Multiple card applications at once: one inquiry?

[pdxuser]

I thought it was the case that if you applied for multiple cards within a couple weeks, it counted as only one inquiry. But I'm only finding advice like this that applies specifically to shopping for auto or home loans. Does it apply to cards as well?

Also, if I get approved for two cards and only want one, can I just say "no thanks" to one and have that line never appear on my CR?

[Anonymous]

Credit card applications do not get the de-duplication benefits like mortgage or auto inq's.

Depends on the lender- I would not count on you not getting them to report. 

Don't apply unless you think you will be approved-

If you are not willing to to get both of them- wait for the first decision before apping for the 2nd.