Rebuilding Your Credit

[thel222]

Years ago, I made some stupid mistakes with my credit, followed by years of operating on a cash-only basis, assuming I could never get any credit.  At the end of 2012, I decided to take the bull by the horns.  What I found when I pulled my reports on December 27th was that my problem wasn't  really BAD credit - though I did have a few dings. My biggest problem was an exceptionally thin credit file.  So thin, that I couldn't even generate a TU or Experian report or get a CapOne auto loan.

Fast forward one month . . . by adding a couple of credit cards - CapOne secured ($300) and Citi Forward ($1k, obtained after a simple recon call) -  I just received a ScoreWatch alert telling me my score JUMPED to 797.  Talk about doing the happy dance!

I'm not sure what prompted me to finally address my credit, but I'm so glad I did.  To anyone who thinks things will never get better - believe me, they will!  Just listen to all of the great advice found on these boards.  Thanks to all of you for sharing your successes (and "not successes").

BTW, does anyone else's heart stop when they get that ScoreWatch alert??  I thought the alert was going to show a small decline since I'd gathered my courage and went to the car dealer on Saturday.  I guess I should expect that decline this week, but that's ok by me.

Edited to add:  Just to clarify, it looks like 2 accounts were also deleted. One was due to age off next month and I just DV'd the other (Pinnacle).

[FLAJenn]

WOW! That's awesome, congrats

[Epcot]

Fantastic score, Congrats!

[llauren321]

Holy crud! That is unbelievable! Send some of that good energy my way!!

[soILseminole]

awesome news OP, I love reading these success stories...congrats

[Cadillac-XTS]

+1 and Congrats

[annielorie]

Good JOB!!

[changeisvital]

That is awesome! You will be over 800 in no time!

[NewbieReed]

WOOHOO! What a jump!!!

[thel222]

Thanks everyone!  Heard from the Nissan dealer today and was approved by both Nissan and Wells Fargo - something I never thought possible a month ago.  Well Fargo had the better rate, so I'll be going with them. Still not a SUPER rate, but one I can live with, all things considered.  After I settle everything with the car (tomorrow!!), my plan is to apply for one more cc, then garden for a while.  Not sure which card to go for - any suggestions??