All I could do, literally, was to do the Chime card credit builder to start with. My score was around 470. I had charged off cards, a car repo, and a slew of medical collections. It was bad.
I am telling you this because I want you to know you CAN fix it. It really is not hopeless I chose to not go the secured card route. I had a secured card with Cap1 and 1st Progress a few years ago. I went into default and ended up losing both cards, both deposits, and even though the balances were less than the deposits, it still shows as a charge off on my reports. So no more secured cards for me.
16 months ago I got the Chime credit builder card. I direct deposited my pay, used it as my debit card and after 6 months my score had gained almost 100 points. I could finally get subprime cards. Aspire gave me my first card with a $400 CL. I sucked it up as far as the annual fee and other fees, because, hey, I gotta pay the price right? In less than a year, I have a bunch of cards.
Aspire $400
Mission Lane $300
Surge $500 increased to $1000 after 6 months
Reflex $1000
Taz visa $300 increased to $600 after 6 months
Credit one Amex $400
Cap1 Walmart Rewards $400 increased to $550 after 2 mos
Cap1 platinum $500
Care Credit $1000
Overstock $250
Famous Footwear $400
Buckle $300
Aaaand I apparently had a Sally Beauty card with $250 I never received and never used. It was closed by them for inactivity but reported perfect payment history. I also have a $4000 personal loan with Avant.
Now my scores are TU 621, EQ 633 and 640 EX I think. (Can't check at the moment)
Ill be closing those cards that don't grow at the 1 year mark. I'm slowly working my way up from toy limits. My path is not for everyone. But it shows everyone it CAN be done. Even if all you start with is a credit builder prepaid card.
