How many credit cards should I have?

“Hi Saundra! As someone who is getting her credit back in order, I want to be wise about applying for credit cards. I have two and working hard to keep them both under 30% utilization. I’m considering applying for one last card. How many credit cards is too many?”

Submitted by Laurin O.

There are many opinions out there about credit. Some say that you shouldn’t use credit cards at all, while others say that credit cards can be a helpful financial tool when used wisely. I tend to be in the latter group. I want people to be confident using all financial instruments (banking, matched savings, debt, etc.) and I want them to know how to choose what is best for their financial goals.

Think about what having that third card would accomplish for you. What is the benefit of adding a third card? You mention “working hard” to maintain a 30% utilization rate. Does that mean you are using the cards to meet your expenses? If so, how might access to more credit change your financial choices?

Only you know the answer to “too many” cards, so focus on the point of the cards. Credit utilization (both collective and on individual accounts), the number of cards you have, and your credit history all impact your credit score. Adding a credit account can adversely impact two components (average length and number of accounts), not to mention the potential for over-extending yourself.

If you aren’t sure that what you are doing is working for you try using a free credit scoring simulation to see how adding that third card that might impact your goal. Keep in mind it isn’t a FICO score, but these tools can be great for helping you consider your choices.

Take Charge of Your Savings
Earn rewards for creating a brighter future
Sign up to save more

Recommended Articles

Why isn’t my credit score improving?

I’ve been paying my bills every month on time and nothing changes on Credit Karma. I feel like I’m stalking the app. What should I do? Submitted by Michelle S. Congrats on paying your bills on time! Can we just celebrate that for a moment? What Impacts Your Credit Score Paying your bills will not… Read more

6 Steps for When Your Credit Is Denied

First, let’s start with the facts. There’s a widespread fallacy that a score determines whether or not you get credit. The truth is that lenders use a variety of factors to make credit decisions. These factors include your FICO scores, but also take into account your income, your employment history, and your credit history. This… Read more

What Is a Credit Score?

Your credit score is a number that is calculated by a company and sold to creditors to let them know how you have managed credit in the past. This is how your credit risk is determined (how likely you are to pay your debts on time). FICO (Fair Issac Corporation) is the most commonly used score… Read more