Wow! I don't even know what to think right now. So, I must start off by thanking all of you that participate on these forums. Your stories and advice have encouraged me throughout my journey to improve my credit some 4 years ago. At that time my EQ FICO was 465. I've been obsessively writing goodwill letters and doing my best with the starter cards that I could get along the way.
This morning I received a 25 point bump in my TU FICO, and an 18 bump in my EQ FICO leading to the scores in my signature. I've been in garden mode for a few months, but I started feeling a little confident after reading some posts today at lunch. I went over to AMEX and did the pre-qualify with no success. But I've been reading about the AMEX Zync and figured I had an outside chance at it based on some posts I've seen. I took the plunge and filled out the online app. I got some weird error message that said my app didn't go through and I should apply via phone. I felt a little discouraged, but then I get an email welcoming me to the Travel Pack for the card...........what?! I figured what the hell and called the app number. The woman verified my ID, and then says "Congratulations, your app was approved. Welcome to American Express!". WOW!
I can't believe it! I just want to thank you all for being a helpful and supportive community. I never thought this day would come. Still a few baddies left, so I'm about to get crackin on some more goodwills 
@lewdog wrote:Congrats, Do you know if they pulled Experian?
Not sure yet lewdog, but I'll update you when I find out. I've tried them twice before, and both times they only pulled Experian.
@rocar83 wrote:
Congrats!!! I'm happy for you..U mentioned you had a few baddies left, would you mind stating them ? Again congrats on your hard work.
rocar83, I have about 4 small collections from a hospital in 2006 ($360, but all paid). I have 2 charge-offs from Verizon Wireless in 2006 which are paid. A few lates here and there with a 30 day late last year from 1st Premier (they a terrible to work with and closed both my starters after a bank draft mix up). My last 2 years are pretty clean otherwise. Hope that helps. I posted this to encourage people, like I was encouraged so keep at it!