Experts indicate that most North Americans carry between five and ten credit cards in their wallets, with some credit-aholics holding as many as 35 credit cards at one time.

The answer is that there is no answer. If fifty credit cards makes you happy then go for it. According to Experian, one of the three major credit-reporting agencies, there is no right number of credit cards. Instead, the number of credit cards that you have should be a reflection of how much money you can afford to spend and how much debt you can pay off.

You also need to consider how many cards will best allow you to build a solid credit history. The credit agencies call this a healthy mix of credit. To stay on the safe side it is probably a good idea to stay with the popular majority and carry between five and ten credit cards.