Individual lenders, however, may feel more better if you cut the amount of credit available. You have to show yourself creditworthy over a period of time. Credit scores look at how much of your available credit you've used. When you're close to the line, you look out of control. Opening new, debt-free cards won't make you look better, if your other cards are maxed out.
Average debt looks lower compared with to total, available credit.
But new credit lines don't weigh as heavily. Lenders want to see that you can charge purchases and repay on time. But lenders may mail more offers to people who carry balances, because they pay more interest. Those will count as a single inquiry. Spread-out inquiries register separately and look like you're credit needy.