Thick file vs AAoA and no inquiries

[masscredit]

My scores have been climbing and credit lines growing with SPs. I've been shying away from any credit increase requests that would result in a HP and haven't applied for new cards. I have one inquiry on TU that will be a year old in May and one on EQ that will hit the one year mark in Sept.  I have 8 cards and one auto loan. AAoA for each CB ranges from low to high 3 years. Oldest accounts are close to 20 years. I've been trying to get all of my inquiries to fall off and let my AAoA increase.  Don't know if I'd get some extra points when that hits 4 or 5 years.  Total utilization is usually 1-2%.

Looking at the long term, would it be better for me to follow the path that I'm on or apply for a few more cards to increase my file thickness? I'm hoping to get a few that start at $10k. I'd give up some points for the inquiries and when the new cards report. AAoA would also decrease a little. Those things would come back within a year of my apps. 

I should also note, AMEX, Chase and Discover were included in my BK that was discharged in 2010. I'm probably on their blacklist so I wouldn't be able to apply with them. Cap1 was also included but they forgave me. 

[Anonymous]

I'm a little more aggressive than most... But I'd swing for the fences. As long as you don't have any upcoming credit needs (mortgage) I'd hit up all the pre-qualified links see how the waters are. For a bankruptcy at the 5 year mark your scores aren't too bad. 680 is right at the point where things could happen for you. The inquiries only affect your score for 12 months. Spree now.. See where you stand. wait 18-24 months rinse and repeat.  The bankrupty is going to be there for a while so the extra positive payment history will help over time.

[jamie123]

Most people get a score bump when their AAoA hits 4 years.

You have plenty of cards right now to build your scores and history so I would suggest being a bit careful with the HPs now. You really only need to app for quality cards that you can keep open for life now. I wouldn't consider your file thin or thick, you just need some age on the accounts that you do have.

I would suggest adding only 1 or 2 cards a year so your AAoA doesn't take too big of a hit.

[RobertEG]

You already have a thick file.

Eight revolvers are more than enough.  You also have bank cards, I would not app for new cards.

Any new cards will reduce your AAoA. 

[masscredit]

Thanks!  That's kind of what I thought and why I have been trying to hold off and let what I have grow. 

[tonyjones]

FICO seems to love thick file!