I Just Started My Journey

[CreditCardDiva]

Hello!
I'm on the road to stellar credit. I have no recent credit history. I had some major financial disasters about 10 years ago, and now I'm at square one. I did find out that I have a couple of negative items on my credit report that aren't mine - different social security and different residence. I found that out accidentally, by talking to a loan officer at my credit union today.

I just got two Mastercards - a Capital One ($200 limit with $49 deposit) and an unsecured Orchard Bank Platinum ($300 limit).  I called my credit union to get info as to why I hadn't received my quarterly credit report, and I was asked what I was looking to do with the info. It was suggested that I apply for a Visa and I was transferred to a loan officer, who pulled a report and found the three negatives (not huge amounts), with a different SS#, that don't belong to me. She's sending the dispute letters to me, and I'll forward them to Experian. She asked for my W-2, last two paystubs and verification of my SS#. I think I might have a serious chance of getting approved. She was interested in pursuing it, when I suggested that I not even bother. I got a $500 quick loan from them a few years ago, and it was paid back on time, in full. But they wouldn't  give me a Visa, so I wasn't thinking about trying to get a credit card from them.  I'm happy to get the two Mastercards, so I'm good either way.

However, I went in with a very humble attitude. I didn't act like they owed my anything, nor did I show any irritation with having to submit additional information. I'm going to garden the two (or three, if I get the credit union Visa) Mastercards for about a year and a half, with no new credit apps, and I hope to graduate to a prime card. I want a Chase...something.

Well, that's it. I just wanted to check in, and I didn't see an intro thread.

Thanks for reading!

[jamesdwi]

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@CreditCardDiva wrote:

Hello!
I'm on the road to stellar credit. I have no recent credit history. I had some major financial disasters about 10 years ago, and now I'm at square one. I did find out that I have a couple of negative items on my credit report that aren't mine - different social security and different residence. I found that out accidentally, by talking to a loan officer at my credit union today.

I just got two Mastercards - a Capital One ($200 limit with $49 deposit) and an unsecured Orchard Bank Platinum ($300 limit).  I called my credit union to get info as to why I hadn't received my quarterly credit report, and I was asked what I was looking to do with the info. It was suggested that I apply for a Visa and I was transferred to a loan officer, who pulled a report and found the three negatives (not huge amounts), with a different SS#, that don't belong to me. She's sending the dispute letters to me, and I'll forward them to Experian. She asked for my W-2, last two paystubs and verification of my SS#. I think I might have a serious chance of getting approved. She was interested in pursuing it, when I suggested that I not even bother. I got a $500 quick loan from them a few years ago, and it was paid back on time, in full. But they wouldn't  give me a Visa, so I wasn't thinking about trying to get a credit card from them.  I'm happy to get the two Mastercards, so I'm good either way.

However, I went in with a very humble attitude. I didn't act like they owed my anything, nor did I show any irritation with having to submit additional information. I'm going to garden the two (or three, if I get the credit union Visa) Mastercards for about a year and a half, with no new credit apps, and I hope to graduate to a prime card. I want a Chase...something.

Well, that's it. I just wanted to check in, and I didn't see an intro thread.

Thanks for reading!

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Welcome to the forums

play your cards right (pun intended ), and you will have prime cards in a year or so. 

[Jimmy9224]

Welcome! This forum is great to help to get you to your first prime, I started with a cap one secured and one year later (right now) I have a discover and Amex! Because of this forum helping me! Remember to pay on time and keep watch of your score and utilization good luck on your way to building credit!

[CreditCardDiva]

Thanks for the welcome, and the encouragement! 

[halos24]

Welcome and these forums have helped me like you would not believe!  It is so helpful to have this forum, and you will see be patient and great things will happen .

[tinuviel]

Hello, and welcome to the forums!

There are many of us here who have been where you are. You've come to a place where you'll find yourself among friends. In additon, you'll also be able to find tons and tons of informative and helpful information. If you have any questions, you can search the forums to see if anyone has already asked something similar. If not, then you are always welcome to post a new thread with your question. And, you'll find lots of support and encouragement as you continue on your journey. Best wishes, and I look forward to seeing you around here again in the future!

[Anonymous]

welcome I started my journey in jan 2012.. you can somewhat track my progress in my sig.... hoping to join you at the top of the credit mountain as well

[CreditCardDiva]

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@Anonymous wrote:

welcome I started my journey in jan 2012.. you can somewhat track my progress in my sig.... hoping to join you at the top of the credit mountain as well :)

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Let's press towards the mark! 

[stevehbold]

I came here last July or so with the same goals as yourself. I was totally irresponsible with my credit when I was younger. I started with a Capitol one unsecured 300cl and a orchard 320cl. Recently I was just approved for a discover more card 1700cl and a Barclays apple 2000cl. Just wanted to let you know it is possible probably quicker then you think. Just pay your bills on time and keep your utilization low , youll be headed to primeville in no time. Welcome to the forum!

[CreditCardDiva]

Well, My credit union decided to be  very kind. They approved me for a Visa, with a $500 limit. I'm truly appreciative...I wasn't expecting to get it. I have a judgement on Experian, that doesn't belong to me...it's for someone in NY, and there's a MA address that isn't mine.  I also have another SS# showing up on my credit report. My Experian report is just real crunchy, and I'm not sure how that happened. I don't usually monitor my reports, but from now on it'll be a different story.

My credit union only required that I submit my W-2, my two most recent paystubs and a copy of my SS card. They've sent  out completed dispute letters for me to forward to Experian. I didn't have to jump thru any hoops. They've pretty much guaranteed that I'll be with them, till the end of time. I'm a sucker for good customer service. I doubt I would have gotten treated the same by one of the big banks.

Credit Union Visa - $500
Capital One Secured MC - $200
Orchard Bank Platinum MC - $300 

So, I'm good for the next year and a half.