Will Credit Cards Ruin Your Credit Score or Unlock More Travel?

#3 When you’re diving into the world of points and miles, one of the first questions that comes up is: “If I start opening multiple credit cards, won’t my credit score drop?”

It’s a fear that stops a lot of people from even getting started. And I get it your credit score is a big deal. It influences whether banks approve you for new cards, the rates you get on loans, and even how much trust lenders place in you. The idea of putting all that at risk just to chase points sounds scary… until you understand how credit scores really work.

In this episode of Rewarding Routes, we’re taking a deep dive into the truth about credit cards and your credit score. I’ll walk you through the five key factors that make up your score, how much weight each one carries, and what actually happens when you apply for new credit cards. Spoiler: it’s not nearly as bad as you think. In fact, if you use cards responsibly, opening more can actually help your score in the long run.

Here’s what we’ll cover in detail:

Why your credit score matters in the world of points and miles, and how it directly affects your ability to travel more often.
The five factors that make up your credit score:

Payment history (35%) Why paying in full and on time is non-negotiable.

Credit utilization (30%) How much of your available credit you use, and why having more cards can actually lower this ratio and improve your score.

Length of credit history (15%) Why closing old accounts can hurt, and how to let your oldest cards quietly work in your favor.

New credit/inquiries (10%) How hard pulls work, why the dip is temporary, and how to space out applications strategically.

Credit mix (10%) What it means to have different types of credit, and why you don’t need to stress about this one.

Real world examples of how utilization and average account age are calculated, so you can see exactly what lenders see.
Best practices that protect your credit score while still allowing you to rack up the welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards that make repeat travel possible.

I’ll also share my own experience: despite opening multiple new cards over the years to maximize points, my credit score has consistently stayed strong often at or above 800. That’s not because I did anything special, but because I followed the same practices I’m sharing with you in this episode: pay on time, keep balances low, and don’t close your oldest cards.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why your credit score isn’t something to fear. Instead, it’s a tool you can manage and protect while also using it to unlock flights, hotels, and experiences in Japan and across Asia. This knowledge takes away the fear and gives you the confidence to keep building toward your dream trips, not just once, but over and over again.

So if you’ve ever worried that applying for more credit cards might ruin your score, this episode is for you. By the time we’re done, you’ll see how to keep your score strong while stacking the points and miles that will get you back to Tokyo, Seoul, or wherever your rewarding route takes you next.

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