Since they are fairly new collections and won't come off your credit report for a number of years you can try the pay for delete method but that's not too successful from what I've read. But if they do agree, get it in writing. What I did with mine was paying them off. Once the last one reported as paid my scores jumped up a good deal. It still shows as a collection on my report but paid in full. My next step is to write a goodwill letter explaning I got laid off, I paid what I owed and could you please remove these from my file. (Not in that exact wordage) but If that happens my scores will jump up even more.
I'd concentrate on paying off those collections instead of bigger money on your new cards that you got. Put minimum on those cards to keep them active. One a month (cycle them) and pay in full when the due date comes. The golden rule is to have all of your cards at a zero balance except one at 9% or lower.
