What would be the MAXIMUM amount of credit cards one would recommend. I know someone who has six of them and never charges high priced items on the cards, but usually uses all of them. Would this many cards hurt one's credit, or would it make it better if the creditor who reviews your report sees you consistently make small charges and aren't overextending yourself.

That's a complex question and really depends on the credit lines, income, balances, total credit available, etc. of each individual. It's not just how many lines of credit you have, but how much, if any, of each line is utilized.

The_Insider