How many credit cards should you have? The answer isn’t zero, say experts

cnbc.com:

Who'd think a little plastic rectangle could be associated with so much mystery and angst?

When it comes to credit cards, 26% of Americans say they're «dangerous» and another 9% call them «evil,» according to a NerdWallet poll. Credit card debt and interest rates are at all-time highs.

Yet, financial advisors and credit experts say the typical consumer should have at least one card.

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«I would say two cards is optimum … and three would be maximum to keep finances simple,» said Cathy Curtis, a certified financial planner based in Oakland, California, and a member of CNBC's Advisor Council.

The ultimate number depends on the consumer, experts said. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Having a credit card — and using it responsibly — is a good way to start building strong credit, said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com.

Establishing good credit is «essential» for qualifying for loans such as a mortgage or auto loan, and for other things such as buying a cell phone, renting a car or getting a job, the Consumer Federation of America notes. Strong credit also helps consumers qualify for lower borrowing costs.

Not everyone uses a credit card in a financially optimal way, however. Eighty-two percent of American adults had a credit card in 2022, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve. About half of them carried balances from month to month at least once in the prior year. Since credit cards often carry high interest rates, carrying a balance (i.e., not paying off a card in full each month) can add