Ok, here goes. I waited months to get to a point where the DH and I had fewer inquiries so we could finally approach the plate and swing the bat.

But, alas, I think I did everything wrong or at least out of order. Was trying to get some of those short lived extra bonus offers and I concentrated on Chase because we bank with them and their cards were of interest. We have cards with them already, also.

What I got was "out of priority" cards approved with lavish credit lines and turn downs of what I hoped for. And, I thought one inquiry would cover all apps. Here is what I applied but the order is not necessarily correct.

1. Freedom (an easy $100 CB but I would like the recent expired $125 one) Approved
2. Sapphire (?)
3. United MP Visa (?)
3. Marriott (got pulled in by the 70K bonus offer) Approved

I already have WN VISA (AF due in Nov.), Slate, and am an AU on DH's Freedom, Amazon, and United MP Visa.

Would like to call reconsideration line to "negotiate" (for lack of a better word) back to the cards I wanted and split those credit lines. I mean, a Marriott VISA with $27K, really? And, if I keep such a card, I want the best bonus possible, which of late, should be 70k in points.

On a happier note, my DH was approved for the Barclay Arrival on his own, which frees mine for when the year is up and I can let it go, if I have to. And, my son (23 years old, part time work) is courted like crazy for credit. I wanted him to go for Chase WN but the income really is too low although the $0 monthly "house payment" is noteworthy. He gets good offers, though.

While I would appreciate kind advice, I can handle the harsh critique for the purpose of learning. I also share so that others can avoid what I did. Thanks.
Update: so far, I have called automated app status line shown in Wiki. Automated response was too generic; transferred to live rep. She can't tell me which Visa was disapproved.