3 Smart Reasons to Carry Multiple Credit Cards

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Everyone's a little different when it comes to credit cards. Some people, myself included, like to use multiple high-quality credit cards for the benefits they offer. Others prefer keeping it simple with a one-card wallet.

Even if you don't want too many credit cards, there are advantages to having more than one. Here's why it's a good idea to carry multiple credit cards.

1. You could earn more cash back or travel points

If you have a high credit score, ideally you're already using a cash back card or a travel card. These are an easy way to save money, just by paying with your credit card. On every purchase, you'll earn either cash back or travel points you can use to save on your next trip. Many of these cards also offer sign-up bonuses worth $200 or more for new cardholders.

While you could save money with one of these cards, you could save even more with multiple rewards cards. By opening multiple cards, you can earn multiple sign-up bonuses.

You could also earn bonus cash back or points in more areas. For example, some rewards cards earn a flat rate of 2% everywhere. Others have a standard rate of 1%, but earn 3% or more in bonus categories, such as gas and groceries.

Carrying multiple credit cards is great if you love to travel, because there are lots of fantastic travel cards available. With the right combination of cards, you could get all kinds of travel perks, even including access to luxurious airport lounges. Explore our list of the best travel cards to learn more and open a card today.

2. Some retailers don't accept every type of credit card

Every credit card has a payment network. In the United States, there are four:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Discover

While it's uncommon, there are businesses that don't accept cards from each payment network. Costco is the most famous example. It has an exclusive partnership with Visa, so you can't use any other type of credit card there.

Acceptance of American Express and Discover can also be hit or miss abroad and among small businesses. If you have one of those cards, it's a good idea to also get a Visa or a Mastercard just in case.

3. You'll have a backup if your card is declined

Credit cards can get declined for all kinds of reasons. Here are a few examples of why this can happen:

• You're trying to make a large purchase.
• You're using your credit card abroad.
• You've reached your credit limit.
• Your card issuer locked your card for identity or address verification.

Sometimes you can resolve these issues quickly and easily. If a large purchase or a transaction abroad trips up your card issuer's fraud detection, you'll likely get an email or text asking you to confirm the purchase. Once you do that, your card will work.

But there are also situations where it can take longer to get your card up and running again. You might need to spend time talking to customer service or even send in documents to verify your identity. By carrying multiple credit cards, you don't need to worry if one of them gets declined.

You don't need a wallet full of credit cards -- although there's nothing wrong with that, either. It doesn't hurt to have at least two cards, though. You'll be able to maximize rewards, you can carry cards from multiple payment networks, and you'll have a backup payment method when necessary.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .