@pizzadude wrote:
Applying will cost you a small FICO hit for the inquiries, and a possible larger hit when the new account reports to the CRAs and lowers your AAoA. So it might lower your FICO score, which could possibly lead to higher interest rates.
+1, even on an inquiry (which usually is only on EX for Amex) you have to assume the auto loan lender might pull an EX report/score.
Treat it like a mortgage: if it's going to be 6+ months before you apply for a car loan, take the Amex inquiry now. If you're buying a new car in fairly short order though, don't apply for the Amex until later. As stated for backdating purposes, you really just want the card this year in '12 instead of next year in '13: it's almost irrelevant in call it 3+ years what month you get it in, whether now in April or in December.
