First post, be gentle. I'm a new college grad in my first year in the working world, after being cash-only with only a car loan previously a parent suggested I try for a Marriott Rewards card based on my travel habits. Well, obviously, I didn't get that one. I spent a month or two researching how it all really worked, eventually stumbling onto the REI Mastercard because I'm an avid hiker and camper. Paid the twenty dollars to join the co-op, and after a tense month got my first card with an entry level 1,000 dollar limit. The included paperwork said my credit score was a 680, but the online report that US Bank offers said I was a 704 as of September 16th. Tomorrow will be the first day that my credit is ever reported to a bureau, and I've paid it down to be around 2-3% credit utilization to aim for the ideal score impact. I'm using the card solely for the measly rewards it offers, no balance is carried and things are usually paid off within a day.
Tho and behold, Capital One Quicksilver keeps sending me pre-approved notices in the mail before I even get the first card. Doing some research, the Citi Double Cash offers that additional .5%. I know other cards offer rotating 5% bonuses but that doesn't fit into my lifestyle, I'm preferring a flat rate cash back. On a whim I tried the Citi pre-approval website which claims I qualify for the Double Cash, but I'm a realist and know it may take up to six months before I can qualify for any healthy odds. I've been advised to wait three months by a credit-savy relative, but other columns recommend a six month stretch. How long should I realistically itch and wait before trying for this second card knowing that I have the two inquiries in the last few months?
