Plus, how many credit cards do Americans have?
Your Credit Card Playbook
Our step-by-step guide
Let's talk credit cards. They can be useful tools to build your credit, pay off larger purchases and even earn you rewards — so long as they're used correctly. Too many cards or big outstanding balances that rack up interest can overwhelm you, your budget and potentially, your credit score.
So what's the right number of credit cards to have? Credit bureaus suggest five accounts — which can be a mix of loans and credit cards — is the ideal number to build your credit over time. But two credit cards is a good place to start.
These days, American consumers have an average of four credit cards, according to a 2024 Experian report. If it's time for you to add a new one to your wallet, we've put together a step-by-step guide on how to get a credit card.
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Upgrading your life doesn’t always mean spending more. Sometimes it’s just about knowing where the hidden wins are hiding. These moves can stretch your budget without giving up the little things that make life, well, livable.
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Your wallet will be a whole lot happier once you stop spending on these silly things because they're holding you back from your goals.
Start here if you're ready to start budgeting. We'll give you the basic budgeting course you wish you got in high school.
