jaybee

You wouldn't have to close ALL your accounts, just one. You would need to start with 0% utilization, close one account, and see if your FICO changes. I'm pretty sure that FICO counts closed accounts the same as open, but I'm sure some lenders that use their own scoring methods may weigh open accounts more.

I'm a huge advocate of closing toy cards, especially Cap1 cards that are stuck at $500. I have 2 (both $500 limits, one with a $39 AF) that I was going to cancel at the end of this month, but I decided to give this method a shot. Will update with results.

Same. Looks like the situation resolved itself.

Anyone have any luck fixing this issue?

I've been single pulling with just USAA for the past 14 months, no choppage. I've bumped 5 INQs off on 2 different occasions. It does take 84 pulls for EQ B* with a single puller however. But I've got patience, and it's worth it to me to not have the C* hassle.

Same. Honestly, you got PSECU, and that is the crown jewel of Free FICO Land. The EQ and TU FICO's are yawners....

I called today and they told me the $6 discount I was getting expires this month and that unlimited 3-bureau pulls would cost me $22.24 per month. I asked if I could get the discount again, and after checking, he told me I was again eligible for a half-price discount and it would cost $11.12 per month for the next 6 months. So it looks like I'm good for another 6 months.

No HR department in the private sector is going to give out a employee's exact wage over the phone. You might be able to get a pay range for a specific position, but even then that proves nothing given there are statistical outliers. If that's your definition of verifying wages then it's a pretty loose one. Why not just use glassdoor.com or check Google maps to see what kind of car is in their driveway? The person you are talking to at the CA is a no more than a frontline collector. Their job is to maximize the amount the agency collects with high volume calling, not by sitting around playing Columbo.

Then tell them you make minimum wage. Income is not as easy to verify. I understand the CA is doing what is required, but you have to understand that asking someone if they can pay 10% upfront is a lot different than telling someone they have to pay 10% upfront. I'm of the opinion that when it comes to dealing with CAs and JDBs, the gloves have to come off.

Call back in 2 weeks and tell the CA you are now unemployed. When they ask how you intend to make monthly payments with no job, just reply "With help from family, friends and relatives hopefully. I mean, I have to pay this off sooner or later, right?" That statement will regain your negotiating leverage -- which was lost when you told them your salary. If you think for a second that is unscrupulous, remember you are dealing with a CA that just tried to bilk you out of a $5,000+ down payment.

That's what I would do. It looks like you've put a ton of thought into this, so honestly the best move is going to be based on your personal circumstances and what you feel comfortable with.

Pay those cards down! Don't open up subprime cards if you already have prime cards. Your utilization may be dragging your scores down (depending how high it is).

Your situation is not as dire as you think. Take Lynn's advice and look into income-based repayment via consolidation. Those student loan lates are probably not hurting you as much as you think. If that 579 score is not a FICO, ignore it. Also ignore anything from Vantage score. What's hurting your score is the lack of open revolving credit lines. Read the forums on secured cards. You should open at least 2 secured cards and stuff them in your sock drawer for about a year. You would be amazed how much a couple open revolving tradelines will improve your score.

Yes, it looks like they have been giving all members free FICOs regardless of what products you have. I'm just saying if (if) they start enforcing their own rules, it is not mandatory to have DD (it is one of the possible requirements, but DD is not absolutely necessary).

You don't need DD. The free FICO comes with Checking Plus, which only requires a DCU loan (CC) and electronic statements. Not sure why they didn't give out Sep FICOs....