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So brief synopsis. Last year I was in the 530-540 club. Obtained a $300 Secured from USAA after being declined by BOA for a secured card believe it or not. Have paid off several baddies totalling $10K including medicals and had approx 9 collections/charge offs removed. Got NFCU for $6K in Sept, then increased to $8K in Nov, as well as $6K NavCheck and $4k Installment Loan. Also got $1K Barclay's in Sept. Refinanced my house last month at 3.6% when they wouldn't talk to me a year ago, Just yesterday got $5K from BOA Visa Sig. in the branch office. Pushed my luck today with Chase and was declined for Sapphire, but did get Freedom for a measly $500 and additional inquiry. I'm not complaining considering it is Chase and a chance to grow. Hopefully they will auto CLI after 6 months. Thought about apping Discover but chickened out.
Chase interrogated me about the gap in my revolving credit from 2004 until now. I just told them that I have been using cash since then and that I had a bad patch from 2004 to 2013 due to being unemployed for a year in 2003 with several late payments. Perhaps honesty is brutal and doesn't pay, but I figured there really was no point in lying about the time period.
I think it is time to lay low for some time. You guys have a garden club which I deduct is a group of folks who are taking their new credit and growing it for better scores, as well as waiting for the inquiry hits to dissipate. I think I want to get in on this garden club action. I really think that by laying low for a year, I can get the almighty CSP from Chase next year. I would like some tips on what to do between now and then other than "paying on time". Are there amounts I should charge in order to optimize points, etc, etc...??? BTW, I was avg. 680 prior to the Chase apps today. The BOA apps yesterday cost me 5 pts, yes FICO scores. I really don't see the need for store cards such as Lowes / Home Depot. I assume now it is charge on all of them and PIF before the statement close.
I realize 680 is not great, but I am so thankful to be there as opposed to where I came from a little over a year ago. I'll take it any day but still strive to make it better. Many of you have PM'd me over the last few months offering advice and I appreciate it since it has obviously paid great dividends. So someone please tell me more about the "Garden Club"
Great rebuild! I'll see you in the garden! BTW 680 is considered good!