Obtaining FICO scores and preparing to start rebuilding...

[credit911]

Hello again everyone! Been doing a lot of reading on these boards and I now have a few questions.

Me and wife BK discharged 11/07 (chapter 7). We have been using cash only till this point. I am about to pull FICO scores and try and apply for some credit cards to start us on the long haul back.

First question...Where do most of you get your FICO scores from? I am assuming MyFico.com. The FICO credit score complete look like what I will go with. At this stage in the game I think I would like to pull my FICO scores and credit reports a few times a year...probably quarterly to monitor my progress. Will I have to repurchase this every time I want my scores? If yes, it could get a little expensive. Does anyone know of a site that you can pay a monthly fee and pull your credit reports to all 3 major bureaus and get all of your FICO scores at will? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Second question...How many credit cards do you think it will be wise to start out with? I was thinking of trying to get one now and maybe another in 3-4 months from now. Or should I start out with more now, to get credit history up and going asap.

I think these boards are wonderful. I am so glad I have found this place! Thank you to all who post for others to learn.

[llecs]

Unfortunately, myFICO is the only place you can go to pull all three of your FICO scores in the same place. And yes, it can get expensive. Even with a discount, DW and I pull twice a month totaling about $152 monthly. I like to see how FICO can change based on CR activity. If you are looking to monitor (excludes FICOs) then the best place seems to be TrueCredit.com.

If you have 0 CCs, getting that first one will be a challenge. I'd pull each score first and compare your to others via these forums or at whogavemecredit.com. If push comes to shove, there is nothing wrong with a secured CC.

[smallfry]

I would take the 30 day trial for Score Watch and the trial for TU Quarterly Monitoring using available discounts. Experian you will have to pay in the neighborhood of 13 bucks to get. Do that and come back for some ideas. Good luck. Have a plan just don't go application crazy.