Does the number of credit cards really matter?

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am rebuilding my credit.  I currently have a debit card (no credit value) and a major secured credit card.  I am a high-volume user on this card to the average $2,000 plus a month and I pay it off every month too.  My desire however to try and "accelerate" the process of raising my score more quickly.  My question is should I just stick with one card or should I add on other cards?  Do more cards really improve the credit score?  If they do improve your score, please tell me how?  Thoughts?

[ACsteel]

Yes these factors are considered for your FICO score:

1. Lines of credits you have in good standing (many have different opinions but I believe 3 -5 is a sweet spot).
2. Your AAoA, so you want to start building history with a few cards.
3. Your utilization to debt ratio will have a higher disparity since the more cards you have the more credit you will have versus debt (if you are being responsible of course!).

[jamesdwi]

3 or more cards are needed for best number of cards reporting, and be sure to PIF before statement cuts, Leave one card showing 1-9% balance for best UTL score.