 TITLE: Can You Apply for Two Credit Cards at Once? CONTENT: How Multiple Credit Card Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score\n-----------------------------------------------------------\nWhether you're trying to quickly build your credit or take advantage of various benefits or welcome offers, it can be tempting to apply for more than one credit card in a short period. But depending on your situation, it could have negative consequences for your credit score.\nWhen you shop around for a mortgage, auto loan or even private student loan, it's common to get quotes from multiple lenders to ensure you're getting the best terms. And if you do this within a short period—typically 14 to 45 days depending on the credit scoring model—all the hard inquiries that pop up on your credit reports will count as just one when calculating your credit score.\nWith credit cards, however, you won't get that same benefit. In most cases, each card account you apply for will result in a separate inquiry, and each will factor into your credit score.\nHow those inquiries affect your credit scores depend on the credit scoring model. With the FICO® Score☉ , for example, one additional inquiry will usually decrease your credit score by fewer than five points. However, multiple inquiries in a short period may have a compounding effect.\nWhat's more, data shows that people who have several inquiries on their credit reports in a short period are more likely to overextend themselves and default on their debts. As a result, even if your credit score doesn't drop by much, future creditors may offer you higher interest rates or deny your application altogether because of the added risk. END