Really happy with my progress so far. My credit journey in a nutshell: I began in January of this year with ZERO credit (I didn't even generate a FICO score); thankfully, I have no derogatories. Started by getting two secured cards with small amounts, then opened some minor store cards using the SCT. The first "score" I received was a Vantage score of 670 (I was actually very surprised at this), which increased to 684 over a month's time. My heart sank when I took a 78 point hit by opening the store cards around the same time (learned my lesson on that one). I was completely devastated that my "good start" had plummeted virtually overnight...and now I had to wait for it to slowly recover.
Well, with on-time payments for the last six months, the Vantage score DID recover (it's sitting at 694 right now)...and today I finally received a FICO score from one of the CBs...722! I am over the moon. Everything y'all said about being patient, using the cards, making payments, etc. really worked! I gotta tell you - it feels really sweet to FINALLY be in a good place, credit-wise. From zero credit to a FICO of over 700 - in seven months? Yeah, I'll take it! And I'm more motivated than ever to keep building.
Keep plugging away, everyone - you WILL see results! I'm so grateful for the advice I've received on this forum!
