How many major credit cards should one have?

quote:

---

How many major credit cards should one have?

---

Theres no answer... Some people think none, others think 10.

Its all about how well you manage your finances. If you play the points game, you are going to have quite a few and it is worth it.

IMO, for someone that isn't playing the points game, two is prob the target number. A visa (because its accepted everywhere) and then an Amex.

I only have one.

There is no "correct" answer. I have 11 but only actively use one (it happens to be M/C) and I carry a VISA for backup. The rest I just don't use, they're gathering dust in my drawer increasing my unused credit line and therefore boosting my FICO.

quote:

---

Is 3 about right or is that too many?

---

As many as you can handle responsibly. Having more cards doesn't hurt your credit, so it's simply a question of whether you can handle having a credit line and not spending the money unless you can pay off your debt every month.