Owning credit cards isn’t the same for everyone; it’s like finding the right fit for your financial situation.
What works for one person might not work for another. Some individuals handle multiple cards easily without any trouble. At the same time, others need help with just one card and end up spending too much or paying late. How many cards should you have? What’s best for most Canadian credit card users? Are you thinking about having many credit cards or none? It depends on how good you are with money and what you want to achieve from the credit cards. To decide, consider the positives and negatives, what works well, and what might create issues.
How many credit cards should I have?
While survey results may differ, the consensus is that, commonly, Canadians hold more than one credit card on average. No formula determines the ratio of credit cards an individual must have. But the best parameter is to consider your financial situation thoroughly. What matters most is paying off the total amount on every card each month. Handling multiple cards is a big responsibility. If you need more clarification about paying each bill on time, it’s better to stick with fewer cards. It’s smart to avoid falling into the habit of constant spending in the long run. However, having at least one credit card is always recommended as they are critical in evaluating a robust and dependable credit score. It also provides the credit bureaus with relevant information regarding your revolving credit management.
Is it ok to have multiple credit cards?
Holding multiple credit cards can be beneficial, but it all comes down to the person using them and how responsible they are with money. Some individuals opt to skip credit cards entirely, moving away from the temptation to overspend. Others succeed with just one card, enjoying perks like cash back or travel insurance. Then some manage two cards, one for everyday expenses and another for special occasions like shopping, dining out and travelling. You might have seen online enthusiasts on Instagram or TikTok who turn accumulating credit card rewards into a hobby, especially travel rewards. Some people gather many cards, carefully noting fees and payment dates. There isn’t a universal norm for credit cards. It’s your call to choose what works and what you can manage well.
Canadian Credit Card Market Facts:
❖ A record number of Canadians, totalling 31.2 million consumers, possess at least one credit card.
❖ Average credit card balances increased due to higher living costs.
❖ Consumers making minimum monthly payments on their credit cards have decreased compared to the previous year.
❖ Consumer payment delays are slightly up by 1.55% YoY but remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, indicating Canadian financial resilience.
Financial tips for responsible credit card use:
- Pay on Time, Every Time: Establish the practice of paying your credit card bills on time to save money on late fees and to protect your credit report.
- Stay Within 30% of your Credit Limit: Don’t max out your credit card. To uphold a strong credit score and avoid accumulating debt, ensure your spending is below 30% of your total credit limit.
- Track Your Spendings: Keep tabs on your purchases. Tracking expenses allows you to stay within your budget and prevents overspending.
- Minimize Balances: Try to pay off your credit card balance in full each month. If not possible, pay more than the minimum due to reduce interest charges.
- Don’t rush into multiple credit card applications: Applying for multiple credit cards quickly can hurt your credit score. Be selective and apply only for cards you genuinely need.
- Check Statements Regularly: Check your monthly statements regularly. Report any disparities or unauthorized charges immediately.
- Utilize Rewards Wisely: If your card offers rewards, use them smartly. Don’t overspend to earn rewards; always redeem them before they expire.
- Be Mindful of Fees: Watch out for annual, late, and other charges. Avoid unnecessary expenses by understanding your card’s fee structure.
Pros and Cons of having multiple credit cards
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Maximizing Rewards: You can tailor cards for different needs, like travel, no transaction fees, or low interest, earning rewards in various situations. | Managing Bills: More cards mean more bills, which can get tricky. |
| Get the Most from Your Spending: Having multiple cards opens doors to earning more rewards and reducing fees in different spending situations. | Overspending Risk: Having many cards might tempt overspending. |
| Backup Payment Options: Having several cards means multiple ways to pay, which is handy in emergencies. | Annual Fees: Each card often comes with its own fees, leading to excessive expenses. |
| Building a strong credit score with multiple cards: Owning multiple credit cards can improve your credit score by reducing your Credit utilization ratio. A lower ratio typically means better credit health, making it a positive move to have more than one card in your wallet. | Credit Score Impact: Applying for multiple cards at once can temporarily dent your credit score. |
Tips for choosing the right number of credit cards.
Choosing the right number of credit cards involves weighing your spending habits, financial capabilities, and each card’s benefits. Tailor your choices to suit your needs while ensuring you can manage them responsibly. Here are some tips for choosing the right number of credit cards:
- Assess Your Needs: Consider why you need a credit card. If one card covers your necessities and fits your spending habits, you might not need more.
- Evaluate Spending Patterns: If you frequently spend in various categories (like groceries, travel, etc.), having specific cards for each category’s rewards might benefit you.
- Balance Simplicity and Benefits: More cards can mean more perks and management. Balance the benefits you’ll gain with the complexity of handling multiple cards.
- Consider Financial Responsibility: Managing multiple credit cards leads to overspending or missed payments, so it’s wiser to stick to fewer cards.
- Credit Score Impact: Opening multiple cards simultaneously can temporarily lower your credit score. Consider spacing out applications if you plan to apply for multiple cards.
- Monitor Your Credit Health: Regularly review your credit report. Too many unused cards affect your creditworthiness.
- Start Slowly: Having more credit cards means more access to credit, which might seem attractive. But if you tend to overspend or already have a balance on your current card, there might be better financial choices than adding another card. If you need more clarification, start with one card and gradually increase if needed. It’s easier to handle and monitor your spending with fewer cards initially.
The Bottom Line
While some manage multiple cards effortlessly, others thrive with just one or none. How many should you have? It hinges on your financial abilities and goals. To decide, weigh the positives and negatives. Exploring multiple cards, one or none, offers valuable insights into managing credit wisely. For future cardholders, stick to these three golden rules: Always swipe your credit cards for purchases that earn rewards. Only use your card for what you’d typically buy with cash. And most importantly, clear off the entire credit card balance every month without fail. Stick to these guidelines for smart credit card usage
