The best # of store cards is none.
Only get what you intend to use. Lots of people here have way too many and it kills their AAoA. I have one (Walmart) and that's because I have their Discover upgrade on the radar. Otherwise it's MC/Visa for me...
@azguy13 wrote:
@TRC_WA wrote:The best # of store cards is none.
Only get what you intend to use. Lots of people here have way too many and it kills their AAoA. I have one (Walmart) and that's because I have their Discover upgrade on the radar. Otherwise it's MC/Visa for me...
Aren't them and Sam's Club transitioning to a Mastercard soon and dumping off Discover?
It's possible. It wouldn't surprise me and if so I'll take a major CC upgrade either way.
Going back to getting cards you will use... That's how I play it. I got Care Credit for medical... Have used it for myself and my dog. Walmart for the upgrade... And 76/Chevron because there is a station on every corner here in the PNW.
I was just in Old Navy last weekend and declined their card offer... I shop there like twice a year and it's not worth it to me. I'm on a roll headed towards 700...
@azguy13 wrote:
I think the only store card I have ever had was Best Buy. I got it while I was buying all new appliances for a new home I had purchased. Their 0% financing was very attractive at the time. Once they were about to transition from Cap1 to Citi I closed it though. I do not shop at any specific store enough to get new credit for them. Plus, I have decent cards now that I earn rewards on so it really doesnt matter to me.
Store cards are very useful though if your score is sub 630 or so and you cannot get approved for a prime card. Or, if someone is brand new to credit and is starting from scratch.
In addition to the cards I mentioned I also have a Best Buy... I got it in August one month before they switched to Citi... Still ticked about that every time I see that one month closed BBY/CapOne account on my CR... but yes it's useful for 0% promos.
Haven't got a store card since and have no plans too... I'm in the door with my CU and my score is improving every month. I've got better cards already but yes I agree... The store cards were great a year ago when my scores were lower. They got me where I need to be today.
I still don't recommend a dozen store cards like some around here have... 
@TRC_WA wrote:
@azguy13 wrote:I think the only store card I have ever had was Best Buy. I got it while I was buying all new appliances for a new home I had purchased. Their 0% financing was very attractive at the time. Once they were about to transition from Cap1 to Citi I closed it though. I do not shop at any specific store enough to get new credit for them. Plus, I have decent cards now that I earn rewards on so it really doesnt matter to me.
Store cards are very useful though if your score is sub 630 or so and you cannot get approved for a prime card. Or, if someone is brand new to credit and is starting from scratch.
In addition to the cards I mentioned I also have a Best Buy... I got it in August one month before they switched to Citi... Still ticked about that every time I see that one month closed BBY/CapOne account on my CR... but yes it's useful for 0% promos.
Haven't got a store card since and have no plans too... I'm in the door with my CU and my score is improving every month. I've got better cards already but yes I agree... The store cards were great a year ago when my scores were lower. They got me where I need to be today.
I still don't recommend a dozen store cards like some around here have...
Either do I. That is addiction, not proactive, lol.
10 - $300 store cards are not worth the 10 HPs and massacre of my AAoA.
Thank you for all of the responses. I am pretty much a big scaredy cat with my rebuilding efforts; there is no worry about me running out and getting a dozen store cards. I was just curious if there was a goal that I should have in my head that would best optimize my FICO score.
I was certain the folks here would be able to provide me an answer, or in lieu of that, at least a few opinions
@cgussio wrote:Thank you for all of the responses. I am pretty much a big scaredy cat with my rebuilding efforts; there is no worry about me running out and getting a dozen store cards. I was just curious if there was a goal that I should have in my head that would best optimize my FICO score.
I was certain the folks here would be able to provide me an answer, or in lieu of that, at least a few opinions
Certainly, no one here seems ambivalent about them. Some think they're the greatest tools in building/rebuilding and others think they're a high APR trap.
I would say that getting a preapproval offer for JCP in the mail was a sign for me that my credit was improving. I took the offer and I'd honestly credit it for my rebuild success. It's helped me and actually led me to see out this forum, which has really done wonders for me!
Anyway, to get back on topic...my best advise is to simply seek out credit that you need/want and would be of some benefit to you. If a store card that you'd use offers a good rewards structure or special financing, it's a good TL for you. Don't just get a CC because you can!