@Anonymous wrote:
Thanks for the laughs everyone! I'll definitely take a good look at what everyone said. Basically this month, store card and discover card $0 no balance, but with capital one ($200 limit) have a balance of $18 and then revolve to next card and so on. I'll also look at those 11 tips and the Alliant SSL. Thank you for taking the time to help me out guys I really appreciate it! I'll be gardening for the next 1-2years so we'll see what happens!
CLOSE.
Not 9% on Capital One, but 8.9% or less. I know it sounds good but it's true. $18 is too high, $17.8 is just right. I'd say $17 to be safe. And not less than $3 because some banks will "waive" $1 or $2 in balance (free money) but then report $0. So for that card, report $3-$17 at statement cut. Then pay that balance off AFTER statement cut but BEFORE the next due date to avoid interest. The let a new $3-$17 report at the next statement.
Also, no need to garden for 2 years. After 6-12 months you can add a 4th card if you like. Go for Chase, Citibank or BoA if you like any of them. I like Chase best so you start a relationship with them. After another 6 months, add a 5th card.
This way, all your accounts age together which thickens your profile. As it thickens, you'll get higher starting limits, lower APR, and more approvals when you WANT them instead of desperately when you NEED them. Teach yourself to never NEED credit, just WANT it to maximize cash back and perks!
By the time you graduate college, you should be in stellar shape (800 FICO scores).
