The short answer: usually no! In fact, when you pay your balances in full each month and on time, your score can actually improve over time. Having more credit cards increases your total available credit, which can lower your credit utilization rate — a major factor in your score. Even if you open multiple cards, keeping low or zero balances helps maintain a strong credit score. A small temporary dip may happen after a new application, but your score typically bounces back quickly.

No — you won’t run out of cards! There are dozens of great options available, and new cards are released all the time. Plus, many cards allow you to earn their welcome bonuses again after a certain time period, usually every 24 or 48 months. If you have multiple businesses, you can also apply for separate business cards under each business.

Traveling on points and miles isn’t completely free — it’s deeply discounted travel. While you might start out with a few no-annual-fee cards, the best rewards often come from cards that do have an annual fee. Think of it like this: if you’re paying a $95 fee but getting $1,000 or more in travel value, it’s absolutely worth it. Always do the math — in most cases, the rewards far outweigh the cost.

You’ll want to keep your cards for at least one year, until the second annual fee hits (if there is one). If the annual fee doesn’t offer enough value, you typically have 30 days from the fee date to request a refund. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, are “keepers” — meaning they’re worth holding onto long-term. For cards that don’t provide ongoing benefits, after the year, you have three options: ask for a retention offer, downgrade to a no-annual-fee version, or close the card.

When starting out, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 90 days between personal credit card applications. For business cards or switching between partner cards, you may be able to apply more frequently. Personally, I typically space applications by at least 30 days, but if there’s a limited-time offer or I need a new card, I may apply sooner. Keep in mind, everyone’s situation is different, so evaluate yours carefully. Most importantly, make sure you’re not going into debt or applying for too many cards at once.