how can I increase my fico score within the next 6 months

[skyler607]

I'm 22 years old and I just took one my first credit card a few months ago. I know my credit is "Limited."  My fico score is 633. I've been paying my bill on time every month and I use less than 30% of my credit limit. I know by doing this, it will increase my fico score over time.

I have 3 collections on my report due to trips to the ER from having seizures. I know these collections are hurting my score. 

In december, I'm supposed to have surgery, I just cannot afford it. I know that I can "finance" the procedure. I'm just not sure I'll qualify for the loan based on my current credit score/repot.

Is there anything else I can do to increase the score?

anything info. would be much appreciated. 

thanks..

[RobertEG]

The collections are clearly the major negative factor. 

Are they paid or unpaid?

It looks like PFD or GW letters are in order.

[Anonymous]

If the collections are unpaid, that will definitely be a problem.  Even paid, that will be hurting your score.

If you are simply looking to increase your score, common wisdom is that getting your utilization below 10% will get you somewhat of an increase.

Also, if there were someone, such as a relative, who would allow you to become an authorized user on a credit card, you would benefit from the credit history of the card.  If the card had, say, a long and perfect payment history, that would probably do you a lot of good.

[RobertEG]

I agree that the current status of the collection as paid or unpaid does not affect current FICO score.

The point is that paid or unpaid status rsults in different approaches to attempt removal, those being either a GW if paid, or a PFD if unpaid.

[skyler607]

the collections are unpaid. it totals up to about 2k. I don't have the money to pay them. 

What are PFD/GW letters?

[jbee]

Pay for Delete/Goodwill letters.  I recently had a success with a goodwill letter for a paid collection from 2008.  It was deleted off my cr and my score jumped 20-25 pts.

Good luck!

[skyler607]

how do I do a pfd/gw?

[MarineVietVet]

Here is an excellent thread about What Steps To Take.

From a BK years ago to:
9/09 EX pulled by lender 802
3/10 EQ- 800
4/10 TU -772

You can do the same thing with hard work

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