5 cards is the maximum number in the pocket. I used it to hold 6 for a long time, but it never get stretched enough to the point that I can happily take out the card. But after that, 5 cards fit very well, easy to insert and easy to take out. The bad thing is that 4 cards will be too loose now. I used the band to hold my most frequently used credit card so actually I seldom need to take out cards from the pocket. The band is a very nice design.