@Anonymous wrote:
I will look into that as well. I'd like to stay with cards that I can keep long term so that would be a good option. What is the shopping cart trick? I'm very new here
Basically, the Shopping Cart Trick involves going to an online store for which Comenity provides/services their dedicated store credit card (check this thread for an updated list: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/List-Of-Shopping-Cart-Trick-Credit-Cards/td-p/2325199 ). There are various wrinkles to it that are discussed in detail in other threads here (use the search function - the usual abbreviation is "SCT", or you can Google for information from other sites such as Doctor of Credit). but here's how it goes in broad outline:
1) Create an account at the store you're interested in. You MUST make sure that your name and mailing address match what's on your credit reports.This is how Comenitty finds potential customers for its cards, by doing SP's (soft pulls - those inquiries won't appear on your report, unlike "hard pulls") to see your profile.
2) Shop and find some items that you'd like to buy, and put them into your online cart.
3) When you're done, go to the checkout page.
4) In many cases, you'll see a popup window - IMPORTANT: Make sure that your popup blocker, if you have one, allows popup windows from that store!! - which says something like "Congratulations! You've been pre-approved/pre-qualified for a card from (store name)..." and invites you to click a button to go to the application page.
5) You did remember to make sure your name and address is accurate to what's on your credit reports, right? 
6) When you go to the application page, your name and address should be pre-populated already from your store account info. The main things you'll have to provide are your Social Security number and your income. Enter those and press the "submit" button.
7) With luck, you'll get the "Congratulations!" popup window next and see how much your SL is. Remember to post to Credit Card Approvals to share your good fortune.
8) In most cases you'll be able to make purchases with your new card at once, because Comenity will link your new card to your store account for you. You probably won't get your full card number right away; but as a general rule you'll get your welcome package within a week to couple of weeks which will contain that information, as well as the usual disclosures and information as to how to set up your online account. Each store will have a link to their store card account page, usually under "Your Account" or "Store Information" or "How To Buy" or some such thing. You'll have to wait until you get your complete card number to set up your account, but as I said, you won't generally have to wait long for that. If you need your card number sooner, contact Comenity or the store via phone or online chat and (after verifying your identity) they'll gladly provide that information to you.
I'm pretty sure I've left out something important 
, so anyone else, feel free to chime in!
A couple more things:
1) You don't need a lot of credit cards to establish a sound foundation for rebuilding. Three is generally recommended as the "sweet spot". You already have a Cap One unsecured, so all you need is a store card from a joint that you want to buy stuff from and expect to use reasonably regularly, and another card, preferably at this point a secured one, and you're good to go.
2) Another reason not to go hog-wild and get a whole bunch of store cards, in addition to what I said before, is that lenders and insurance companies tend to get nervous when they see a LOT of store cards, particularly just from one bank, on a customer's profile. Insurance companies have, in fact, been known to raise rates on customers who have too many store cards. So take it easy. 
Personally, I would stay away from store cards unless you get a real benefit from them.
Amazon = 5% back
Lowes = 0% APR for 6-24 months
Generally, store cards have horrific interest rates, low credit lines, and limited use options.
@Anonymous wrote:
@Shooting-For-800 wrote:Personally, I would stay away from store cards unless you get a real benefit from them.
Amazon = 5% back
Lowes = 0% APR for 6-24 months
Generally, store cards have horrific interest rates, low credit lines, and limited use options.
It's really a subjective, case-by-case kind of thing. As I've said, my philosophy is that when it comes to store cards, you should only get the ones that you both want to have and expect to use reasonably regularly. "Low credit lines" is really a big variable; my Amazon store card that I got in November is still at its SL of $800 though I'm planning to try for a CLI this month, but my brand-new Overstock store card came with a SL of a whopping $4,000 (on a SP yet). Also, by their very nature, store cards are "limited use" devices, so one has to keep that in mind when app'ing for one. All that being said, the well-chosen couple of good store cards are a terrific part of your credit portfolio if you use them right.
of course there are exeptions...my lowes card CL is $17,000 but I also saw that someone on here has a Macy's card with CL of $100.