If youâre wondering how many credit cards you should have, thereâs no one-size-fits-all answer. But your number depends on your situation and goals.
In general, you might look at whether having a single cardâor several cardsâhelps you build credit, manage your finances and take advantage of perks and rewards.
Getting your first credit card as a teenager can be an exciting yet daunting experience. At 19, you’re gaining more financial independence, but also taking on significant responsibility. While parents and guardians often co-sign on starter cards for 18-year-olds, at 19 you may be getting your first solo card.
So how many credit cards should a 19-year-old have? The ideal number of cards for a 19-year-old is one or two This provides the benefits of building credit history and score while minimizing risk and complexity
Why 19-Year-Olds Should Start With One or Two Cards
Start slowly with just one or two cards when you’re in your late teens.
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Establish a track record of responsible use, Having just one card to manage makes it easier to pay your bill on time each month and keep utilization low, This builds positive credit behaviors
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Limit hard inquiries. Each credit card application causes a hard inquiry, which can temporarily ding your score. Starting with fewer cards limits early damage.
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Reduce temptation to overspend. Multiple cards mean more available credit. For a 19-year-old still learning financial skills, restraint is wise.
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Avoid annual fees. When they first start out, young adults may not have enough money to pay for expensive cards with annual fees. One no-annual-fee card is a smart pick.
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Build account diversity. Credit scoring models like to see more than one account, so a second card in 6-12 months can help.
Now let’s look at ideal starter cards for 19-year-olds and tips for using them responsibly.
Good First Credit Cards for 19-Year-Olds
College or secured credit cards are the best first credit cards for 19-year-olds. But some regular unsecured cards will also let people in this age range apply.
Student Credit Cards
Student cards from major issuers like Discover and Capital One offer benefits tailored to new college-aged cardholders. Perks like cash back rewards, 0% intro APRs, and waived annual fees are common. Required credit for approval is usually minimal. If your income is very limited, try becoming an authorized user on a parent’s account first to establish history.
Top student card picks:
- Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Discover it® Student chrome
- Capital One Journey Student Rewards
Secured Credit Cards
Secured cards require a cash security deposit, usually $200 or more, that acts as your credit limit. The deposit shows issuers you have “skin in the game” and lowers their lending risk. Secured cards build credit like unsecured cards. After 12+ months of on-time payments, you can often graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
Top secured cards:
- Capital One Secured Mastercard
- Discover it® Secured Card
- Petal 2 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card
Unsecured Cards
While harder to qualify for, some regular unsecured cards will approve applicants as young as 18. Having verifiable income is key. The card’s required credit score for approval provides a guideline.
Entry-level unsecured cards:
- Petal 1 “No Annual Fee” Credit Card
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Tips for Managing Your First Credit Cards
Here are essential tips for 19-year-olds to manage new credit cards responsibly:
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Make payments on time. Set up autopay or calendar reminders for every due date. Payment history is the most important factor in your scores.
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Keep balances low. Using less than 30% of your credit limit is good. 10% or less is even better for scores.
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Review statements. Check charges monthly and report errors immediately. Hold yourself accountable.
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Avoid cash advances. These carry fees and sky-high interest rates – never worth it!
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Pay in full each month. You want to avoid carrying a balance and paying interest.
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Limit applications. Every application causes a hard inquiry. Space out new cards by 6-12 months.
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Ask for credit limit increases. After 6+ months of on-time payments, you can ask issuers for a higher limit.
Exercising restraint and discipline with your first one or two cards as a 19-year-old can set you up for lifelong credit health and smart money management. The habits you build now determine your financial success down the road.
When to Add More Credit Cards
As you enter your 20s and establish financial independence, it may make sense to add more credit cards strategically.
You might consider adding cards for these potential benefits:
- Earn more rewards on spending categories like gas, dining, or groceries
- Access premium travel perks like airport lounge access
- Separate personal and business expenses
- Build credit mix by adding installment loans like student, auto, or personal loans
Aim to add no more than one or two new credit cards per year in your 20s. Pay attention to annual fees and make sure perks align with your budget and lifestyle.
The Downsides of Having Too Many Credit Cards
While a small, manageable credit card portfolio has benefits, having too many cards too soon comes with risks:
- Difficulty tracking due dates and managing payments
- Higher debt burden and overspending temptation
- Hit to credit from multiple hard inquiries during applications
- Reduced average account age when opening many new cards
- Annual fees that outweigh rewards and perks
Play it safe by starting with just one or two cards as a 19-year-old. Adding too many cards too fast can backfire and sabotage your credit. Take a patient approach.
