Getting my first CC

[Jnbmom]

Cap One  cards with 300 SL are on the step program for increases, so I highly doubt they will raise your intial CL.

[Anonymous]

I kind of figured that would be the case based solely on how entry level this card is. But it was worth asking. Thanks Jnbmom 

[HeavenOhio]

You might try requesting an increase after three months. The worst that can happen is that they say no. In the meantime, follow their credit steps rules, and you should be good for that increase.

You have a great starter card. You've avoided the predatory banks, and you've avoided a secured card. With six months of history, you'll probably find that other unsecured options open up. You're in a situation where you can go for quality over quantity.

Avoid Chase until your card is at least a year old — and preferably after you have a second card. Also, garden for at least three months before applying. (Gardening means to avoid applying for credit.) Along with that, keep in mind that if you've acquired five cards in the previous 24 months, Chase will deny on that basis. If Chase cards interest you during your second year of building, move slowly rather than acquiring a bunch of cards early on.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice HeavenOhio. The tip about gardening makes complete sense and I was wondering what that meant after seeing it referenced a few times on the forums. I definitely won't have more than 2 cards by this time next year, to do so seems pretty conspicuous and unnecessary.. I'm in it for the long, slow haul that raising your credit score is (I'm realizing). Who knows what kind of cards I'll be looking into then, but I'll probably come back here and lurk the forums when it's time to figure something out

[Adkins]

I highly recommend at least three cards. If you claim your're in it for the long, slow score rising haul, three cards will give you the maximum points for having cards. You'll leave points on the table without the third one. Garden for six months to a year, then get one more card. Your future score will thank you. 

[Anonymous]

Ok Adkins, just to be clear you're saying I get the second card 3-6 months from now, garden for 6-12 months and then get the 3rd? that was basically my plan already but I do appreciate the input 

[Adkins]

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@Anonymouswrote:

Ok Adkins, just to be clear you're saying I get the second card 3-6 months from now, garden for 6-12 months and then get the 3rd? that was basically my plan already but I do appreciate the input 

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Yes. Apologies if I misunderstood you. I read the last post as you were only going to get two cards. Period. And I didn't want you to miss out on the FICO points! 

[Anonymous]

Haha I really, truly appreciate your intentions 
I was more so just responding to HeavenOhio's warning about the 5/24 rule, I wanted to be clear that I wasn't going to go crazy applying for a bunch of credit right away. 

The internet/text messaging in general really needs a way to identify a person's tone, so much miscommunication could be avoided lol

[HeavenOhio]

Three cards is good for scoring, and some say five is better. But you don't have to accomplish this right away. Sometimes people rush and end up with lousy cards that need to be closed. I think there's a good chance that you can acquire an unsecured Discover card around month seven. And if you're interested in Chase, they should open up around month thirteen. And if not, numerous options should be available at that point.

[pinkandgrey]

Capital One Platinum is almost a guarantee. I had zero credit history and got it unsecured.