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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

 

A question that is often asked by people in their personal finances is "How many credit accounts should I hold?" This question becomes especially pertinent when are thinking about adding tradelines to your credit profile. Let's decode this issue to provide you with the necessary information and direction to make sound financial decisions.

The Conundrum of Credit Card Numbers: Why It Matters

Your number of credit cards isn't just the result of personal convenience. It also affects your credit score. While you know that having credit cards can boost your credit score, you're likely confused as to how many credit cards you need to have.

The Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

Before we dive into the number of credit card you should own, let's first look at the advantages and disadvantages associated with owning more than one credit card.

Advantages of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

  • If you are a holder of multiple credit cards your credit limit might be greater. A credit limit of high amount is beneficial for emergency expenses or large purchases.
  • Use credit cards that reward you and cashback offers to save you money when you purchase things daily.
  • Your credit utilization ratio will rise. The credit utilization ratio refers to the amount of available credit that you are currently using. Utilizing multiple credit cards can improve your credit score by dividing your balances.

Disadvantages of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

  • Multiple credit cards are a great way to increase the likelihood to overspend and get into debt.
  • It's easy, and often unplanned, to make expenses that you're unable to afford if there are a lot of credit card accounts.
  • The management of multiple credit cards can require more time and effort. Particularly if the pay schedules differ.
  • More credit cards can lead to a high rate of utilization. A high CUR can harm your credit score.
  • Different cards have different benefits. Too many cards could mean missing out on many benefits.
  • On the flip side the other hand, having too many cards can make keeping track of payments due dates a challenge. It can lead to the occurrence of late fees and damage to your credit score.

Key Points to Consider When Applying for Credit Cards

  1. Diversity of Benefits Look for cards that provide various perks, such as cashback, travel rewards, or low-interest rates.
  2. Annual Fees: Be sure that the card's benefits exceed annual fees.
  3. Interest Rates: In order to get a low interest rate, it's important unless you're confident that you'll repay the balance each month.
  4. Credit Limit: A higher credit limit can improve your credit utilization ratio, so long as 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 owning multiple credit cards, let's consider the number of credit cards you need to have. What is too much? And how many are sufficient?

Financial experts suggest having between 3 and five credit cards to create a well-rounded credit profile. This gives you many advantages and improves the ratio of credit utilization.

Factors to Consider When Deciding The Number Credit Cards to Own

There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding on the number of credit cards you will own. These include:

  • Credit score and past history Your credit scores and histories will affect how many credit cards to have. You could only qualify for one or two credit cards if you have a low credit score or a credit history that is not as good.
  • The amount you earn and the expenses you incur: Your income and expenses can be crucial. If you're blessed with a higher income and low expenses, you may have more credit card accounts than someone with a lower income and higher expenses.
  • Financial goals and priorities: Your financial objectives and priorities will also affect the number of credit card you should have. If you want to improve your credit score and earn rewards, consider owning many credit cards.

Recommended Number of Credit Cards Based on Different Scenarios

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

  • For people with no credit history: If you do not have credit history, then you might qualify for one or two credit cards.
  • For people with a good credit score: If your credit score is average, you could have two to three credit cards.
  • For those with outstanding credit scores: If you have an excellent credit score you may have at least four credit cards.

How Owning Multiple Credit Cards Affects Your Credit Score

After we've examined the number of credit cards you need Let's take a look at how applying multiple credit cards can affect your credit score.

Positive Impact of Owning Multiple Credit Cards on Credit Score

Multiple credit cards could positively impact your credit score in a variety of ways including:

  • Increased credit utilization ratio: Having multiple credit cards could assist in improving your CUR. It spreads your balances among 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

A number of credit cards on your account can cause damage to your credit score these ways:

    • Risk of missed payments and delinquencies: Owning a lot of credit cards can create a greater chance of missing payments. There is also a chance of being in delinquency to your credit card accounts.
    • New and increased credit inquiries as well as new accounts The application process for multiple credit cards can result in multiple credit inquiries as well as new accounts. Both of them can affect your credit score.
    • A lower average age for your account A variety of credit cards can help lower the average age of your accounts. As a result, it can lower your credit score.
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