I'll try to make this story brief. In the late 2000's I got divorced, and combined with some stupid decisions made by both of us in regards to credit my credit score was down to 450 at one point. I also needed a car around this time. I'm sure you can imagine how fun that was.
Fast forward to march of last year. Most debts were paid. There were a few I just flat out let go because they were about to be removed from my record anyway. I decided to try for a capital one platinum card. I was approved for $300. Despite the low limit, I was excited. It had been a long time since I'd even be considered for credit and the terms stated that on time payments for 6 months would result in a CLI. I used the card, paid on time and in full. Sure enough, 6 months rolled by the they increased my limit....by $3000. A middle aged man doing a "happy dance" is probably an embarrassing sight, but I won't lie that I did just that.
Around the same time I also received an offer from discover. I had read they can be picky, but the interest rate they should was not in a range, instead showing a single rate (fairly low at that) so I applied. Approved. $3000 limit.
After doing some research I decide I want to go after Cashback cards, with no annual fees. There is a method to my madness; I don't want these cards just to have them. Some cards would fill in the gaps left by other cards. There are 3 other cards I'm aiming for; chase freedom, citi dc, and amex bce. First card? Chase freedom. Similar to discover, but their quarter bonuses can differ plus they were doing a big amazon promotion and I shop there a lot. Applied...approved! 1200 limit. Lowest of the cards I had, but I'm not complaining.
Riding on a high of approvals I am deflated when I am declined by citi pretty quickly. After reading other people's stories on here, I learn they can be fairly picky so I'm not too discouraged. That happens when I apply for the Amex card..and see declined. I decide it's time to garden.
Earlier this year my car starts running a little odd. I take it to get fixed and my mechanic informs me that I should try to trade it in as he has seen that model of car start with my problem and end up nickel and diming until they just give out. Groaning at the thought of car shopping, I come across a car I really like and decide to try to get a loan. 5 minutes later I'm informed I'm approved. No cosigner needed. This is the first time I've never needed one. Also, with my last car it needed a cosigner...and 6 hours of negotiations. Not kidding.
Around the time I got my new car(well....new used car) I also learned on here(thank you forumites!) that I could try to upgrade my cap1 platinum to a quicksilver. I contact cap1, and they agree without hesitation.
Funnily enough, I kind of forgot about citi and Amex. I figured waiting a year would be good so I kind of just blocked them out. Then I get a reminder from citi in the mail via a pre-qualified offer. Look at the terms....a fixed rate? Figured I give them a try. Approved for 700. Again I feel it's pretty low, but it's a foot in the door. That leaves the Amex BCE card.
I know what the magic number is and when I applied last year they were higher, but I decide to roll the dice.
APPROVED! 1000 limit. Low, but better than Citi DC to be fair. Doesn't matter to me as it gives me a chance to establish myself as a good customer as I have with discover and cap1.
Now that I've completed my credit goal? Garden time! For quite some time. From here on out my plan is to garden, focusing only on increasing SL and seeing if I can get lower APR's from here on out. It's been a whirlwind 18 months. Never thought I'd be here 2 years ago. Now I just want to focus on staying on the good side of credit.
