Trying to understand my standing

[EaglesFan2006]

Okay in getting my equifax report on here I got a score of 637 ...my accts are two student loans (one current with no delinquicy, and the other current showing delinquencies from 2005 ... this resulted from completing a loan rehabilitation program that brought loans current).  I actually think keeping that one with the old negative history helps me since it gives me a longer credit history (back to 2000).  The others on EQ were 2 collectoin accounts from bank overdrafts (of which I am disputing since i am working with the OC).   

not sure if the balance of student loans matters but it's about 19k, all marked as 'paying as agreed' 

But on TU and EX I have 3 additional collections (1 for Bally's, one for a Payday loan, and one for bank overdraft (also disputing since its the same acct as another CA is trying to collect on).  In trying to take all the score simulators all I see is if you've ever had collectoins and if so how recent was.  All of my collections are at least a couple of years old, with two being 6 years old. 

Trying to understand this stuff makes my head spin.  I'm hoping to get a car loan at some point.

Also, how much would i benefit by getting a low limit card (say 200-500 bucks) and just using it to pay my phone bill, then paying off that card in full?

[llecs]

Do you have any open CCs?

[EaglesFan2006]

not at this time that's why i want to open a low limit card

[llecs]

I'd open one too. I'd probably start by pulling both CRs to check the score. I know you mentioned EQ, but TU may be worth pulling too. Based on the highest score or if EX looked better than the other two, I would app for a card based on the CRA that had the strongest score. So, if TU is better, then I would find a TU puller, as an example.

I'd make sure the card was revolving and would probably try a couple times before throwing in the towel and getting a secured CC from somewhere. I'd let that report and after a month or two, then I'd go for a second revolving. I'd repeat the process and focus on a charge card for my third card and then I'd stop and let things age.