Aaron is an avid global traveler and miles and points enthusiast. In addition to writing for Forbes.com, Aaron is a full-time professional advisor to Fortune 500 companies at a global consulting firm.

If you've been mulling over the idea of getting a new card for its sign-up bonus, here's a general timeline to consider.

Being denied for a credit card doesn't hurt your credit score. But the hard inquiry from submitting an application can cause ...