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heatherbee
Valued Member

Question

When I was 18, I had a student BoA card and a walmart card.  BoA had a $700 limit, and walmart had a teeny tiny limit (100).  Because I was young and stupid, I goofed on paying the bills.  Now that I am older and those cards have been closed, I would like to re establish myself as a worthy customer with GEMB and bank of america.  My scores are now in the 650s, I know not great, but not as bad as it used to be.  If I were to apply for a card with GEMB or BoA now, would I automatically be declined because I messed up 4 years ago, or would I might get a chance?  I don't want to waste an inquiry.  Thanks!
Message 1 of 14
13 REPLIES 13
cdtotten
Established Contributor

Re: Question

When you say "goofed on paying", does that mean that you let these accounts get charged off?

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Message 2 of 14
heatherbee
Valued Member

Re: Question

Yes. Like I said, I didn't really understand what I was doing to myself.
Message 3 of 14
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Question

See what happens when you use the BofA pre-app site:

 

https://preapproved.bankofamerica.com/cc/SelfInquiry.aspx

 

If you use this it will only result in a soft INQ. Let us know what happens.

Message 4 of 14
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Question


@heatherbee wrote:
When I was 18, I had a student BoA card and a walmart card.  BoA had a $700 limit, and walmart had a teeny tiny limit (100).  Because I was young and stupid, I goofed on paying the bills.  Now that I am older and those cards have been closed, I would like to re establish myself as a worthy customer with GEMB and bank of america.  My scores are now in the 650s, I know not great, but not as bad as it used to be.  If I were to apply for a card with GEMB or BoA now, would I automatically be declined because I messed up 4 years ago, or would I might get a chance?  I don't want to waste an inquiry.  Thanks!

IMO, you would be declined for BoA for sure.  GEMB probably declined as well.

 

Depending on where you are (state), 4 years may not even be yet beyond the SOL.  And 4 years means they are still on your CR.

 

If you haven't settled (paid) these accounts and they are still on your CR, I highly doubt either will find you "worthy" for new accounts.

 

If you want them to consider you, I would suggest paying the old accounts before asking for new.  They are not large CL's and I'm sure you can negotiate it to the principle owed or maybe less (though settling for less than principle balance won't make you look as good).

 

IMO, always make good on your debts whenever possible.  This is what makes a worthy or favorable customer, even when they "goof up." 

 

Personally, I like the golden rule test.  Would you make a loan to somebody who goofed an failed to pay you back?  Treat others as you want to be treated and life will treat you better.  Some call it Karma, some "casting their bread," some the golden rule and some, common sense, and some as being a "straight shooter." 

 

My point:  You inferred you want to earn their trust back.  I think step 1 is to start where you left off and you will be a lot closer to that goal. 

 

Good Luck.

 

Message Edited by txjohn on 09-10-2009 07:12 AM
Message 5 of 14
heatherbee
Valued Member

Re: Question

I understand what you are saying.  Since I joined the Army though, I've been very serious about rebuilding my credit.  I haven't had any lates or anything since then.  And since I've started rebuilding my credit. I got the Orchard card (which immediately helped my credit score) 0 balance and a star card with a 2400 limit, always keep a low balance on that too.  I got my car in October, that's on an allottment so never late.  Now I am deployed and I want to use the extra money to help myself, not blow it all when I get back like a lot of soldiers do.  Thanks for your help though!
Message 6 of 14
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Question

You should always know exactly what is on your CBR's before app'ing credit. You should never be surprised by an issuers response to an app. (Disappointed maybe, but not surprised!) Have you looked at your credit bureau reports to see how this all is reporting? You can obtain each of your reports for free at annualcreditreport.com once per year. It's easy, fast and free!
Message 7 of 14
heatherbee
Valued Member

Re: Question

The accounts were paid.  Now they are just sitting there, looking bad.  Not saying I didn't earn it to be on there though.  I just didn't want to waste a hard inquiry.  I'm not in desperate need of a credit card, just wondering how people with past bad financial decisions were able to redeem themselves, I guess to say. lol I've already started to repair a pathetically terrible credit score by paying all of my bills on time, just wondering how I can improve throughout the year that I'm in Iraq.  How can I spend my extra $$ to help myelf?  Credit cards that I do have are already taken care of.  I don't want to pay off my car or student loans too quickly because I want that good payment history to continue.  any other ideas?
Message 8 of 14
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Question

Try the link I provided you and let us know what happens. It will not cost you an INQ, and in spite of what many say BofA is a very good card to have.
Message 9 of 14
wajj
Contributor

Re: Question

Honestly, if you are in the Army, try USAA or NFCU.  Thwy will probably do much better for you than either BoA or GEMB.

 

Message 10 of 14
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