Getting added as an AU will help your utlization rate (you don't mention what her limit is) as long as the account posts with a low utlization BUT being an AU won't help you in the long run because it does nothing for YOUR credit history since you're piggybacking on her card & her history. Your best bet is to work on your baddies, keep your utlization low and apply for another card of your own in six months (come join us in the garden!). I'd try Capital One first.
(Side note: my top cards are AU cards, except for one, which is a true joint account. I used the DH's cards to help my utlization temporarily as I was in my early rebuilding stage. I haven't left them because we see no point in having two cards for places we both shop at. He's an AU on my Target card, for example.)
@Anonymouswrote:
Thank you for the info! I’m definitely gonna be in the garden with this Citi and my Credit Union Card after I pay it down. I just put my Citi in the SD and will use it to charge no more than 9% each month and PIF. The same goes for hers ($200 limit btw). I’m just trying to get my scores up enough so that I can get my own Discover Secured. I app’d for both Cap1 and Disco but was denied before Citi approved me (shocked that they did). I have a baddie from 2014 with Cap1 ($387) and PRA wants their money. Main goal right now I guess it to get that high util on my CU Card down asap to help my scores and app again with Disco after 6 months. Just got the Citi Card in Jan 2108 so my rebuild is fresh.
How much you charge doesn't matter, as long as it's paid off each month. (And if you care about utilization, what's left to post to the CRAs) I'd easily put $500-$800 through my secured $200 Discover card every month. I just paid the card off weekly. Ideally, you'd need three cards for a maximum FICO score but your plan is solid for now. Good luck!
So i was reading this board because my mom was recently approve for 6k SL for Discover. My profile has greatly improved but my Utilization is 50 percent. I am hoping that will help me if she puts me on as an AU. Sounds like it wont hurt
@Anonymous wrote:
Congrats to your mom on the approval. My mother also got a Discover approval for 6K about 2 weeks ago. I added myself as an AU on the card and saw a 31 point increase. Of course YMMV but it was a nice bump. They reported very fast!
Thank you and congrats to your mom as well! Oh thats good to know! Thanks!
@Anonymous wrote:
Congrats to your mom on the approval. My mother also got a Discover approval for 6K about 2 weeks ago. I added myself as an AU on the card and saw a 31 point increase. Of course YMMV but it was a nice bump. They reported very fast!
Sore jumped 50 points on EQ! score decreased 2 points on TU dont get that but okay.