For seasoned pros it may be common knowledge but for others it's no fun doing this trial-and-error when the error is your first refusal. The tip on Chase is especially helpful since they have most of the array of free or cheap FT cards.

I've done 2 AA's, 2 SPG's, and the United in the past 5 months and I've taken a break for fear I'll get a "too many apps" rejection. This in spite of Chase telling me when I got the United that my standing with them was impeccable and they encouraged me to get a "full compliment" of affinity cards. I've had 8 Chases at once in the past. I really covet the CO, the Marriott 50K, the Sapphire 25K, and a few others. But I also want a couple Barclays and a couple B of A's. So I'm probably sticking with the first advice I got here- average 1 card per month.

Too much like a kid in a candy store. So many cards , so little time.