TransUnion Woes

[planoser]

Greetings, this is my first post -- I stumbled upon this page and have been absorbing all the great info like a sponge. I am still a noob so please forgive my questions and lack of knowledge.

While young, I put myself in a bad situation I couldn't handle and things got out of control -- instead of dealing w/ them I buried my head in sand and hoped they'd go away. Now, several years later I am ready to acknowledge my mistakes and move forward. I would like to purchase a home in the next 1-2 years and would like to rebuild my credit so I can make this dream a reality.

The first step I took was to pull myFico Equifax Report and Score from here. To be real honest, I was expecting the worst...like sub 500. To my surprise it was 590, and gives me hope that my goals aren't too far out of reach. 

The advisor noted I have no revolving credit open and suggested I open a credit card to get one on my report. It even predicted just doing this and paying on time could have a dramatic boost in my score within a few months, possibly getting me into the mid 600's.

After reading more and learning of the 3 scores, and how the mid is normally used, I was hungry to find out what my other scores were.  I was able to pull my Experian Report, and while disappointed can no longer obtain the fico score, I ponied up anyway to get the Fako Vantage score b/c I was curious just to see -- 582.

My headache came while seeking my TransUnion score.  I tried to pull from myfico, but had an error message stating they are unable to provide the info & that I would not be charged for the request.  I was frustratingly searching all over to find the REAL fico TU score online, not the fako. I eventually discovered transunioncs.com and punched in my info. It charged my card, however I was unable to see my score/report info! It kept giving me Error messages stating there was a Temporary Issue that should be resolved shortly and to check back later.. After a few different login attempts that day I eventually called their CS line. Over the past week I have called numerous times and talked to several reps only to land back at square-1.  Nobody could figure out what was wrong, nobody could get the answers I needed, one rep even decided to give up and refund my money, stating I could try to log back in under a new account -- so I did... It didnt work either, and several days later I still had not received my refund for the first charge. Upset and after speaking to more reps, I finally called again and went off demanding some higher level of support. I was then referred to a new ph# that I later found out was truecredit " escalated support," the rep actually referred to them as 'Upper Management' which I could only laugh at...

Finally it sounded like I was speaking w/ somebody in N.A. who was able to discover that TU had incorrect address information for me in their system. In fact, they had a street name I have never lived on or never been to. I googled the address only to find a business run by a man w/ the same last name.. interesting.  The rep said she would credit back all charges to me and suggested I call back to the transunioncs.com's ph# and request an address change.  So I called back and the rep now has me mailing in 2 proofs of address w/ my info.

I am sending it off and crossing my fingers that this will finally resolve my TU-experience.

Sorry for the rant, I just wanted to get this off my chest and hopefully provide some insight in case anybody runs into the same problem.

Anyways thanks for all the support and help this sight has(and will) provide.

[smallfry]

Good luck you should be good to go once they clear up the address problems. Doesn't it make you warm and fuzzy that your credit life is in the hands of such knowledgeable people? Laugh riot ain"t it?

[Junejer]

When you get the CC, make sure you don't allow more than 9% util to report on the card. Have you read enough to figure that out?

[planoser]

Thanks Byrdman, I did run across the under 10% util recommendation quite a few times.

To be honest I have alot of unhandled items that are over 5 years old that I planned to let drop off. I would hate to paste everything.. Basically, the report says 5 past due accounts for a total of $5800. I live in TX and I believe all are beyond the 4 year SOL. Most of them should drop by end of 2010. The EQ report indicates I have no late payments for 3+ years as a positive.

The EX Report suggests:

-"Your report does not show any credit accounts or loans with a valid credit amount. Having credit accounts or loans with a valid credit limit or loan amount as part of your credit history can have a positive impact on your credit score."

It also mentions the same thing about not showing any "usable/valid revolving accounts, such as a credit card."

I just app'd and mailed in for an OrchardBank Secured Card today, and as you suggested plan to keep under 10% util.  Do you think obtaining a small loan from my bank would do any good for my score also? Such as a Secured-CD Loan, or small loan secured w/ car title? I was contemplating one of these options as well to help the credit mix, but wasn't sure how much of an impact I would expect to see on the Fico score or if it this is generally recommender or not?

Any other suggestions?

[GFer]

Stay away from Orchard....fees, fees, and more fees!  Try for the Bank of America...they are known for being really good to those who pay on time, pif (pay in full every month), and don't go over limits. Your card 'typically' graduates in 9-10 months and then they 'typically' will increase your credit limit (which helps your scores!).

If you can, get some kind of store card too, for the good credit mix. Macys is a good one. But really, you want one you will want to use. Not just use for your credit...

Byrdman is right 9% or below (not 10%).

Bet you'll see an increase in scores just by doing those things! GL

[planoser]

Thanks for the tips GFer!  when I mentioned under 10% I was meaning the 9% or less, I should have worded that better.  As for the <9%, do you mean only charge 9% of the credit limit then pay it off every month, or charge however much then be sure to pay down to under 9% balance before due every month?

Is the Macy's card pretty easy to get? The only real Fico score I know thus far is the EQ = 590..

I tried to get a QT gas card but got a rejection letter and it said was due to info on my TU report (which I have yet to see due to the address issue mentioned above.)  That's why I went w/ the OrchardBank card b/c I read it was easy to get and it said my app would not put a hard inq on my report - mailed the check off today for my security deposit. I guess I can deal w/ some fees in the name of building up my scores.  Being that I was declined by the QT gas card, I am a little skeptical to apply for any store cards at this time but if I can find one that is easy to get, then I will give it a shot.

[Junejer]

Actually, you can use as much of the limit as you want, but you want to pay it down to 9% or less before the statement cuts. Then pay it off by the due date.

[Christy0828]

I had this same issue with Equifax.  Call and ask for the fraud department.  Tell them you have a hold on your account and the report is suppressed.  They will say that they don't see it but assure them it is there.  They will lift the suspension and you will be able to access the information.  However, with that being said it will not have been updated for as long as the suppression was on the account.