@mindacid wrote:This thread is hilarous! But also so very relevant. I've also been struggling lately with the itch to app. I have 9 apps in the last six months, 3 of those were from looking for an auto loan, the others were (chronologically):
Macys $1,200
JCPenney $1,500
Bloomingdales $3,000
Capital One No Hassle Rewards MC $500
Chase Freedom $5,000
AMEX green (denied)
In addition to those I have a Bankamericard Cash Rewards Platinum Visa (CL $1,000) open since 2008 (started as a secured card).
I've just closed a Best Buy Reward Zone MC (CL $400) and somewhere in a sock drawer I have a Sears store card (CL $250). My util is about 10% today.
I totally identify with everyone who struggles to not apply. it's amazing the satisfaction you receive from getting approved.
I've been toying with the idea of opening a share account with Pen Fed, but I understand they pull when you apply for membership so that's kept me in check.
I think I can overcome the app urges but it's nice to know that I'm not alone and that I can always come here and get some support -- and also a laugh! It's funny to hear how we all talk about apps like they were drugs
Good luck to everyone. Be strong and keep your finger off the button!
Unfortunately, there is a stronger correlation between the two than you may think. 
I am a recovering app-a-holic. I peaked in 2009 with 9 new accounts, and learned my lesson after seriously whacking my average age of accounts. Only 2 credit lines added since then about a year ago, and one was a backdated Amex. You can do it! Just get a credit plan in place and stick to it with ruthless fervor. Or freeze all 3 CRAs....or disable your computer...umm....can I app by smart phone? 
Good luck to all of you trying to avoid the trigger finger's powerful lure. It's still tough!
Edit to add: Come to think of it, 2 accts added last year really isn't a recovery....I just slowed down my app-a-holism. Oy.
Forgive me FICO, for I have sinned....... it has been 23 days since my last app........
Starting Score: 534 11/09I think im maturing now with getting my credit scores straight and not apping for awhile. I was able to turn down sam's club even with the rep pressuring me to apply!!! 
Everything is relative I guess, but I feel I've been app'ing too much the past 5 months: I have a total of 5 hard inquiries on each of the 3 CRA's and figure enough is enough.
So I put a freeze on all 3 and feel relieved that I can't "accidentally" app any more.
I really don't need more credit, I am trying to garden, and replace bad cards with good, and good cards with better, etc.
The good news is that with freezes in place you can push the Luv button on sites for a CLI and not worry about a hard pull.
You can also PC a card and garden that way without a hard inq.
The best news is now that I've committed to no more apps, I can focus on getting my util down to single digits and build some good history with the 4 new cards and their 12 older siblings!
