Finally got my score from bad to good... now what?

[Anonymous]

Looking for help from some of you who have been through rebuilding credit with success. I started monitoring my credit about 2 years ago when I had a score in the low 500's. I opened a s secured credit card with a small limit and kept my utilization low and fought creditors and collection agencies to remove inaccurate info from my report. I pulled all 3 of my FICO scores for the 1st time recently, and was elated to find out my score had improved drastically and am in the "good" credit score range. I also just got approved for my first unsecured credit card with a really large limit.

I want to reach my goal of 720 soon and am wondering what's next? Do I apply for more cards or just keep the 2 I have and keep the utilization low? I have a car payment and i plan on making every payment on time no matter what as late payments are hurting my score the most. Do I open more lines of credit or just be patient with my 2 cards and timely payments on accounts?

[Zolomon]

Apply for one more credit card which you feel eligible for with the perks of your choice. With 3 cards, you can practice AZEO (all zero except one). Keep one card below 8% utilization and the rest at 0. The initial inquiry may lower your score, but AZEO and an additional aged card will boost your score significantly in the long term.

[Anonymous]

Any suggestions for which card I should get (3rd card) and does it matter that I just applied for my 2nd one? Hasn't even come in the mail yet

[Anonymous]

Congrats on your rebuild! If you still have any late payments showing, I would write goodwill letters to those companies and see if they will remove them for you. I have no card advice though, but good luck ☺

[Zolomon]

For cash back cards:
Citi DoubleCash: 2% on everything, no AF or Chase Freedom: 5% categories, no AF.

Travel cards:
Amex Gold PR: 3x travel and 2x dining, groceries and gas.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: 2x travel and dining