Final Thoughts: 1-2 Cards to Start
One or two credit cards is the ideal number for most 19-year-olds new to credit. This allows you to start building credit safely and strategically. Focus on practicing good financial habits like on-time payments, low utilization, reviewing statements, and avoiding cash advances. If you show responsibility with your first one or two cards, you’ll be on your way to establishing the strong credit needed to achieve major financial goals in your 20s like financing a car or apartment.
Multiple credit cards FAQ
Want to know more? Hereâs additional information about having multiple credit cards:
How many credit cards should I have to build credit?
You may be able to build credit with just one credit card if you use it responsibly. Using a card to build credit could improve your chances of qualifying for loans and other credit cards. It might even make it easier to rent an apartment or find a job.
Does having multiple credit cards hurt your credit?
Having more than one credit card doesnât necessarily have a negative impact on your credit reports. But having multiple credit cards could hurt your credit if you donât use them responsibly.
How many credit cards does the average American have?
Experian®, one of the three major credit bureaus, reports that the average American has nearly four credit cards.
Experian also reports that the number of cards people carry tends to vary by generation. On average, baby boomers and Generation X have the most credit cards.
Can you have two of the same credit card?
Even though it’s possible to get the same credit cards, the credit card company has the final say.
If you want two credit cards from the same issuer, you could consider applying for a different card with benefits you donât yet have. For example, you could have a cash back rewards card and a travel rewards card from the same issuer.
Is it good to have multiple credit cards?
When you use credit responsibly, it could be a good thing to have more than one credit card. Multiple cards can give you more available credit. It can also mean more spending flexibility. And if you manage multiple credit accounts well, lenders may see you as less of a risk and offer their best borrowing options and terms.
While it can be good to have multiple cards, it ultimately comes down to how you manage them. For example, having more than one card means keeping track of more than one bill every month.
What Credit Cards You Should Have by AGE [Full Guide]
FAQ
How many credit cards does the average American have?
The average American has about four credit cards, according to Experian. And, 82% of adults in America had at least one credit card in 2022, according to the Federal Reserve. How much debt does the average American have? The average American has $90,460 in debt, according to Experian.
How many credit cards should I have?
There may be no “perfect” number of credit cards to have, but there are some general guidelines to consider when deciding to open another card. If you have poor or fair credit (scores below 670, according to Experian), you may struggle to be approved for credit cards and may have difficulty managing just one card.
How many credit cards should you have in your wallet?
However, there’s no simple answer for the ideal number of cards to have in your wallet. While using at least one credit card can help you build a good credit history and have other benefits, consider your financial situation, habits and preferences to determine whether you should apply for more.
How old do you have to be to get a credit card?
Keep this in mind: to get a credit card, you must be at least 18 years old, and if you’re under 21, it may be hard to get approved. As you start out with credit, It’s a good idea to focus on building good financial habits. Having a reliable income is only one piece of the puzzle.
How many credit cards do I need to start accumulating credit?
You really only need one credit card to start accumulating credit, but the more you have and the more responsibly you use them, the more opportunities you have to earn points and gradually increase your credit line. How Many Credit Cards Can I Apply For at Once?.
How many credit cards can I open?
As long as you’re smart about using your credit card and practice responsible credit behaviors, such as making payments on time and in full, you can open as many credit cards as you want. Read more: I have 10 credit cards — here’s how I manage them and how I decide when to open a new one.
How much credit should a 19 year old have?
The average credit score for a 19-year-old is 680, considered good. Payment history and amounts owed are the most influential factors on credit scores. Timely payments are essential; missing payments can harm your credit score.
How many credit cards should I have for 19?
You need at least one credit card to add to your credit history, make purchases easily, and earn rewards on everyday purchases. As long as you can handle them well, having at least two open credit card accounts is good for your credit score. The average U. S. adult has around 5 credit cards (including store cards).
What is a normal credit limit for a 19 year old?
Average credit limit by age group
Generation Z (ages 18-26): $12,899. Millennials (ages 27-42): $27,533. Generation X (ages 43-58): $38,665. Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): $41,906.
Should an 18 year old have 2 credit cards?
Starting with two credit cards is a great baseline. Having two credit cards from different lenders gives you flexibility, and if one card or lender is compromised, you have a backup and aren’t stranded without access to credit.