The consensus from Reddit discussions and financial advice sources suggests the ideal number of credit cards to have typically ranges from 2 to 5 , with 3 cards often cited as a good balance for most people. Here are the key points:
- Starting out: Beginners are often advised to have 1 or 2 cards to keep things manageable and build credit responsibly
- Building credit: Having at least 3 cards helps build a "thick" credit file, which is beneficial for credit scores. This includes having different cards that cover various spending categories and issuers for security
- Managing rewards and credit profile: Around 3 to 5 cards allow you to optimize rewards (e.g., cash back, travel points) and diversify your credit profile without becoming overwhelming
- More cards: Some users have many cards (10 or more), but this requires strong financial discipline, organization, and the ability to pay off balances on time. Having many cards can help lower credit utilization and improve credit scores if managed well, but it can also increase risk of missed payments
- Credit score impact: Credit bureaus recommend having several accounts (5 or more including loans) to build credit, but the number of cards should be balanced with your ability to manage payments and maintain low utilization
- Personal factors: The ideal number depends on your financial discipline, spending habits, and goals. If you can responsibly handle more cards without debt or missed payments, having more can be beneficial. Otherwise, fewer cards are better
Summary
- Recommended range: 2 to 5 cards for most people.
- Minimum for credit building: At least 3 cards to build a strong credit profile.
- Maximum: As many as you can responsibly manage; some have 10+ but it requires careful management.
- Key advice: Only get as many cards as you can handle without missing payments or overspending.
This approach balances credit score benefits, rewards optimization, and financial responsibility according to Reddit user experiences and expert advice
