How Many Cards to Have?

[Cotton_Britches]

I only have one credit card with a zero balance. I don't use it often. Will having more than one credit card cause my score to rise?

I'm thinking of having at least three, only use them a few times a year and pay them off immediately.

[Creditaddict]

yes 3 is the magic number discussed usually and for mortgages, they want 3 tradelines

[Cotton_Britches]

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

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@missypants wrote:

I only have one credit card with a zero balance. I don't use it often. Will having more than one credit card cause my score to rise?

I'm thinking of having at least three, only use them a few times a year and pay them off immediately.

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According to the FICO Estimator, 4-5 revolving accounts (cc's) gave the best overall score estimates.  However, this isn't a huge difference, only marginal 6 to 12 points depending on other circumstances.

If you have only 1, rarely use, then 3 is probably worlds and less work to manage than having more.

IMO IME