Well, I just thought i would post a big thank you to everyone. I mostly just read everyone's experiences and apply what i need to improve my credit.
The steps i took to improve my credit were:
1. At 584, sent off GW letters
2. Set up automatic pay on almost all of my bills (dont want to risk any late payments)
3. Set a budget and began working on utilization (Budget is the key to all things)
4. As score increased, didnt apply for a bunch of cards but waited for the right time.
5. Approved for 11,400 AMEX blue cash (received a CLI at activation), 12,500 NFCU Plat Visa (will ask for a CLI in 6 months or so) and 5,200 Hooters (will ask for a CLI in around 6 months or so) in August 2007.
6. Now that i have my Fav 3, i put my credit rebuilding cards ( 2x HSBC and 1 x Wash Mut) in the sock drawer (use maybe once every 6 months), with low CL and med to high APR these cards helped me rebuild my credit but are not needed anymore. With no annual fees i will just let them all age. The only card i canceled was Cap 1, with a $49 annual fee, i just didnt need it anymore.
7. Keep utilization around 10%
8. Still sending GW letters to those who didnt respond, also disputed accounts with CRAs.
9. Monitor score daily through various websites, watch score continue to improve and be merry!
10. Goal, finally buy my house.
Well i babbled enough. I just wanted to show to anyone with a low score that all things are possible. Just keep at it and your efforts will eventually show!
Robo
