Young couple smiles as they sit by their sofa looking at a computer screen

How Often Should You Apply for a Credit Card?

Last Updated: July 23, 2024

5 min read

Table of contents

Key points about: how often to apply for credit cards

You can apply for more than one credit card at a time, but it may affect your credit score.
Every credit card application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can impact your credit score.
It may be best to spread out applications for new credit cards by several months.

Credit cards can provide a helpful tool for managing your money. Whether you plan on having a few or several credit cards, it’s important to know how often you should apply for a credit card.

Can you apply for more than one credit card at once?

You can apply for more than one credit card at a time. However, it’s typically a better idea to wait between credit card applications.

When you apply for a credit card, the card issuer conducts a hard inquiry into your credit report, which may have a temporary negative impact. Applying for multiple credit cards in a short period of time may hurt your credit score and make you appear risky to lenders. Some credit card issuers may also have rules on how soon you can apply for a similar credit card and the number of accounts you can have with the same issuer.

How applying for a new card affects your credit

When you submit a new credit card application, the card issuer places a hard credit inquiry on your credit file (also known as a hard pull). Each credit card application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report.

Multiple credit card applications at the same time can impact your credit score. Since a higher credit score could help you qualify for credit cards with lower interest rates and more rewards, it may be best not to apply for multiple offers.

Learn More

With each approved new credit line, make sure you manage your credit utilization ratio. A credit utilization ratio refers to the amount of a person’s credit in use compared to their total credit available. Try to keep your balances low on new credit cards to minimize your credit utilization. A lower credit utilization may increase your chance of approval and credit limit determination.

Card issuers may limit how often you can open a new credit card account

Each card issuer has its own set of rules to determine eligibility for their cards, including how often you can apply for a credit card, how many credit cards you can obtain within a set time period, and even how many total accounts you can have.

Some may require you to wait a year before you open a second account and may also limit you to two accounts with them.

To find out how often you can apply for a credit card, contact the card issuer for specific details.

What to consider before applying for a new credit card

Before you apply for an additional credit card, you should consider a few factors that might influence your decision.

Your credit score. Your credit score influences the credit cards you may qualify for. If you’ve worked to build your credit history, you may want to consider an additional card that meets your needs. However, if your score isn’t where you’d like it to be, you may not be in the best position to manage multiple credit cards.
Existing credit card debt. You shouldn’t take on more credit card debt than you can manage. If you’re struggling to cover an existing balance, you may not want to take on another card until you’ve repaid your debts.
Other financial factors. While your credit history is important, it’s not the only financial factor that might influence your decision. For example, if you’ve recently gotten a raise, you may want a new credit card to increase your available credit. On the other hand, if you’re planning to apply for a mortgage or another major loan soon, you might want to delay your credit card application.
Rewards. You may want a new rewards credit card with perks that your current card doesn’t offer. For example, maybe you have a credit card that offers travel rewards. You might want to apply for a card that rewards everyday spending, too.

Did you know?

With the Discover it^® Cash Back Credit Card, earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Learn More

How long should you wait before applying for a new credit card?

There's no set guideline for how long you should wait between applying for new credit cards. It depends on your personal situation. If your credit score is healthy and your financial situation is stable, you may not need to wait at all.

However, if you plan on applying for a loan, mortgage, or refinancing, you should consider spacing out your credit inquiries by several months. If you're working on rebuilding your credit, wait several months before applying for a new card regardless of being approved or denied for new credit.

Important Information >

See if you’re Pre-approved before you apply

Check Now

Next steps

See if you're pre-approved

Check Now

View all Discover credit cards

See rates, rewards and other info

Learn More