I need to get a cc in a hurry, I'm traveling in less than a month and I hate dealing with renting a car without a cc. My husband and I had credit problems a number of years ago (back around 2002/2003) Went to the local credit union and they had some concerns about giving us (DH) one, and wanted us to clear some things up first. Problem: Time is short, and I hate dealing with debt collectors. Our credit scores are okay - 654 for me, and 640 for him. The account they want me to clear up will fall off the report next year anyway, and I'd rather have that happen. I also have a judgment that while I settled, I haven't given the paperwork to the court house yet. Also I'm fairly certain that the one they want cleared up is actually wrong - both in amount and timeframe. It says it dates back to 2004 but I'm pretty sure it was either 2002 or 2003, being its misreported and should be off my report anyway. But I don't think disputing it will help in time. We make a combined income of 90k, and have a mortgage of 140k and HEL of 35k. Most problems on our credit reports are quite old, over 5 years and some over 6. But we haven't had any credit cards for a number of years. I also have some miscellaneous small medical bills that are on there, but the credit union didn't seem concerned with those, which is interesting, because even though they say they're open, I'm pretty sure they're paid, just we paid them late. So short answer, should I apply for some of the "fair credit" cards listed on this site, or should I just skip right to secured? I'd prefer not to have to go the secured route, but will if necessary.
Since you're above the 650 mark, go for a fair credit credit card, and try one from Capital One. Their approval rates seem to be on the rise lately. Plus, they don't charge foreign transaction fees, which is great for traveling .
