Didn't Even Get the Target Red Card!

[adamseve]

Well, I guess I won't be trying to get any credit any time soon.  I tried for the Target card but because of my BK, the 2 judgements, and the collections they turned me down for EVERYTHING.

A little frustrated, but I'm not giving up.  I'll give it a year and then try again.  That way, any other inquires, which I don't have many, will have dropped off my report.

In the meantime, I'll move forward and make my first purchase with Crown Jewelers.  At least I did get some credit.

Oh, I also applied for the Tribute card.  Got approved, but they didn't disclose the fact that there's a $19/month fee.  No way am I going to pay this even if I do need to build my credit.  I'd rather get a BofA secured card.  At least my deposit will match my CL.

[llecs]

Count the Target denial as a blessing. They always give a low CL to start and does very little to help utilization.

Getting that first CC is tough. I'd do the secured route. I'd also let Tribute report and suffer through it a little while (2-3-4 mo.) until you are approved for the cards you want.

[Anonymous]

   I know this isn't going to please you adamseve and it probably won't sit well with the moderators but please take this as an intervention or tough love. I've been where you're going and I think your sense of prorities are totally wrong and  you blame your creditors for your past mistakes. You've had a bk, 2 judgements, and collections and you basically blame them for not being able to get credit for your past misdeeds. I don't know you and your situation but basically what I gather is that you feel someone owes you something when all they have to go on are negative hits in your credit file. If the information is wrong you should dispute it, and if it's right you should take all the necessary steps to improve your situation. You seem to be blaming everyone else for your situation. A bit of postive advice for you adamseve....YOU TAKE CONTROL.....Don't wait a year to try again and for heavens sake don't let your emotions cloud your judgement. Why would you let a $19 fee stop you from accepting the Tribute card? Let me give you some good advice. Some secured card operations charge much more that that as a result of fees charged to your card once you're approved. I'm curious as to why you would let a minimal charge like that prevent you from getting the card? Please research some of the secured cards that's available and them make you decision. I think you'll find that $19 is nothing for helping to reestablish your credit. I'm sorry if I seem cruel but your reasoning for not paying $19 dollars baffles me.

I will give you a simple but effective plan for improving your credit. First forget about the collection, bk, and judgements for they are your past and you must concentrate on the future. Accept the tribute card with the $19 dollar fee and swallow your pride. The BoA card is a great way to go. I have the same card and it really helped me in establishing a credit history and after 9 months of paying on time they will return your initial deposit and graduate you to an unsecured card with and increased limit. Also look into Orchard bank's secured card because it's another source that reports to the big 3. Pay each of these cards on time for 1 year and leave small balances on them ( less than 10% ) and then check your scores. I guarantee you that you will thank me for this advice. I hope I don't come off as being harsh to you but you must take responsibility for your actions and don't blame others for your past. Take control of the situation and in time this will seems like a distant memory. Good luck to you and I wish you the best.

[adamseve]

RR, I don't know who you are, and you don't know me.  You don't have the right to say the things you posted.

I wasn't blaming anyone for my past bankruptcy, the judgements, or the collections.  I was simply venting that I didn't get the card even though I'm doing what I can at this time to improve my credit rating.  I had hoped that since others had had some success inspite of the baddies on their CR that I might be able to also get this particular card.

RR, up until I got sick in 2001, both my husband and I had very good credit and had less than $2k in CC debt.  Our only debts were our vehicles, our home and maybe 3 credit cards.  So, unlike most people who simply racked up credit card debt and the like and got themselves in debt up to their eyeballs, we were very cautious and responsible with using our credit worthiness.

If you must know, I was very ill and we thought that I might be dying.  Without proper insurance, my illness put us in a pickle with outstanding debts.  Then, my husband had to take a huge pay cut which meant we weren't able to make ends meet.  That's when we had to file BK to save our home 4 years ago.  Although, none of this is your business is it?

Also, as for the Tribute card, etc., it's my decision not yours whether I decide to pay their fees.  If it

doesn't make sense to me based on what I feel I want to pay in fees to rebuild my credit, and I'm not asking you whether I should do it or not, why are you baffled?  I never once thought you were crazy for being so darn paranoid about applying for credit.  In fact, I was empathetic and could imagine how you felt.

RR, before you start giving people advice and making assumptions as to why they're in the midst of credit rebuilding or even why they may have filed BK, you should think first and consider that you don't know their situation.  Also, don't make assumptions about why people are venting.  Just try to show a little compassion because your brand of tough love is just plain rude and judgemental.

   

[diva0969]

Extremely well said, adamseve.  And by the way, I didn't get the Target Card either, or Macy's!   But I have been approved for others.  Keep your head up and take care of yourself; things will get better soon.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if RR thought the fee was a $19 annual fee.....   $19 a month is a $228 annual fee and that DOES seem a little excessive to me.  Maybe I'm just picky.

You have the right to pay what you want to.  Heck, I'd turn that down unless it was the absolute last bit of credit anyone would give me, but I'm extra picky on fees.  I don't see myself ever holding a card that will charge me if I don't use it.  Fees are one thing, but annual fees turn me off.  $19 a month is a gym membership or a nice movie plan at blockbuster, etc.

[Kris1228]

I will never apply for target again!!! applied last year and jan 08, DENIED! I apped for walmart and got 300.00 and at lease you can request a cli, unlike target.... You can do better. what really gets me is my girlfriend who also has a BK (filed after me) and probably collections and unpaid charge offs got a pre-approval reciept... I have a few paid CO's but geeshh..

OMG!!! The nerve of some people. you do not have to explain yourself to someone like that. We are all here for the same reason, to correct our past mistakes, rebuild our credit, etc.... I would have ignored his/her post, which is much easier said than done! Anyways i think Macys is a great rebuilder card also. They gave me 600.00!!! yippee

Message Edited by Kris1228 on 06-03-2008 06:53 PM

[Anonymous]

Please try to be supportive and non-judgmental

Thank you-

Message Edited by Timothy on 06-03-2008 07:37 PM

[adamseve]

Diva,

Thank you for your feedback.  What cards have you been approved for?

I have several AU accounts, but I'd like to replace these with my own accounts before the FICO '08 changes occur. 

Thanks again. 

[fishbjc]

Oh darn it...that stinks!  Have you thought about adding Crown Jewelers as a line?  It's a $1500 line.  That may help a bit. 

I'm sorry to hear of your illness and your financial difficulties.  Your health is EVERYTHING.  Finances will improve along with your scores.  Stay strong and don't give up, we're here for you.