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

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Sixburgh79
New Contributor

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

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?
Message 1 of 12
11 REPLIES 11
fltireguy
Valued Contributor

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

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.
NFCU $60.4k/PenFed $22.5k/Commerce $15K/53 $11K/Synovus $14K/BBT $11K/CapOne $12K/DCU $7.5K/BMO $7.5K/Chase $14.5k/Cabelas $10K/ and many many more!
Total CL $398600, plus car and RV loan.
Ooh. Ooh. Getting closer to that $500K mark!
Message 2 of 12
Sixburgh79
New Contributor

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

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

Message 3 of 12
Gmood1
Super Contributor

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

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.
Message 4 of 12
AverageJoesCredit
Legendary Contributor

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

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.
Message 5 of 12
Sixburgh79
New Contributor

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

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
Message 6 of 12
wasCB14
Super Contributor

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

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!

Personal spend: Amex Gold, Amex Schwab Plat., BofA PR+CCR(x2), Costco
Business use: Amex Bus. Plat., BBP, Lowes Amex AU, CFU AU
Perks: Delta Plat., United Explorer, IHG49, Hyatt, "Old SPG"
Mostly SD: Freedom Flex, Freedom, Arrival
Upgrade/Downgrade games: ED, BCE
SUB chasing: AA Platinum Select
Message 7 of 12
redpat
Senior Contributor

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

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.

Personal Cards: Amex Delta Res | CSR | Citi AA Exec | Citi Strata Premier Business Cards: Ink+ | Amex BBP
Message 8 of 12
arkane
Established Contributor

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


@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.


+1

 

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)

Active:

Closed:


6/8/20:

Message 9 of 12
Anonymous
Not applicable

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


@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  Smiley Mad Time to weed the garden Smiley Frustrated

Message 10 of 12
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