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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 issues that confuse people with regards to personal finance is "How many credit accounts should I hold?" This question becomes even more pertinent when you are thinking about adding trade lines to your credit profile. Let's demystify this topic giving you the knowledge and a plan to make informed financial decisions.

The Conundrum of Credit Card Numbers: Why It Matters

The number of credit cards you carry is not only something that you can do for personal convenience. It also influences the credit score. While you know that having credit cards can help your credit score, you're probably confused about how many credit cards you need to have.

The Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

Before we begin to discuss how many credit cards you're required to own Let's first consider the benefits and downsides of owning multiple credit card.

Advantages of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

  • If you own multiple credit cards your credit limit might be higher. A credit limit of high amount is useful for emergencies or large purchases.
  • Make use of credit cards with rewards and cashback program to cut costs when you buy things on a daily basis.
  • Your ratio of credit utilization will improve. The credit utilization ratio refers to the amount of credit available that you are currently using. Using many credit cards can improve your credit score by dividing your balances.

Disadvantages of Owning Multiple Credit Cards

  • Multiple credit cards can make it more likely to overspend, and eventually fall into debt.
  • It's easy for people to make unplanned purchases that you aren't able to afford when you have several credit cards.
  • Controlling multiple credit cards can require an amount of time and effort. Even more so if payment dates are different.
  • More cards can result in the utilization of credit to be high. A high CUR could harm your credit score.
  • Different cards provide different perks. A lack of cards can mean losing out on a variety of benefits.
  • On the flip side the other hand, having too many cards can make the process of keeping track of due dates a challenge. It could 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 have various advantages, such as cashback, travel rewards, or low-interest rates.
  2. Annual Fees: It is important to make sure the card's benefits surpass annual fees.
  3. Interest Rates A lower APR is important unless you're confident that you'll have enough money to pay off the balance every month.
  4. Credit Limit: A higher credit limit can help improve your credit utilization ratio, as long as you don't overdraw it.

Average Number Credit Cards Should I Have

After looking at the pros and cons of owning multiple credit cards, let's consider the number of credit cards you need to have. How many credit card accounts is too many, and how many are enough?

Financial experts suggest having 3 to 5 credit cards for a well-rounded credit profile. This offers a variety of advantages and can improve the credit utilization ratio.

Factors to Consider When Deciding The Number Credit Cards to Own

A number of factors must be taken into consideration when deciding how many credit cards you will own. These factors include:

  • The credit score and the history: Your credit scores and histories will affect the number of credit cards you'll need. You're only eligible for one or two credit card if you have poor credit scores or a limited credit history.
  • Earnings and expenses: Your income and expenses will also be important. If you're blessed with a higher income and relatively low expenses, then you can use more credit cards than those with lower incomes and more expenses.
  • Financial goals and priorities: Your goals in terms of finances and priorities also affect the number and type of credit cards you can own. If you're trying to improve your credit rating or earn rewards, consider having several 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 who do not have credit history If you do not have credit history, then you might be eligible for one or two credit cards.
  • For those with average credit scores If you have an average credit score, it is possible to have a range of two to three credit cards.
  • For those with outstanding credit scores: If you have excellent credit scores You may have four or more credit cards.

How Owning Multiple Credit Cards Affects Your Credit Score

Now that we have examined the number of credit cards you should have let's examine how applying multiple credit cards can affect your credit score.

Positive Impact of Owning Multiple Credit Cards on Credit Score

Possessing multiple credit cards may have a positive effect on your credit score in various ways which include:

  • Better credit utilization ratio: Possessing multiple credit card accounts can help improve your CUR. The 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

Multiple credit card accounts can be detrimental to your credit score in the following ways:

    • Higher risk of late payments and delinquencies credit card accounts could lead to greater risk of missing payments. There is also the possibility of being in delinquency with your account.
    • Credit inquiries are increasing and so are new accounts Application for multiple credit cards can generate multiple credit enquiries and new accounts. Both of them could affect your credit score.
    • A lower average age for your account Multiple credit card accounts can reduce the age average of your accounts. As a result, it can lower your credit score.
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Coast Tradelines

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