How many times can you apply for credit in a year?
William Jenkins
Updated on February 17, 2026
WalletHub, Financial Company It’s best to apply for a credit card about once per year, assuming you need or want a card in the first place. And you shouldn’t apply for more than one card at the same time. If you apply more often, the repeated hard inquiries into your credit history will hurt your credit score.
Does applying for credit Hurt score?
It’s true that inquiries can have an effect on your credit scores, but in most cases the effect of applying for credit cards is minimal, and any effect they do have is temporary. Experian will not know whether you are approved or declined, so being denied credit will not affect your credit scores.
Does Cancelling a credit card application affect your score?
A credit card can be canceled without harming your credit score—paying down credit card balances first (not just the one you’re canceling) is key. Closing a credit card will not impact your credit history, which factors into your score.
How often should I apply for a new credit card?
How often should you apply for a new credit card? While the number of credit cards you should have is up to you and you can apply for new lines of credit as often as you want, it’s a good idea to wait at least 90 days between new credit card applications—and it’s better if you can wait a full six months.
What happens when you apply for credit too many times?
Every credit application you’ve made will be visible to the next lender you choose to apply for credit with. They’ll also see if you’ve been declined or accepted before. If you make several applications over a short time, it could indicate to lenders that you are desperate for credit. When should you apply?
How long should I wait to reapply for a credit card?
Wait to reapply How long you should wait to reapply for a credit card after an application is denied varies with each person’s situation, so there’s no hard-and-fast timeline to follow. The typical recommendation is that you should wait six months between credit card applications.
How often can I get my credit report?
Here’s where the difference between credit score and credit report comes in. You can get your free credit report from each of the three major bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com. Usually, the reports are available once every year.