This board is the shiznit

[Smooth954]

I been reading and following this board and studying and taking advice and would like to say there is some precious gems floating in these waters when it come to credit. I recently pull my Equifax report and score via my Fico's score watch at 1am because I could no longer bare to wonder in ignorance and was shock to see a 629 fico. Wow this is heavy coming from the low 400's to the mid 500's to 629. I disputed inaccuracies and had two accounts aged off, others I paid only for delete. I didn't not get much resistance from and collector that I approach for a pay in full for delete maybe because I was willing to pay in full? Needless to say I'm happy with the outcome. Now I have question and what route to improved.

Current accounts: 3
Cap one secured- $1200 limit
Student loan in default $4578(osfa-ed)
Student loan in default $2859(osfa-ed)

9 inquires which is bringing down my score most likely 2 are from November of 2012 other are throughout 2013

I'm planning to rehab the student loans and get them current. I was thinking of applying for a BA secured with a 1200$ deposit since I heard it can graduate but not sure if another hard pull will only do bad. I have done great on advice here so I call on the board again, What would you guys recommend?

[guiness56]

Inquiries are over rated as far as impact.  Unless your score is 760+ then it may have a bigger impact.  Creditors may not like seeing them.  1 may be too many for one creditor while another will give you credit with 15.

If you only have one revolving account,  you probably should get another one.

[Smooth954]

Ok so I think I'll pull the trigger on the BofA secured. Most of the inquiries where a few months ago for a auto loan I didn't end up going with because the terms were so bad. But the dealer run my credit are I guess ran it again and again in the span of two days there is like 6 different inquiries from auto division of major banks and americredit etc. I thought those were to be counted as a single hard pull because its like rare shopping are something to that effect.

[guiness56]

Even though all of the inquiries are there, they are only scored as one by FICO.