Does Applying for a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?

How applying for a new credit card may impact your credit score

Opening a new credit account may impact many of the factors that influence your credit score. There are many credit scoring models, but 90% of top lenders use FICO^® Credit Scores.¹

While the risk to your credit score doesn’t mean you should never apply for new credit, understanding possible drawbacks can help you make informed choices that minimize the negative impact.

How hard inquiries hurt your credit

Hard inquiries can impact your credit score. Whenever you submit any kind of new credit application, the lender requests your credit profile, including your credit score and credit report, from a credit bureau. This request is called a “hard credit inquiry” or “hard credit check.”

How much does your credit score drop when you apply for a credit card?

When you apply for a new credit card, you may see a small drop in your credit score. But don’t fear; this potential dip in your credit score may only be temporary. If you continue to use the credit you already have and any new credit you receive responsibly, you could improve your credit score.²

You may help protect your credit score by applying only for the new credit you need and taking a break between applications.

A credit card company may conduct a soft credit check before sending you a pre-approved credit card offer in the mail. That inquiry won’t affect your credit. However, if you were to apply for the credit card offer, the card issuer would likely require a full credit card application with a hard inquiry, which may impact your credit.

How opening a new credit card impacts your credit

The length of your credit history has an effect on your credit score. A longer credit history shows lenders that you have experience managing credit.

Credit scoring agencies use the average age of your accounts to help calculate the length of your credit history. A new credit card account may bring down the average age of your accounts, which can, in turn, affect your score.

If you don’t have other credit accounts, keeping your new credit card in good standing can help you begin building credit with responsible use.²

How new purchases with your credit card can hurt your credit score

Spending habits on your new card may affect your credit utilization ratio, which plays a major role in determining your credit score.

Your credit utilization ratio (or credit utilization rate) is the sum of all your outstanding credit card balances compared to your total available credit. A high credit utilization ratio may lead to a lower credit score.

Some cards may come with low introductory APR offers that make it easier to break up expensive purchases without accruing high interest charges. But even with low introductory APR credit cards, you should be mindful of your balance and avoid overspending. The higher your balance, the worse your credit utilization ratio.

Add to credit mix

Most loans and credit cards fall into one of two categories: installment and revolving credit. Installment credit, like a personal loan or mortgage, lets you borrow a fixed amount and repay it in set payments over a certain timeframe. Revolving credit, on the other hand, lets you borrow money as needed, up to a certain credit limit. Credit cards and lines of credit are both types of revolving credit.

Credit card companies and other lenders typically prefer to see a mix of both types in your credit profile. If you already have a personal loan, mortgage, or student loan, a new credit card may improve your score by adding to your credit mix. However, if you already have multiple cards, a new card won’t improve your credit mix and could negatively impact your credit.

Add to payment history

If you’ve ever missed a credit card payment, then you know how bumps in your payment history may have a major impact on your credit.

When you start using a new credit card, be sure to stay on top of your bills. By paying at least the minimum amount required before the due date every month, you can build your positive payment history.

Remembering payments doesn’t have to be difficult. Some credit card companies allow you to set up autopay in your online banking portal so you don’t have to keep track of your due dates. Just make sure you always have enough money in your linked bank account to cover your bill.

Improve credit utilization

As long as you keep your credit card balances low, a new credit card may decrease your credit utilization ratio by increasing your available credit.

Say you have two credit cards with $1,000 credit limits, so your total available credit adds up to $2,000. If you have a credit card balance of $450 on one card and $550 on another (totaling $1,000), you’re left with a credit utilization rate of 50%. That high credit utilization ratio might result in a low credit score.

Let’s say a card issuer approves you for an additional credit card with a $3,000 credit limit. Now, your credit limits add up to $5,000. If each credit card balance remains the same, you’re left with a more manageable 20% credit utilization ratio.

To keep your credit utilization low, it’s important to avoid overspending and pay down your balances as much as you can.

The bottom line

Most credit and personal finance professionals are very clear on one thing—don’t apply for credit that you don’t need. While a new card may improve your credit score, if used responsibly², you should only apply if you’re able to manage new debt. As you compare the best credit cards for your needs, consider how each new card may affect your credit score and fit into your financial life.