You've been here longer than me, so if any of this is a repeat for you, just disregard...
She may have to wait a few-6 months or so until she can save up at least a little bit to put on a secured card.
You don't want to put a lot on a secured card because you want one that graduates, so why tie up your cash? No more than $200, as long as the bank/CU doesn't make you put any more than that. But the less you put on there, the less your initial CL, so just keep that in mind
One positive she can look at (seriously!): If she's never bk'ed and never CO'd a card, she has some options available to her that aren't available to a lot of other rebuilders.
only lists major banks but I found the guide helpful. http://www.elitepersonalfinance.com/best-secured-credit-cards-that-convert-to-unsecured/
http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Best-Secured-Cards-that-Graduate/m-p/4912438#M1434522
You may want to pick one card that you think she may have decent chance at and also steel yourself that she may fail at and know that she'll just live with the HP(s) for it. Research which bureaus get pulled for that app, and what other people on this forum were at when they got approved. Otherwise - if no prequal sites are biting - I think getting 1-2 secured cards reporting is really best bet, even if it does unfortunately take her a bit longer.
Best of luck to your coworker :-)
