Will opening two credit cards hurt my credit score?

Opening two credit cards can cause a temporary dip in your credit score due to two reasons:

• Hard inquiries: When you apply for a new credit card, a hard inquiry is placed on your credit report, which can slightly lower your score. This is temporary and usually recovers within a few months.
• Credit utilization ratio: With more credit available to you (higher total credit limits), your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total limit) can be impacted even if you spend the same amount. It’s generally recommended to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%.

Here are some tips to minimize the credit score impact and potentially benefit your score by opening new cards:

• Space out applications: Apply for cards at least 6 months apart to minimize the impact of hard inquiries.
• Manage credit responsibly: Pay your bills on time and keep your credit utilization ratio low. This will help your score recover from the initial dip and can even improve it in the long run by showing a positive credit history with multiple cards.
• Only apply if you need them: Don’t apply for cards you don’t plan to use regularly. This can hurt your score and tempt you to overspend.

Financial Advisor Tip:

Consider if managing two credit cards responsibly is feasible for you. Even one card used responsibly can help build or improve your credit score. If you’re unsure, it might be best to wait and build your credit with a single card first.