You won’t find a general rule about how many credit cards you can hold. Each person’s credit history is different, and lenders use a variety of credit scoring models to manage their risk.
Some banks limit the number of cards or the total credit they will extend to an individual. They may also have rules about how often you can apply for a new card. If you are considering applying for a new credit card with a specific issuer, check out our guide to known credit card application restrictions.
It’s also important to note that most widely used models for credit scores penalize consumers for opening too many cards in a short period of time or using a high percentage of their available credit. If you want to take advantage of the perks offered by many credit cards, it’s best to take a slow and steady approach. Here’s our guide to building a sustainable relationship with the banks that issue the best rewards cards.