USAA and NFCU approval!!

kathrine · ‎11-27-2013

I have 0 credit except for a Kay Jewelers card with a $300 limit. I've tried applying for all the "easy" cards (walmart, discover it, cap 1 journey, etc) and always got rejected. I finally decided to just try for USAA and NFCU and I got approved for both! My limit is very low ($500) but it's way better than nothing. I am so excited to start building my credit. I got the USAA Visa and the nRewards Mastercard.

What is the best way to increase my score? Should I pay them all off so never carry a balance or should I at least let it show on the statement and then pay it? Also, what should my utilization be?

Creditaddict · ‎11-27-2013

Yes let at least 1 report statement and then pif.

yudeology101 · ‎11-27-2013

@Creditaddict wrote:
Yes let at least 1 report statement and then pif.

+1. BTW, welcome to the forum & congrats on your approval!

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coldnmn · ‎11-27-2013

Welcome to the forum Congrats x2! Thanks for sharing.

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kathrine · ‎11-27-2013

Thanks everyone!!

09Lexie · ‎11-27-2013

Welcome to the forum. Your util isn't as important unless you are planning to app. However, for credit management and you always want your credit reports to be in the best condition. Keeping your overall util less than 30% when not apping and less than 10% when apping is ideal.

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kathrine · ‎11-27-2013

Thanks! I won't be doing any more apps until probably a year. I will definitely be sure to keep it around 30% or less.

myjourney · ‎11-27-2013

Welcome to the forum

Congrats on the approvals

Before you app think...
Have you done your research of the CC?
Does it fit your spending?
Do you have a plan for the bonus w/o going into debt?
Can you afford the AF?
Do you know the cards benefits? Is it worth the HP?

Anonymous · ‎11-27-2013

Congrats for getting your foot in the door! USAA is conservative but they like to try and work with people so growing your CL is possible.

alvon123 · ‎11-28-2013

congrats