Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge!

[Doobarbus]

Having less than stellar credit for some time is quite tiring, so I'm really going to step up my game now.

I have one large Citi credit card charge off  of 14k (10k original principal before going delinquent and Citi taking on 4k in interest) that I need to address.

I also have a Chase Card that I'm on a payment plan for 5 years and am down to 666. I plan to pay that off in one shot. (Note: I've paid on time for all three years so far and it shows a great payment history. The credit line is closed, but Chase said this plan would help me by appearing as a positive on my credit report. Yet, FICO is telling me it is a red flag?)

I learned that after a charge-off it is best to go back to the original creditor and negotiate for cents on the dollar in exchange for their reporting as "Paid as Agreed". It seems that in recent years reporting has changed whereby this really doesn't do any good. I'd like to hear what you think?

I would love to see what others have done to get a quick boost to their scores like applying for and getting store credit. Which stores are good and are almost guaranteed to extend credit?

Let's go!

[gadget08]

<hr><img align="left" border="0" width="50" height="50" src="http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/i/custom/FFC_Icon.gif"><font size="2"><font size="1">Starting Score:</font> <b>637</b><br><font size="1">Current Score:</font> <b>660</b><br><font size="1">Goal Score:</font> <b>750</b></font><br><br><font size="1"><a href="http://goo.gl/m10uw">Take the FICO Fitness Challenge</a></font>

[0errant]

I'm back in it, albeit late! I went from low 500's (post-divorce) to 728 EFX, 710 TRU, 724 XPN as of last April. Bought another house and have come down to 702 EFX (haven't checked the others). I need to bring this up! My goal last year was to get above 800, and I'm sticking to it.

My plan is to get first house paid off, credit cards down, and exH's stuff off my report!!

ETA: Just checked EXP through Credit Sesame and it's 720. Now to find out TRU! Any way to do that free?

[fairclok]

I'm looking for advice on what type of credit card i can get with

Exp 655

TU  615

Equ 650

I currently have Orchard Bank at $300 for approx 6 months.   Pay off 90% each months so only left with 10% revolving.  

I have 1 school loan for $10k - current for 3 years.   

i have approx 7 negative listings on my report, but they were all paid in full and closed approx 5 years ago. 

After many years just living off debit card, I felt it was time to build credit.     

I'm looking to apply for a card where i most likely will not get rejected.

Thanks,

Keith

[creditnocash]

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fairclok wrote:

I'm looking for advice on what type of credit card i can get with

Exp 655

TU  615

Equ 650

I currently have Orchard Bank at $300 for approx 6 months.   Pay off 90% each months so only left with 10% revolving.  

I have 1 school loan for $10k - current for 3 years.   

i have approx 7 negative listings on my report, but they were all paid in full and closed approx 5 years ago. 

After many years just living off debit card, I felt it was time to build credit.     

I'm looking to apply for a card where i most likely will not get rejected.

Thanks,

Keith

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i would say a secured card with a 2k+ deposit if you have the funds for it. 

the more you put down the better... 

but 500 would do just fine as well. 

[fairclok]

thanks for the reply.   I was considering a secured card, but was also interested in unsecured credit similar to my orchard bank card.      so i wouldn't have to lay out the funds.    if its necessary to do that, i will, but still wanted to research the alternative. 

thank you again.

[makingmyway]

Hi all, I am soo happy that I have found this forum. I don't feel terrible anymore about my credit score knowing that so many others are going through the same thing. My credit score was never a good one as I had many medical bills and lacked the insurance to take care of it. After a number of years of being denied credit, I requested the that the negative information reported on my credit history be removed as soo many years had passed and the information was still being reported. SO here I am in 2012 with a credit score that allows me to obtain credit cards (fair credit). My future goals include purchasing my first home and a car (not in that order ) as I continue to make timely payments on the credit that has been extended to me. I am looking forward to reading about everyone's success story! good luck to all!

[JustinNguyen]

Start with 702 fico score EQ. 2 years credit history.just add 1 family 9 year credit to credit report.. Try to raise to 760 fico score.

[makingmyway]

Thank you JustinNguyen, will do!