There is no simple answer to this. If the INQs are mortgage/auto related, that's a different story. I think 2 credit card related INQs is my limit, but I have racked up a couple here due to moving (utility companies). However, I was approved by Amex after receiving a gold card pre-approval in the mail when I had 12 INQs on my EX so as always, YMMV. As has been mentioned, in my experience around 5-6 in that last year will start triggering rejections from Barclays, et al.
