How Many Cards To Carry

[Anonymous]

Hi.

I am new to this forum.

I currently have four major cards, one from each network (Chase FU $56,500, Cap One Quicksilver MC $32,000, Discover $21,500, and AMEX BCP $30,000.

I was carrying all four in my wallet, but I felt uncomfortable, so I cut back to two, Cap One MC (1.5% on everything) and AMEX BCP (6% groceries and 3% gas). These categories are my main spend. I am retired.

My question: Is AMEX and Mastercard enough acceptance coverage (I never go outside U.S), or should I carry a third card (Visa or Discover) in case somewhere does not

take AMEX and the Mastercard doesn't work, for some reason?

I don't mean to be paranoid, but what do others think??

Thanks !!

[AverageJoesCredit]

You should be fine. On the day you know you may be using your card , go ahead and bring it otherwise do what makes you comfortable. Thats a nice dream wallet for many of us. 1 of each, big limits, fantastic job

[UpperNwGuy]

You should be fine with two cards.  I carry two cards, and they are both Visa, but they are issued by two different banks.  I also carry a Visa debit card from a third bank.

Edit:  Now that I think about it, all of my cards are currently from Visa.  I closed my Amex and my Mastercard last month, and I have never had Discover.

[Anonymous]

I carry my debit card and two rotating credit cards in my wallet (always my Amex Platinum for travel charges since I fly every week; the second card is usually my Cap 1 Quicksilver but soon to be my Chase Ritz once it comes in the mail). The rest of my cards I keep in a large wallet in my closet.

[driftless]

I, too, carry 2 credit cards and a debit card.  You should be fine with your Amex and a MC. Amex's acceptance has become quite high, I see a lot of the Blue personal cards in the wild.  In the US almost every place that accepts Visa also accepts MC.  Having either a Visa or MC in your wallet is good, but having both is not essential.

[Broke_Triathlete]

Hey Johnny,

Welcome to the site. I personally would not have any issues carrying all 4 cards with me. You're protected either way against any unauthorized purchase and most lenders will overnight you a replacement. Out of your lineup I'd consider maybe setting aside the Chase because you have a great limit that you can use while the replacements are on the way. 

The Disco (haven't been turned down from using it) and AMEX can be selective where they can be used. The Cap 1 is accepted everywhere! So if you're going to carry the Disco and AMEX around then carry the CAP 1 to be assured no matter what you can swipe if needed. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the good advice.

I can definitely feel the love !!

I will continue with AMEX/ Cap One as carry.

I agree with leaving Chase at home as emergency backup.

As far as Discover, I have had since 1985. I am sick of rotating categories and will only use regularly if they come out with a flat 2% card.   I would not apply for a 2% card, but I already have Discover.

I won,t hold my breath on DIscover doing 2%.

I have years of experience with rewards cards. Maybe I can also help some of you guys.

Johnny

[K-in-Boston]

Johnny, have you hopped on chat with Discover to ask if there any APR offers available for your account?  In addition to offering permanent APR reductions, they're been offering 0% and/or Cash Back Match for a year.  When they did the PC on my wife's ancient Discover card after discontinuing the old Rewards card to change it to the Discover it card, she got the same introductory offer as a new cardmember would get - so that would effectively be a 2% on everything card (although the additional 1% wouldn't be paid out until the end) and 10% on category spend.

[Anonymous]

Hello, K-in-Boston,

Thanks for your suggestions.

Interestingly enough, when the double cash back promotion came out two years ago, I was able to sign up for it online. Sixteen hours later, they closed the promotion to any but new cardholders. I "snuck in" somehow, and they had to honor it.

My wife and I had a real picnic for a year, but then it ended.

I don't need 0% transfer offers: I am a "deadbeat" and pay all of my balances in full.

Discover will get used again when (and if) they have a flat 2% (all categories, not just gas and restaurants) card with no cap, just like Citi Double Cash.

Until then, I have my I-Pass replenish on auto pay to keep it alive, and that is all they get. Once in a while, if my wife orders some blouses online from Woman Within, I will tell her to use Discover, but not often.

Johnny

[Anonymous]

I carry all my cards.   If someone broke into my house they would get the cards and could have them all day before I found out. I would know right away if my wallet was gone.