How many Cards do/can you actively manage at any one time.

[longtimelurker]

Currently managing 7, one will go away soon (Thank You Premier, just using to redeem flight points before cancelling).  It hasn't been an issue to manage more, but Sallie Mae (AU on my wife's card) is going to be an issue.

We spend lots on groceries, currently covered by the 5x TYP, but when that expires need to split between BCP, SM and something else, and remember to put $250 (and preferably not more as that is only 1%) a month is going to need more tracking than I am used to.  With the BCP, you just check the monthly statements until $6K is reached and SD the card for the rest of the year, SM needs different handling!

[too-much-time]

The cleaner, the easier! Because my checking account spreadsheet projects a year into the future, the furthest away month is generally not yet adjusted for anything in particular and can be used as a template for adding on still more months as the present catches up. The template includes entries for all of my credit cards. Whenever a card passes its statement date, I charge something on it to get past any chance of inactivity. The cards are divided into three batches based on statement dates, about a third of a month apart, which is when they get paid. That's all the obsessing I can handle regardless of the number of cards; mental clutter is good for little more than a headache. Having said that, cards are different in what they offer and how you enjoy using them, but that's amusement rather than logistics.

[maiden_girl]

I actively manage 3 credit cards (Chase Freedom - tier 1, Discover IT - tier 2, CAP1 - tier 3) in that order. But I've decided to cut down to one. It's easy to get into debt when you're just needlessly swiping away.

[enharu]

The easiest way to go about doing this, is to set up automatic payments on all, if not at least some of your cards.

Just set up automatic payment in full, for the cards that you don't use much, or if possible, for all your cards.

That way, you are just essentially managing the balance in your checking account, and maybe 1-3 cards on top of that.

[yudeology101]

12 for me, all active accounts-  3 installments, 8 CCs.  I mainly use CSP/Hyatt/Citi AA for everyday (rotating cards) & PIF, and others cards set for auto pay on smaller bills (storage, phone, etc.).  I'm playing around w/ the 1-9% UTIL game right now, so currently I have 2 TLs reported w/ balance. 

[longtimelurker]

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@enharu wrote:

The easiest way to go about doing this, is to set up automatic payments on all, if not at least some of your cards.

Just set up automatic payment in full, for the cards that you don't use much, or if possible, for all your cards.

That way, you are just essentially managing the balance in your checking account, and maybe 1-3 cards on top of that.

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+1, unless you have to carry a balance, in which case set it up for at least minimum pay.   IMO everyone should set up auto-pay on all cards, at least as a safety net.  Then, if you want to "adjust" utilization, you can pay early anyway.  But missing a payment can be bad, potentially causing late fees and penalty APRs, so not worth taking the risk.

[budugu]

Chase ink bold after attempting to make the 5k in 3 months ... I have been absolutely lazy to change.

[Pat94108]

Just one for me.

[oscar_actuary]

Pretty much all

there is something on at least 9 each month, several have either a utility or charity on them, to keep them active each month.

As far as volume, we mostly use

Discver IT:  5% categories and Shop Discover (great source for CB)

Chase and Citiback:  5% categories

PenFed:  Gas and Grocery

Fidelity Amex:  Everythnig else

Sams Club Discover:  my old go to card, for 2% once you hit $10k spend.  It will be cancelled next year prior to the $60 premium above Sams Club membership

Chase Amazon:   3% on Amazon

Paypay:  nice dining 3% but return on rewards is not as good

Walmart:  for the free FICO

Bof World MC:  soem rewards, but mostly due to the age

B of A 3/2/1:  Thought I was gonig to use it more until I found the Pen Fed.

Amex Sky Blue:  $400 rewards each to open our two.  Wife uses for personal expenses

I'll randomly stick one in the wallet for a few weeks for small purchases; but otherwise let the automtic charges take care of the activity. Everyday cards are Pen Fed and Fidelity Amex.  Finally, I will use all the cards non-optimially for a small amount to "throw them a bone".  Probably silly.  Probably costs me $50/yr.

I use a spreadsheet and always pay in full.  Pay half of them on the 5th and the other half on the 20th.

JC PENNY and HSN:  on a whim, may never get used again. 

[09Lexie]

Too many but the majority are AMEX, CSP and now Discover. All of my accounts are set up for auto pay.