I recently got a copy of my credit reports... It is somewhat embarassing that I was so foolish with my credit in the past. I am reading and trying to take steps necessary to repair my credit. I know at some point I will have to get some good credit going in order to make a big improvement. So here is my question.. how can I get a major credit card with lousy credit? I have even been turned down by the sub prime ones such as centenial. Will I have to settle for a secured card?
In my opinion a secured card was a blessing for me. I screwed my credit up in college, nothing major, but enough. In my mid twenties i got a BofA secured card and two capital one cards and used and paid faithfully. After a year the BofA secured became unsecured. I'm 30 now and have a late 700's score, 2 Amex cards and a United Airlines Platinum Visa as well as my trusty once secured Gold now Platinum BofA visa. I chucked the Cap1 cards and even went so far as to dispute the Cap1 closed accounts so I'd never have to look at them again. Bottom line is you have to start somewhere and secured is a good way, and at least with BofA you don't have the subprime look. Most don't care, but I did. And look at the bright side, 7 years is 7 years for people who don't visit and interact on these boards. 7 years doesn't have to be for us. Good luck....
I have honestly thought about the captial one secured card. However the last time I went to the captial one site I couldnt find any info about the secured card. I guess I just have a problem with the big lump sum you have to send them up front.
Another one that you might try is American Pacific Bank. I have read other posts about them and they appear to be a good bank to deal with and I think that you can start with $300. As far as Capital One secured, I don't think that they offer it like they used to. I believe that it has to be by invitation (at least I think that I read that somewhere). You might try giving the a call and asking if they still offer it to the general public. Worst that can happen is they say no. Also, they used to allow a $99 deposit and give at least $300 limit. Good luck! paw67
I agree, we all have to start somewhere. Back in 2000, I was turned down for an apartment because of my credit. Six months ago I began my credit repair crusade: EXP: 641 EFX: 599 TU : 620 And those scores were because time was passing. I got a Fleet secured card and a Cap1 Gold ($300 cl). Then I disputed like crazy! I was amazed how many things got deleted. I have one dispute outstanding that was deleted from the other two CRAs, so it stands a good chance. My latest scores? EXP: 770 EFX: 680 (will probably be >740 after dispute) TU : 679 Not bad for 6 months of work, no? The point is, a secured and low CL card helps, especially for those trying to fix their credit. But dispute. I can only assume bad bookkeeping and laziness on the part of OCs helped me improve my credit so much (that, and time and paying off everything constantly). Last note...CreditNet...y'all rock! All of my success in repairing my credit I owe to this board. Heck, I'm on course to surpass my wife in good credit, which really irks her . Since I started here, I've also been able to help friends and family fix their credit with information from this board (and I refer them to here quite often). Cheers, Keirmeister
ok.. that makes sense.. what about that plains total visa? is it a total waste of time ? In case anyone doesnt know about this one. Its basicly a secrued card disguised as an unsecure one. you have a small cred limit usually around $250 then they add charges that add up to around that much,, So basicly you have to send them money to have any credit. A couple years ago I applied for the capital one secured card but was turned down.. I have improved my credit somewhat since then. My credit is still terrible.. I will post the scores even though I feel very foolish for letting thing get this bad.. according to privacy guard.. equifax 567 experian 561 Transuion 519
No problems so far. Just pay them on time every month. The sole purpose for me getting the card was to build up my credit after getting a bunch of stuff DELETED.
Thats good to know.. yeah that would be my only reason as well. I have have some things deleted on Equifax but I am having more diffucult time with transunion and experian.
PLAINS SUCKS!!!!!! They hold a 100 dollar check for 10 days! Don't forget that. I have sock drawered that card. I pay the 6 or 8 dollar fee every month, and they can kiss my ass. At least they report to all 3 CRA's. Thats the only thing good about them.
The only thing I want them for is to report good credit to my account. I dont quailfy for a decent credit card yet but I want to put some good credit on there.
Re: Re: credit cards with lousy credit. Yep, they do hold checks for 10 days. I just want to pay them for about 6 months and tell them the same thing you are telling them above --- K** M* A***!! What the heck do I need a $250 credit card for other than to build a positive trade line???
Re: Re: credit cards with lousy credit. Hi everyone! I filed 7BK late Aug '03 and it was discharged Dec 5, 2003. Learned so much by visiting here and hope to give some knowledge back to help others. As of Jan '04 I applied for a Fleet secured, Bank of Louisiana secured & American Pacific Bankcard. All Visas. Great choice...approved and things are working out well. My scores are currently as follows: EX: 556 2/20/04 FAKO: 658 7/12/04 TU: 565 2/21/04 FAKO: 659 7/20/04 EQ: 552 2/19/04 FAKO: 650 6/28/04 I highly recommend American Pacific Bank (secured). Here's a rundown on what their offer is: 17.4%, $35 ann fee, NO app fee, $300 min secured, $5000 max secured, 25 day grace, $25 late/overlimit. Warning: They verify EVERYTHING about you, including employer, income, last address if <2 yrs, etc. Not good if you've recently moved or don't have employment yet. Good thing is they don't turn you down as long as BK is discharged and/or you don't have more than 1-2 open derogs/judgements. Bank of Louisiana has been so-so. Fleet, BOL & Amer Pacif all have 10 day hold on deposits. Fleet is a pain to deal with if you have a dispute, you NEED to know that. Thanks for all the creditneters help! I'm back & hope to answer all your 7BK ?'s for FL and help in other matters as well. Robert B.
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT GETTEING THINGS ERASED FROM THE THREE MAJOR CREDITERS ARE THERE PHONE NUMBERS WHAT ARE THE STEPS IAM LIKE 65 POINTS AWAYFROM BEING IN THE 700 CLUB LET ME KNOW THANKS
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT GETTEING THINGS ERASED FROM THE THREE MAJOR CREDITERS ARE THERE PHONE NUMBERS WHAT ARE THE STEPS IAM LIKE 65 POINTS AWAYFROM BEING IN THE 700 CLUB LET ME KNOW THANKS
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT GETTEING THINGS ERASED FROM THE THREE MAJOR CREDITERS ARE THERE PHONE NUMBERS WHAT ARE THE STEPS IAM LIKE 65 POINTS AWAYFROM BEING IN THE 700 CLUB LET ME KNOW THANKS
Let me see now... ALL CAPS. Repeated post. Repeated post. no sense to use the search feature. no punctuation mis speling. YEP A real weiner
well iam sorry for not being as perfect as you . i taught that this was a place were you ask for help and thats all i was asking for. i guess if we lived in a perfect world we wouldnt have websites like these so people like your self can shine & feel so tough .who is the real weiner now
