Forget juggling a handful of plastic—Manish Dhameja has taken the concept of maximizing financial perks to an extreme, earning him a Guinness World Record for owning the most credit cards.
Dhameja holds an astonishing 1,638 valid credit cards, a collection that he manages with zero debt. For Dhameja, these cards are not merely tools for spending but instruments for “smart earning,” allowing him to accrue massive rewards and lifestyle benefits.
More than just a collection
Dhameja’s record-breaking collection is actively used to maximize reward points, cashback, and a plethora of exclusive privileges. He claims to enjoy a wide array of complimentary benefits, including free travel, access to railway and airport lounges, food, spa treatments, hotel and shopping vouchers, and even complimentary golf sessions and domestic flight tickets—all by skillfully managing his card milestones and rewards.
“I think my life was incomplete without credit cards. I just love credit cards,” he told Guinness World Records.
Dhameja’s mastery of digital payments was particularly highlighted during India’s 2016 demonetisation, when the country experienced a severe cash shortage.
While others queued outside banks and ATMs, Dhameja recalled enjoying a smooth experience, relying entirely on his vast arsenal of credit cards for digital payments.