Originally Posted by
echino
Several credit cards from the same bank - could be one inquiry or several - YMMV.
Several credit cards from different banks - definitely several inquiries.
Credit inquiries do not significantly lower your credit score. Maybe a point or two. However, when the first statement generates and a new account is reported by the bank to credit bureau - then you get a significant hit to your credit score (can be 50 points for two or more new accounts), and it takes a while to restore it.
What I am unsure about is how to apply for new MBNA cards but not increase my credit limit with MBNA (i.e., just spread out my existing credit with them). Their customer service is really bad over the phone.
Can I apply for, say, 2 new cards through GCR and then right away call to ask them not to give me additional credit?