How many credit cards can you have in Switzerland? Switzerland has no legal limit on the number of credit cards you can have. In Switzerland, 2 to 6 credit cards per person are standard.

Credit card issuers evaluate applications based on factors such as income, existing debts, and credit history. The maximum number is limited by creditworthiness. Credit card issuers have individual guidelines on how many cards they offer a customer.

Does it make sense to have multiple credit cards?

Yes, for most people, it makes sense to have multiple credit cards. It is easy to save a lot of money thanks to the discounts and benefit programs offered by the various providers. In the Kredite Schweiz article on the best credit cards in Switzerland, we have listed the cards with the greatest benefits for each user category. Here are the most important advantages.

Rewards and benefits. Different credit cards offer different rewards, such as points, cashback, or insurance.
Emergency access to funds. Having several credit cards offers additional liquidity in an emergency. Of course, we at Kredite Schweiz recommend building up a liquid nest egg for emergencies, but having an extra reserve is never bad.
International use. Some cards are better accepted internationally than others. If you travel a lot, it can be practical to have several cards from different networks (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners Club).
Avoid annual fees. Since some credit cards have high annual fees, having multiple free credit cards often makes more sense. Together, they fulfill the same needs as a paid premium card.

How many credit cards should you have?

You should start slowly with one or two credit cards and see how well you can manage them. You can then add more cards as needed, as long as you are able to pay the invoices on time. The goal is to find a balance that allows you to take advantage of credit cards without overextending yourself financially. In Switzerland, 2 to 6 credit cards per person are standard.

What happens if you have too many credit cards?

Holding too many credit cards has several consequences for your financial health and creditworthiness. However, having many credit cards is not a problem if they are used responsibly. Here are some possible negative effects.

Difficulty managing finances. With multiple credit cards, keeping track of spending, payment due dates, and interest rates is difficult. This increases the chance of late or missed payments.
Increased risk of over-indebtedness. Multiple credit cards increase the temptation and opportunity to buy more things on credit, leading to higher debt. This is especially problematic if you can no longer pay off the balances in full each month.
Impact on creditworthiness. Too many credit applications in a short period of time will have a negative impact on your creditworthiness. In addition, a high total credit limit across all cards, especially if it is heavily used, is considered a risk factor.