Don't apply for the Care Credit yet. There are probably slightly different requirements than if you were applying for a credit card. When you apply for any credit they look at your scores AND history.
By adding these credit cards you will be building your history. Your scores should climb because of it. By having these new cards you will be in a much better position to apply for the Care Credit in February. You will need to make sure these cards are PIF and reporting zero or close to zero balances before applying for the Care Credit in February.
You need to have at least 3 credit cards to maximize your scores and you now have them. You can stop now if you want.
After you receive these new cards and have them activated I would suggest that you close the First Premier card. Make sure you call them to close it and MAKE SURE YOU FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY ADDITIONAL MONIES OWED FOR CLOSING THE ACCOUNT!!!!
Not a bad haul for a first time app spree:
Amazon Store Card: $1200 CL
Cap1 Platinum: $1000 CL
Discover: $1700 CL
You really did great!
You need to read these forums now and learn how to use and pay your credit cards to maximize your scores. Yes, the way you use and pay your credit cards does make a difference as to how fast you can build your scores and get CLIs.
Here are the basics:
You need to use ALL your credit cards every month.
The reporting balance (That is the balance reported to the CRAs) is the IMPORTANT balance. You sometimes have to pay a credit card twice a month to be able to control the balance that reports.
ALWAYS pay on time or early.
NEVER pay late.
Don't spend more money than you already are to live life. You want to transfer your daily living expenses to your credit cards. Instead of paying with a debit card or cash, use your credit cards to by groceries, gas, restaurants, cell phone bills, cable bills and anything else you can think of.
Don't buy anything unless you already have the money to pay for it. Visit the "REBUILDING CREDIT FORUM" on this website to find out just how much fun it is when you don't follow this rule.
Using credit cards is a necessary evil. You need to have and use credit cards to have good credit scores but you really can't carry balances month to month.
What's the pay off for me you ask?
Next year your scores and history will allow you to qualify for some awesome rewards cards. Then, every time you pay with a CC you get cash back!
A good credit score will save you thousands of dollars in a lifetime. You will pay less for a mortgage, auto loans and auto insurance.
I'm sure I'll be seeing you around!
You did awesome!
Good luck!
Starting Score: EQ 653 6/21/12
Current Score: EQ 817 3/10/20 - EX 820 3/13/20 - TU 825 3/03/20
Starting Score: EQ 717 EX 724 TU 736