Which of the following would hurt your credit score?

Applying for multiple credit cards can hurt your credit score because each application typically results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. Hard inquiries indicate to creditors that you are seeking to take on more credit, which can be perceived as a sign of potential financial trouble, especially if multiple inquiries occur within a short time frame. This can lower your score temporarily and may raise concerns among lenders regarding your creditworthiness.

In contrast, consistently paying bills on time is one of the most positive behaviors influencing your credit score, as it demonstrates reliability and financial responsibility. Staying at your job for multiple years generally supports a stable income, which can enhance your creditworthiness, since lenders look favorably at stable employment history. Getting married does not directly impact your credit score, although the financial decisions made as a couple can affect it later on.