Last month I applied for 6 cards in two days, and since then whenever I apply for a card I get the message 'Furthur processing of your application is required'. I still get the cards though, but just no instant online approval anymore.

Is this common, i.e applying for too many cards automatically triggers a fraud alert. I went to view my free credit report and it said 'We are unable to show your free credit report' which they said could be due to a fraud alert.

Now does it make sense to always have a fraud alert on your credit? It seems I still get the cards I apply for, but does it deter ID thefts in any way?