OK a freeze sounds smart but it sort of reminds me of a fraud alert. I had my CR's all locked for 5 years and it was not at my request. The state police automatically did it after someone tried to get credit in my name. That was a nightmare but also a blessing in a way. I had to fight to give access so i could apply for cards. It helped make a case to get things taken off of my credit report but i couldn't prove everything.
A little willpower is all it takes. I'm trying to impress the creditors I have... And app sprees aren't the way to do it.
I'm dealing with this right now. There are a few cards I've had my eye on. Fighting the urge to apply for them is a daily struggle lol.
Yup, guilty! I started my credit journey 3 years ago when I was 18. I have had a capital one secured credit card, a wells fargo secured credit card, and discover it. And as it currently stands, I have the citi prestige, chase ink plus, chase sapphire preferred, amex bcp, and an arrival plus. I also have a macys and wells platinum. But I never use those lol.
So I added 10 CCs in three years. And now I am down to 7 since I closed those three mentioned above. We all have the "itchy" finger 
Patience is the key thing with credit. Don't app for anything for at least 6 months. I only have 8 months of credit history and have been able to achieve a lot. I started off with two cards and for the first 6 months used the cards like crazy, didn't app for anything, and only let one of those cards report a balance of 1-9% utilization. Once I hit my 6 month mark I got my American Express BCE and PRG instantly and got a instant 3x CLI on my BCE.
Main thing though is to be patient, let one card report 1-9% utilization for optimum scores, and to spend within your limits! Do not spend what you can't pay for.
Although the temptation can be unbearable, best thing to do is just think about the long term success
@Carrie_in_Pa wrote:Hmmm i have 7 credit cards now and 4 store accounts. Maybe i should do some downsizing. All of my cards and accounts added up are about one of your low cards.
The damage has been done, don't close the cards unless they have a AF, otherwise let them sit in a sock drawer, check the accounts every month or so. Let them age, as they age they can only help your credit report, They help your overall UTL and AAoA, if you want to keep them long term buy a pack of gum or a pair of socks and go home and pay them off.
I am a recovering APP addict, given time most small store cards will grow, and your report will look strong. Head off to the garden and let the seedlings grow for a while.
