topic Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you? in Credit Cards

Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

Sixburgh79 — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 01:18:14 GMT

Just in general I'm curious for those with 10 to 15 cards let's say, do you just like to have the available credit if needed or do you actually just rotate using a card, paying it off, then using another or...?

I'm asking mainly because there is definitely a very satisfying feeling to get approved for cards, and I get the itch to open a few more here and there but I don't think I'd use them per say or at least heavily, but I just enjoy opening cards to see what I can get as I continue to build my credit.

In a round about way Im just asking do you always use each card in some way or are some cards just opened for the sake of gettin more credit?

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

fltireguy — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:31:22 GMT

I currently have 41 cards that are either MasterCard Visa American Express, and one discover. I use four of them regularly, the other 37 live in the sock drawer for all eternity.

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

Sixburgh79 — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:34:21 GMT

So they definitely won't shut down cards that aren't being used?

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

Gmood1 — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:41:09 GMT

It's a good practice to use them at least once every six months to keep them active. Some lenders will contact you and let you know the card is in danger of being closed if not used.

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

AverageJoesCredit — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:48:54 GMT

Everyone's taste in cards varies by wants & needs , rewards and spend. Many of us who have lots of actually did get them to use or have used them. We just haven't closed some of them even if we dont use often. It can be for utilization buffer or just to continue thickening our profile. I would always recommend applying for cards that you WILL use so as not to get stuck with useless cards.

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

Sixburgh79 — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:51:21 GMT

I have a handful at the moment but I just always enjoy apping for more like every year maybe a for a card or two. I definitely like to rotate them overall. Also I don't think it hurts to have a until buffer ultimately or to keep adding onto so to speak

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

wasCB14 — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 05:11:10 GMT

I have some use for each card. It might be rewards, some benefit, occasional targeted offers, a travel perk, etc.

Some cards have more compelling uses than others, though!

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

redpat — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 05:33:43 GMT

I would suggest picking one or two reward programs and sticking to cards that work best for them.

Sometimes you may change reward programs because programs get devalued or card perks get nerfed. For instance i’m In the process of switching my hotel stays from marriottt to Hilton because I feel gold status w/ Hilton offers me more than Marriott. Therefore, I added a Hilton card for that purpose.

Remeber it’s not how many cards, it’s about getting the most value on the money you spend. This also includes using shopping portals, shopping offers and dining programs when you use your credit card.

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

arkane — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 06:06:06 GMT

@redpat wrote:
I would suggest picking one or two reward programs and sticking to cards that work best for them.

Sometimes you may change reward programs because programs get devalued or card perks get nerfed. For instance i’m In the process of switching my hotel stays from marriottt to Hilton because I feel gold status w/ Hilton offers me more than Marriott. Therefore, I added a Hilton card for that purpose.

Remeber it’s not how many cards, it’s about getting the most value on the money you spend. This also includes using shopping portals, shopping offers and dining programs when you use your credit card.

Right now I have 4 cards and each one serves a purpose. I plan on getting 2-3 more cards and then calling it a day (a 2% general spend card, a travel card with low or no AF since I fly once or twice a year, and either another 5% card or an Amex)

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

Anonymous — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 11:42:58 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
Everyone's taste in cards varies by wants & needs , rewards and spend. Many of us who have lots of actually did get them to use or have used them. We just haven't closed some of them even if we dont use often. It can be for utilization buffer or just to continue thickening our profile. I would always recommend applying for cards that you WILL use so as not to get stuck with useless cards.

See you are stuck with that "Marvel" Card Time to weed the garden

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

SouthJamaica — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 11:55:15 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
Everyone's taste in cards varies by wants & needs , rewards and spend. Many of us who have lots of actually did get them to use or have used them. We just haven't closed some of them even if we dont use often. It can be for utilization buffer or just to continue thickening our profile. I would always recommend applying for cards that you WILL use so as not to get stuck with useless cards.
See you are stuck with that "Marvel" Card Time to weed the garden

I used to have the Marvel card, featuring Spiderman, and - in an 'adult' moment - closed it. I actually regret that decision because:

(a) 3% cash back on dining & a lot of entertainment related things was great, and

(b) it was the only card I've ever had that brought a smile to the cashier's face when I was paying.

@Anonymous @AverageJoesCredit knows what he's doing

Re: Those that have a lot of cards, how do you go about using them or don't you?

RonM21 — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 16:06:28 GMT

OP, I understand where your question comes from, because when I was in rebuild mode, starting from the bottom up began with it being about who would approve me for a couple of cards. Once I started looking at more, I did try to get cards that had rewards that fit me, but at the same time, I factored in other things....like CL, HP vs SP increases, and overall opinion on the card issuers.

Now, I'm beyond the rebuild point with about 14 cards. I do rotate them, but some usually get more spend then others. Some also get used each month compared to the others. There are 1 or 2 that I have to make sure I purposely put a transaction on because they are store cards and get little use. But this works for me.

Every situation is different and there are variables that may dictate how much use you give particular cards.