Finding an all-in-one credit card that offers everything is the most challenging task. As a result, most people walk around with multiple credit cards. According to sources, the average credit card user in our country owns four cards at once. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of your cards and use them wisely to save money in the long run. So, how can you manage all your credit cards? Here are a few basic rules.

Know what you are signing up for
If you have a good credit score and earn a decent income every month, most credit card companies would love to have you as their customer. So you have plenty of options. Therefore, it becomes essential for you to be clear about what you expect from your credit card and start filtering your options. Choose the ones that give you maximum benefit. For instance, if you dine out a lot, the American Express Gold Card would be a good pick. Similarly, you might want to choose the Blue Cash Preferred Card if most of your expenses are for groceries.

Know your terms and keep track of outstanding debt
It is always best to make a written note of how much you owe on each card. Write down details like outstanding balance, interest rates, the limit, and the minimum payment. These numbers vary from company to company, so keeping track ensures you do not overspend or make wrong financial decisions, only to regret it later. Simultaneously, also note down which cards give special offers and use them wisely.

Be smart about your payments
There is a direct relationship between paying your credit card bills on time and your credit score. Timely payments also ensure that you stay clear of interest fees being charged on your outstanding. You can do a few things to make your payments on time:

• Set a reminder : Card issuers usually provide this service either through an SMS or an email, or both. If not, you can set up a monthly reminder on your phone.
• Initiate auto-pay : By setting up auto-pay, you can live worry-free and not miss your payment dates. Still, it is advisable to check your statements and track your expenses from time to time.
• Shift your due date around : If you prefer paying your bills on payday, credit card issuing banks permit you to change your date to a more suitable one. That way, you can log in just once and finish off all your payments.

Check your annual fees
Some companies charge annual fees in exchange for their credit card services. In the past, you may have started with a card that charges a yearly fee, but that does not necessarily mean you need to continue with it. You can always look at cards with no annual fees if the rest of the features and rewards suit you well.

Do not close unused cards
After paying off the debt for particular credit cards, you need not close them. Keep them open to show that you have more available credit than you have used. A good credit utilization ratio is vital for your credit score. However, if you close your paid credit cards and have an outstanding balance on the other, it may seem like you are maxed out. So, keep your options open.

Using multiple credit cards is a great way to build a strong credit score and save a lot of money. But, at the same time, it is necessary to be careful. The more your credit card usage, the higher your amount of debt. So, plan and learn how to manage your cards to avoid a mountain of debt.