I usually get a new card when I have to buy something expensive. Once it was plane tickets, that's when I got Propel with the 3% on airfare. When my phone had to be replaced, I got the boa card that has 3% on online shopping. When my dog had to have surgery, I got one of my us bank cards (forgot which one, I have a few of theirs). I had to buy a portable washer, so I got the amazon card wiile i was on a promotional free month of prime for 5% cashback. All of them had signup bonuses too, of course.

I have to get an appliance, but got denied for my last two applications so I'm holding off on that for now. It's not a good time at all in terms of my finances either, so the credit card gods have a point there.