@Anonymous wrote:
I started rebuilding my credit AFTER I got a high interest car loan. I didn't have any choice at the time, as my car died an ugly death on the way to work one morning. Thanks to a real beauty of an ex husband and an adult child with kidney failure, my credit is a disaster and a half. My score was around 513 (fico8) 2 months ago. No idea what it was back in February when I financed my car. So I got a secured Capital One card back in June for $200. I just made my second payment (both months in full). I also went a little crazy with the shopping cart trick so I have 6 store cards with limits from $250 -$350. I know, but it felt wonderful to be pre-approved for anything. It would have felt great to be pre-approved for a popsicle stick. Just got my first bills from Victoria's Secret and Ann Taylor today, so the haven't been reported yet. My scores today are 586 on Equifax Complete Advantage, 583 on Experian Direct, and 555 Trans Union (capital one...I can't get an updated score until the 21st.) This is without addressing ANY of the multiple baddies on my reports.(Starting that on the first of next week)
My problem, and my immediate goal, is an unsecured card with at least $1500 limit. I check Capital One all the time to see if I prequalify. I don't. But it keeps me from accumulating more store cards. I know it will happen. I just want it to happen NOW! I hope I am not the only one that does this...
First, Welcome to myFico forums!
Second, nope, you are not alone at all! I have very similar symptoms!
I am recovering from a very steep and bad credit crash in 2008 and 2009, with medical problems with my wife, now recovered. My scores have improved dramatically since then but I still have a good ways to go.
I have 2 secured cards and some unsecured cards, and Ok, 3 of them are considered store cards too.
I am currently trying to impress B of A with my financial abilities managing their secured card in the hopes it will graduate soon. I am grateful to have another chance with them, although I can get unsecured cards from other big CCCs. I also want to app for more big CCs but I am trying to be patient to impress them.
I spend time at least once a week checking multiple pre-qual sites and that helps quench the want-me notions.
I just went to my Overstock account and after checking my spreadsheet, noticed it was 31 days since the last time I hit the Luv button for a CLI and I got another 400, so that took care of my current itch for a little while.
I would suggest you consider joining one of the CU sites and then when you feel your scores have improved, like 625 or above, and then app for a refi on your car loan. I joined SDFCU and also NASA FCU. If you dont already qualify for membership, just follow the instructions for 'who can join' and they have a wild card feature that will allow you to join. They both have good rates for refi loans on cars an they do not require a HP just to join.
GL with your efforts.
Shopping cart trick doesn't work for me yet cuz I've moved a lot and hadn't had credit in years so have a thin profile and can't match me. Credit agencies now have my correct married name and addy so I can prob try again!