Well, let's see...I have about a gazillion!!!! Seriously, I have so many that I don't know how many I have--don't worry, I have them all put up in one place where I can put my hands on them; some are closed (i.e., most of the clothing and department store cards) and some are open (major credit cards plus Lowes, Sears, and JC Penney). And all but 2 have zero balances. I would guess I have about 15 to 20 cards (maybe more...at one point in my life, before I had a clue about money, I would apply for cards just to see if I could get one...and most times I was granted credit).
Now, as far as actual usage, I have one citibank card that I use regularly (and pay in full each month...I use it to get the 1 to 5% cash back on purchases), and I have a chase card with about $2500 on it (0% interest, will pay off in Feb 2006--I don't use that card for any purchases though, I got it to consolidate some other cards). So basically, out of all of those credit cards, I only use 1.
My relationship with credit cards has been one of love/hate. I have way, way too many, but by the grace of God, I've been able to keep my credit in pretty good shape (score currently 773, knocking on wood that it stays that way
) despite all of the cards. At one time I was nearing $10000 balance on my cards, but that's down to $2500 now. So, I'm making progress, bit by bit!
Now my husband, he's real good...he only has 2 cards, and he uses only 1 that he pays in full each month!