jessicarabbit206

Barbara Wang, lol Congrats!!!

Wow, only one card? You should go for two more! I think the EQ only reporting is a good deal... I would LOVE to have a hidden TL (even if only hidden from EX and TU). And for the second... definitely a rewards card.

That's great news, OP!! I'm so happy that it's working out for ya!

To answer your question about applying sequentially or simultaneously, the short answer is... it really depends. You might spook some CC issuers by applying for too much credit at once. Some might even close your cards if they see multiple inqs or new accounts. On the other hand... the sooner you open the account, the "older" it will then be. Aging your accounts is the hardest part of building credit, IMO. For a while, you will see denial reasons like "insufficient length of credit history" or "length of time accounts established." Once creditors see a few years of good history, this won't be such an issue. Thus, opening accounts in quick succession can be beneficial. Just don't overdo it. Overall, it seems you've really lucked out with an awesome set of starter TLs. Nice work!

Get a secured card now. It's imperative that you start building positive credit history ASAP. If you have any family that will allow it, have them add you as an AU to their positive TLs. After you have established some positive credit, attack your baddie. You're on the right track, just don't get the order of things mixed up!

I do because I'm vain.

I got a MyFico alert yesterday about my AAdvantage Visa Sig... limit is now reporting. Bah!

Just noticed this question.... I've been an Alliant member for 7 months. Also, since someone else asked, my income is 54K/yr. Congrats, Alliant is great to work with. How many INQ's do you have on EQ not including the new one? I think I had around 8-9 inqs... 6 of them were less than 3 months old.

FWIW, I apped NFCU in 11/2010 and PSECU in 12/2010. I had 7-8 new accounts, including store cards, major CCs, and an auto loan. My scores were in the 670s and my reports are by no means clean. I have lates as young as 2007. Both CUs approved me... NFCU gave me an 8.5K Visa which later got bumped up to 10K. PSECU gave me $20K. IMO you'll be approved by NFCU and PSECU. Good to go!

Skip barclays in an app spree. They are known to inflict AA for acquiring too many new accounts.

I just got a Citi AAdvantage card... they pulled TU for me. Are you worried about more than just inqs on EX? Because they didn't seem to care about the mass of Inqs on my EX report after my card was opened... Just sayin, maybe the inqs on your EX aren't as major as you'd think. ETA: That being said, I still wouldn't waste a hard on EX for them. TU or EQ only.

ARGH! I just got one of these cards, and would prefer for it to remain hidden. Bah.

Lol, you should tell them that.

This is the conversation I imagine: AmEx Rep: Hello, is this Bob Wang? BW: Yes, what can I do for you? AmEx Rep: Well, we're calling to ask about your AUs. They all live in different states, and there are ten of them. Can you explain this for me? BW: Well, they're friends of mine from creditboards.com. They are hoping to have their own 1982 AmExes someday. AmEx Rep: How much do you charge for this service? BW: They exercise my cards for me, nothing more. AmEx Rep: Sure... I believe you. Now since I think you're such a stand-up guy, we're going to play this little game. It's called 4506-T, lots of fun for the whole family. BW: FR? Bring it on.

How is your EX report? Have you tried PSECU?