First Timer Looking for some Guidance!

[BaseballGuy34]

Hi All - 

I am brand new this to site, and to monitoring my credit at all. I am not starting from a terrible spot (scores and limits/balances in signature). However, I feel a little lost in terms of what to do and how to do it CORRECTLY!  My score was 565 2 years ago and 633 about 14 months ago (based on when I financed my cars). 

Basic Profile:

28 years old, 70k income, 115k household

Besides the revolving balances below, I have 2 car loans (my car and my wife) and student loans. All have been paid on time every payment. Student loans currently in forebearance until May as I finish up my Master's. 

I have 5 negative items on my credit report. 3 are Sallie Mae accounts, but have not been late since 2007. One is a private student loan that has been on time since 2009. One is a charge off from credit one bank from 2008. I am not sure at this point if it makes sense to pay the charge off or just let it fall off in a couple years?

I also found out today I have 3 medical bills in collection. I was about to pay them off, but then read the suggestions on PFD letters. I will be mailing those out today in hopes of having these taken off. 

With my revolving accounts, the Diamond Preferred Card is brand new, and 300 of the balance was a balance transfer from the zero'd out Capital One Card (formely OB). Should I transfer my other C.O. Balance to that card as well, or will it likely not make much of a difference? 

My goal is to move from average to excellent, but I feel a little lost in where to start. I have not had a late/missed payment on my credit report in 4 years. 

Thanks Everyone!

[coldnmn]

Definitely transfer the $460 to your Diamond the utilization on the Cap1 platinum is very bad for Fico score. PFD is a good idea. Optimal for credit score is one card with utilization <9% on one card. Let the credit gurus give you more advice.  Good luck with your credit journey and welcome to the forum.

[KoolDev]

Welcome to the forums !

Like Coldnmn said, there is plenty of guidance here      I would address things in the credit report one section at a time.   The utilization is the quickest small help to the credit score.   The CO definitely affects the uti.    Make sure you have the money to pay the items in collection before you start the PFD process.  You will find that some are fine with it and others will be hateful about it and not do it.    You will have to feel them out.   I think you're on the right track, keep reading the forums and use the search bar for specific topics to become more knowledgable about.

Good Luck !

[BaseballGuy34]

Thanks for the advice! The collections I feel silly about. I did not even know I had the balances out there! Just small bills my insurance did not cover, all total less than 400. Like I said, I was willing to just pay them now, but going to see if they will delete them.

[earlyKY]

I don't have any advice to add but I just wanted to say that I have had great luck with PFDs on medical bills. Try contacting the original creditor (doctor/hospital etc) about it first. I have found that they are more willing to ask the CA to remove than the CA doing it for the consumer. Good luck