Is It Good To Have Multiple Credit Cards?
Having many credit cards
is neither good nor harmful. The biggest advantage of having many Credit
Cards is that it expands your
available credit.
Around 30% of your FICO®
score is determined by how much of your total available credit you utilize, so
the smaller the proportion of your total available credit, the better for your
score. Keeping your spending constant while increasing your available credit
will reduce that proportion, which will help your Credit
Score Service.
How many credit cards is too many? Can you have
too few?
The typical American has
four credit cards, so having more than one is not uncommon. However, the number
of cards that are appropriate for you is determined by your financial
circumstances and aspirations.
Though there are ways to
develop credit without using a credit card, if you want to hold one,
responsible card use makes it simpler to establish credit. You can't, but on
the other hand, get into credit card debt if you don't have one to start with.
Tips for managing multiple credit cards
If you do decide to use
numerous credit cards, we offer some advice for handling them that should help
you improve your credit while reducing your debt.
- Spread out
your applications: Multiple applications in a short period of time may
convey the incorrect impression to lenders. Wait at least six months
between applications.
- Be selective: If you have a good credit history, you
will have a greater chance of qualifying for cards that provide benefits
such as travel points, cash back, low APRs, and more.
- Avoid paying yearly fees: Some credit cards have annual
fees but provide excellent rewards and advantages. If you're merely
searching for an emergency card or a higher credit limit, it may be wise
to avoid any needless Credit
Card costs.
- Keep track of due dates. Set up automated payments for
the same day so you may have a consistent payback plan. Consider
staggering them by two weeks to lighten the load.
- Keep
old accounts active: Even if you only make minor purchases, keeping older
accounts open will benefit your credit in the long run.
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