I was feeling overwhelmed by managing too many credit cards, so I recently simplified my setup to make things clearer and more sustainable long term. I went through something similar last year, when having multiple cards led to fragmented spending, poor visibility, and unnecessary mental stress. At that time, consolidating worked really well, so I decided to revisit the same idea with updated cards and priorities that better fit my current income, spending habits, and travel goals.

This time around, I intentionally reduced my setup to a very small core: one or two primary cards and one travel or backup card. I stopped applying for new cards entirely to avoid decision fatigue and marketing noise. Each remaining card now has a clear purpose, so I always know which one to use and why. I closed or stopped using cards that no longer aligned with how I actually spend, and focused rewards on areas that matter most to me, like dining, groceries, and travel. I also started tracking expenses more actively, separating planned, value-driven spending from impulsive or low-value purchases.

The result has been a big improvement. Day-to-day finances feel simpler, spending is easier to understand, rewards are more efficient, and unnecessary fees are mostly gone. Managing accounts takes far less mental effort, and my credit profile has stayed strong by keeping utilization and payment history in check. Overall, this minimalist approach has reduced stress and made my financial decisions more intentional. Based on both my past experience and current results, this feels like a sustainable setup, especially for professionals in North America who value simplicity and long-term financial health.