I've gotten 20 something cards in past year and my credit score has gone up 25 points. The "hits" of 2 points each only lasted for a month or two while the available credit not used increased my score.

Of course just the number of inquiries alone can be a reason for more cc denials but I haven't hit that yet. (On every app-o-rama I keep thinking This is it). And I don't know what effect all the inquiries could have on any re-financing I may do in the future.

My FICO is in top 10%, my Vantage in top 5%, I own my home with 25 years payments on mortgage, so I may be different.