I have low, low scores - lower than I thought. EQ FICO is 484.

I bank with Wells Fargo, and am an employee.

In this rebuilding journey, I too, applied for the secured card and didn't really hear anything. A few days later I got an email saying I was declined on the basis that they could not verify my identity.

I called credit card services, and answered all their security questions and asked for a recon - which they did.

I was out of town and got another email saying I was declined again. When I got back, I had a letter from them requesting I call and verify some information. Again.

So I called them today, and they said I was already approved and my card would be here in 7-10 business days.

I'm really glad I stayed on them. I have one positive tradeline and just paid off almost all my collections. I just haven't seen a big score increase yet.