be eligible for credit cards with one or two points if you have a low credit score or have a poor credit record.
  • The amount you earn and the expenses you incur: Your income and expenses can be crucial. If you have an excellent income and little expenses, you are able to manage more credit card payments than someone with a lower income and more expenses.
  • Financial goals and priorities Priorities and financial goals can influence the number of credit cards you can own. If you're looking to improve your credit score, or earn rewards, you should consider owning many credit cards.

Recommended Number of Credit Cards Based on Different Scenarios

Here are some recommended numbers of credit cards, based upon various scenarios:

  • For people with no credit history If you're not creditworthy, you might qualify for one or two credit cards.
  • For those with average credit scores If you're averaging credit score you may have a couple of credit cards.
  • For people with outstanding credit scores: If you have excellent credit you could be the owner of at least four credit cards.

How Owning Multiple Credit Cards Affects Your Credit Score

Now that we have examined how many credit cards you should have Let's look at how using multiple credit cards affects your credit score.

Positive Impact of Owning Multiple Credit Cards on Credit Score

Multiple credit cards have a positive impact on your credit score in various ways in which they include:

  • Better credit utilization ratio: Owning multiple credit cards can help improve your CUR. It 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

Multiple credit cards could affect your credit score in the following ways

    • Higher risk of late payments and delinquencies credit card accounts can mean a higher risk of missing payments. There is also the risk of becoming indebted to your credit card accounts.
    • Increased credit inquiries and new accounts The application process for multiple credit cards can result in multiple credit queries and new accounts. Both can lower your credit score.
    • Lower average age of accounts The fact that you have multiple credit cards can help lower the average age of your accounts. This can affect your credit score.
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