I would hit your goal then app for 2 (if you even need 2) sometimes it just takes 1 solid card to be set BUT another thing to keep in mind is certain rules that card/bank may have so you don't waste an app for nothing or by seeing if they offer a Prequal so you have a better Idea before pulling the trigger 
Best of luck to you and look forward to your goals/progress
@Anonymous wrote:
... But now I’d like to when the time is right which is mainly my question. When?
It seems to me you are actually asking a different question: When is the perfect time?
Your scores/profile looks sufficient to grab your Goal Cards right now. You are already in with AMEX so it would be a SP. I don't see why Chase wouldn't welcome you as is.
An argument can be made you might get a better SL w/Chase by waiting, possibly a lower APR (at 1% Util -- not a big deal). But who can say definitively?
I once went 13 years without any alcohol. I am not an alcoholic but a dear friend, who I interacted with daily, was. the friendship ended but my sobriety continued. It had served its purpose but yet I did not want to let it go. Finally one night with a group of young frineds someone suggested a bottle of wine (not knowing I didn't drink) and I said, "Sure. Why not?"
In retrospect it occurred to me I had found a thing I could unequivocably do perfectly well. No one could question my ability to not drink. But, at the end of the day, that fact didn't serve my life in any meaningful way. It was more I served it. (and then the bartender served me 
)
TLDR: if your abstinance serves you, carry on. Otherwise: there's still three more credit-seeking days until February! 
No more than 1 card per 6 months will keep you under most of the thresholds (official or otherwise ) set by many banks (Chase, BoA, US Bank, FNBO-although this night still be too many for them, etc.). So if any of those many banks have a card that sparks your fancy (or features that would benefit you), you would be in the clear to apply at pretty much any time without having concerns about being denied for too many new accounts.
However, it keeps your AoYA perpetually under a year and is still probably more frequent than your “normal” (non credit/card enthusiast) consumer (who may app for a card every 5-10 years-only really when they need it).
Seeking less credit makes you a less risky borrower-which means you’re likely to get better terms (SL/interest) than those of us who are going for a high score on HP’s.
I wouldn’t apply for something before your goal if you don’t need it before then or whatever you’re applying for ends up having an exceptional SUB or something prior to August.
You would almost certainly be approved now if you do decide to go that route though.
And If you don’t intend to keep applying for a bunch of stuff after your next cards, I would get your 2 cards so they can age together (unless either lender is inquiry sensitive and will see your 2 rapid fire apps After a period of inactivity and become concerned).
However, it keeps your AoYA perpetually under a year and is still probably more frequent than your “normal” (non credit/card enthusiast) consumer (who may app for a card every 5-10 years-only really when they need it).
Seeking less credit makes you a less risky borrower-which means you’re likely to get better terms (SL/interest) than those of us who are going for a high score on HP’s.
I wouldn’t apply for something before your goal if you don’t need it before then or whatever you’re applying for ends up having an exceptional SUB or something prior to August.
You would almost certainly be approved now if you do decide to go that route though.
And If you don’t intend to keep applying for a bunch of stuff after your next cards, I would get your 2 cards so they can age together (unless either lender is inquiry sensitive and will see your 2 rapid fire apps After a period of inactivity and become concerned).
Definitely finish your garden goal, with an AoYA at 2yr you'll be in a good position to open new accounts and not look like yoire credit seeking.
Agree with the buddy system mentioned above, but I'd do 2 and then wait a year after. Ideally the first hit would be one that doesn't report the open account immediately (disco/Amex) and then hit the 2nd one, if they pull different bureaus even better. I wouldn't try that with Chase though as they are sensitive to other accounts opened at the same time
Agree with the buddy system mentioned above, but I'd do 2 and then wait a year after. Ideally the first hit would be one that doesn't report the open account immediately (disco/Amex) and then hit the 2nd one, if they pull different bureaus even better. I wouldn't try that with Chase though as they are sensitive to other accounts opened at the same time
@Anonymous wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
If i can make it to Feb without apping, i believe @Anonymous will be happyI root for your success, as defined by you, Joseph.
I think making it through TODAY without a HP might be worthy of a toast.
Please do not mistake bad humor for bad intentions.
I'm excited I made it to noon today without another HP for myself. Baby steps....
I'm not going to beat an old dead horse but apping every six months is just mathematically wrong.
Do a small spree and then garden for at least a year, and then spree again not only is better AAOA wise but establishes credit faster if that's your goal as well as maximizing scores for the application window.
This one card every six months strategy was around in the "oh no lenders are going to spank us for any little thing!" days after the mortgage crisis. It was self defeating and therefore bad advice back in 2012 and things are even looser now and I would encourage everyone not to follow it.
